Santos sponsoring training opportunities for Gladstone locals

Five Gladstone locals are embarking on a career in the electrical industry thanks to a dual apprenticeship program sponsored by Santos GLNG. The program will see them complete qualifications in Electro-technology and Instrumentation while gaining hands-on experience through work in five Gladstone businesses.

The apprentices were hand-picked from a group of 15 trainees that undertook a six-month training program earlier this year and completed a Certificate II in Electro-technology. The training program, a partnership between Energy Skills Queensland’s Gladstone Workforce Skilling Strategy, Central Queensland Institute of TAFE, and Santos GLNG, aimed to provide opportunities for locals in the energy industry.

Program apprentice Ruan Reyneke (pictured) says he’s proud to be one of the fortunate to undertake the dual apprenticeship and gain hands-on experience with a local business. “I’m glad to see investment in the future of Gladstone locals and I hope that this program will grow and involve more young people in the future,” he said.

For Tyrone Cutuli, owner of one of the five Gladstone business hosting the Santos GLNG-funded apprentices, the program provides an opportunity to share experience and help increase skilled labour in the Gladstone Region. “I believe our business has a lot to offer an apprentice in terms of learning and experience as we cover all aspects of the industry including domestic, industrial and commercial work, resulting in a well-rounded experience and plenty of scope to develop skills during the entire apprenticeship,” Mr Cutuli said

The apprentice program enables Santos GLNG to support local businesses and foster the development of trade skills in the Gladstone Region. Once the trainees have completed their apprenticeships, they will be equipped with the experience and skills needed for future employment in the industry.