Dana, Painter

"I started my training with the Army under an Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program where we build barbeques, playgrounds and pathways on the foreshore at Palm Island. When I finished that I started an apprenticeship as a painter.

QBuild and the Council then employed me as a second year apprentice.

Although I am an apprentice painter, I work jack hammers, lay blocks, fill concrete, lay out sites – wherever I am needed.

I work with eight carpentry apprentices and tradesmen from Palm Island and I am the only female.

I look forward to finishing my apprenticeship and hope to teach younger students from Palm Island when they finish school. Soon I will be leaving Palm Island to go to Charters Towers to get some more work experience."

Michael, Clinical Nurse

“After completing my nursing degree, I wanted to work in the public health sector.

Through a graduate program, I have been able to consolidate my skills and knowledge and have been greatly supported by my employer, through access to courses and programs as well as a preceptored work environment.

I have been working within Queensland Health now for over seven years and by working for such a large organisation I have had the opportunity to work within many different areas.

Through the support I have received I am now able to return something by preceptoring new employees, something I found so helpful when I started and would recommend.”

Mike, Multi-Media Developer

”Having spent eight years working in different roles for the BBC in London, I was looking for employment in Queensland that challenged me and utilised my broad range of media skills.

I found exactly that in my current position as a multi-media developer within an education and training unit for the Queensland Police Service. The role requires me to work with different media tools, from still and video cameras through to scripts in web pages.

I like the fact that I am encouraged to continually learn and develop, and also keep abreast of new developments in technology.

I’m excited about the rapidly expanding role of multi-media products in the delivery of education and training, especially with easily accessible web based products.”

Lamson, Senior Policy and Research Officer

“While studying law and justice at university, I gained a keen interest in policy development. At the time I came across an opportunity to further pursue my interest with the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing. It was a great chance to gain a comprehensive understanding of how legislation and regulations are developed.

The whole experience has been very challenging and very rewarding, especially when I can see my work having a positive effect on the community. The support from managers and colleagues has also played a significant role in developing my skills, knowledge and expertise.

I now work in the Policy and Legislation team and our projects include anything from making amendments to legislation to addressing issues affecting the community and industry - it's a great field to work in.”

Amanda, Research Officer

“I started a traineeship with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet’s Policy Division in 2003.

During my time as a trainee I gained an insight into the operations of government and an understanding of issues affecting Queensland communities and citizens. I also developed several marketable skills including written and oral communication skills and organisational knowledge.

I now work as a research officer in the Criminal Justice Research Unit within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and am soon to complete a double degree in law and criminology. In my current role I am able to apply the skills and knowledge learnt at university in a practical environment. In the future I look forward to affecting change in the legal community.”