Our finalists and winning GAGAL apprentices and trainees are the finest in Central Queensland and we are justly proud of their achievements,” she said. “Not only are they supported by hard working and dedicated GAGAL staff but the support they have from their families and the community goes a long way to ensuring that they complete their qualification.” Ms Whitaker offered her appreciation to community and industry partners for their “continued and unstinting support” of the GAGAL philosophy. “In particular I would like to thank our host employers for providing that vital, quality on-the-job training that constitutes for 80 per cent of any apprenticeship,” she said.

“GAGAL has come a long way in the last 25 years but there will be no resting on our laurels – there is more work to be done. Gladstone is set to experience an even greater skills shortage than the one we experienced just prior to the global financial crisis. We are ready to rise to that challenge and work with industry by supplying quality apprentices and trainees to ensure an ample pool of skilled labour," she said.

The event was attended by family and friends with proud parents smiling from ear to ear. Denise Ranger’s daughter, Stephanie, won the award for best first year electrical apprentice and said she was very proud. “I’m proud and rapt that she has found something where she is happy,” Ms Ranger said. “It’s great that GAGAL celebrates their apprentices because it gives them real encouragement.” QGC said they were proud to be major sponsors of the gala dinner, with GAGAL putting on a great event. “There will be demand for skilled labour as the LNG industry develops. QGC’s involvement with GAGAL is a vital part of ensuring the Gladstone business community in general has access to the skills needed.”

GAGAL would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of our 2010 Awards Night