Western Downs locals get first energy gigs
TWO Western Downs locals have taken the first step towards a career in the energy industry by securing apprenticeships at CS Energy’s Kogan Creek Power Station near Chinchilla.
Aimey Johnson and Ruan Van Schalkwyk will combine on-the-job training with blocks of study for their five-year electrical and instrumentation apprenticeships.
After graduating from Chinchilla State High School in 2009, Aimey worked locally in finance roles in the mining and gas industries, before deciding to pursue a trade.
“Growing up I liked fixing things, but it wasn’t until I was working with an electrical team in the gas industry that I became interested in doing an electrical trade.” Ms Johnson said.
“I was watching what the electricians did and I thought ‘why I am sitting at a desk all day when I can be out and about doing what they do.”
Ruan is no stranger to Kogan Creek Power Station as he had worked there previously as a contract industrial cleaner and utility worker.
Originally from South Africa, Ruan moved to Dalby in 2010 where he finished his senior schooling at Dalby State High School.
“I had gone as far as I could go in my contract roles so when I saw the ad for the apprenticeships I decided to apply,” Mr Van Schalkwyk said.