Abbot Point Operations and Bowen Industrial Hire

Create Career Qualifications For Local Workers

A unique on-site apprenticeship program at the North Queensland Export Terminal is helping workers convert years of experience into formal qualifications while keeping jobs and skills in the Bowen region.

Five Bowen Industrial Hire (BIH) employees have now gained their Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication (Surface Finishing) through the program, which Abbot Point Operations developed with BIH after the company won the protective coating contract for the Terminal’s offshore infrastructure in 2023.

Abbot Point Operations General Manager Damien Dederer said the initiative allows workers to earn, learn, and gain a nationally recognised trade at the same time.

“When we first contracted BIH, many of their workers had years of experience but no formal trade qualifications,” Mr Dederer said.

“BIH wanted to keep those local jobs secure and that sparked the idea for the apprenticeship program. We’re already seeing dividends, with experienced workers now recognised for their skills and young people stepping into careers they never thought possible.”

Blast Painter apprentice Jesse Brown said a school visit from BIH inspired him to join the trade.

“When BIH came to our school and talked about the Blast Painter apprentice program, I knew it was for me. I called them the next day and signed up,” he said.

“Now, heading into my third year, I’m still loving it and proud of how far I’ve come.”

BIH Business Development and Resource Manager Liz Little said the program has opened doors for both seasoned staff and new starters, from long-serving workers finally gaining formal certification to an 18-year-old apprentice beginning his career close to home.

“Both organisations share a commitment to live local and support local, and that’s what makes this partnership so successful,” she said.

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Apprentices from Bowen Industrial Hire working at the North Queensland Export Terminal. Photo supplied

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