FOUR graduates are celebrating after completing Gladstone Ports Corporation’s intense 18-month Cross Industry Operations program, which has equipped them with invaluable skills in major operational areas including marine piloting.

The traineeship is designed by GPC to support the region’s future Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander leaders in their journey from education and training to employment.

Tamera Fewquandie, Jymeekah Blackman, Shaquille Stow and Kyeema Beezley are the third group to successfully graduate from the training since GPC started the program in 2016.

GPC Indigenous affairs advisor Lee-ann Dudley has watched the trainees grow over the past year-and-a-half as they rotated through the five different areas of work.

“The program is one-of-a-kind to equip trainees with a hands-on experience across GPC’s broad range of operations,” Ms Dudley said.

“Students are exposed to skills in administration, building services, marine operations, horticulture and warehouse supply,” she said.

Executive general manager people and community Rowen Winsor said the traineeship gave the students a taste of different work opportunities.

“We’re so proud of what these future leaders have achieved and how far they’ve come in a variety of work which has given them invaluable experience. They can now venture into the workforce with world class training under their belts,” Ms Winsor said.

“How many local organisations offer marine piloting as part of their traineeships? It’s such a fantastic, unique experience and they have learnt from experts at GPC with support from an Indigenous Mentor and Liaison Officer.”

GPC is committed to providing strong employment outcomes for trainees.

“We’re with them every step of the way. Even after they graduate and leave us, we continue to provide them with career advice,” Ms Winsor said.

GPC has a long history of supporting the Traditional Owners of the First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda Peoples.