Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) is sparking new talent, welcoming Toby Simmons as its newest Electrical Instrumentation apprentice.
His journey begins as former apprentice Morgen McGrath starts a new chapter with GAWB as a fully qualified Electrical Instrumentation Technician.
Toby, who began his apprenticeship in early February after completing a Certificate II in Electrotechnology at high school, has long aspired to be an electrician.
“I’ve wanted to become an electrician since year eight, and GAWB’s unique infrastructure, especially the instruments used for water delivery, makes it an exciting industry to work in,” Toby said.
“I’m excited to join GAWB, where I can learn from experienced tradespeople and people like Morgen who have already walked this path. This is a dream come true.
“I can’t wait to learn my trade and become fully embedded into the GAWB team. For now, I’m learning and observing as much as I can and I look forward to starting hands on work,” he said.
Morgen completed his apprenticeship in November 2024 and is now working as a qualified Electrical and Instrumentation Technician at GAWB.
“I am excited for the future and what my career will become. It’s a surreal feeling to receive my electrical license after five years of study and practice,” Morgen said.
“Completing my Capstone exam was the highlight of my apprenticeship along with the day my live progress chart turned green, meaning my training was 100% complete.
“My number one piece of advice for any new apprentice is to knuckle down and always ask for help. As a recent apprentice myself, it’s great to have Toby on board alongside our second-year apprentice, Zander.
“I was stoked to be offered a full-time position when I completed by apprenticeship. It was an easy decision to stay at GAWB. The variety, getting out in the field and working with instruments alongside great people is the highlight of my job,” he said.
GAWB Chief Executive Officer, Darren Barlow, said the organisation’s apprenticeship program provided real world opportunities for Gladstone’s young people while creating a pipeline of qualified tradespeople.
“Our apprentices choose GAWB for the mentorship and exposure that comes with working in an experienced and committed team,” Mr Barlow said.
“Hiring committed recruits and fostering their career development ensures we always have the capacity to deliver safe and reliable water services to our customers and community.
“Congratulations to Morgen and good luck to Toby as he embarks on his journey alongside fellow second-year apprentice Zander Ramage.”
GAWB periodically offers apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities in areas such as electrical and instrumentation, land management, horticulture, aquaculture and more.
These opportunities are advertised on the GAWB website (www.gawb.qld.gov.au) and via our social media channels – follow us and be the first to know about future opportunities.
