Apprentice Award Ceremony

A FORMER Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) apprentice, who lost his battle with leukaemia, has been honoured with his mother presenting the very first Brent Holland Merit Award, at the prestigious GPC Apprentice and Trainee event.

Brent, who lost his life in 2017, is being remembered with GPC’s new award; the Brent Holland Merit Award.

The award recognises positivity and humility in the face of adversity and encourages apprentices and trainees to strive for success no matter what obstacles are placed in front of them.

This year GPC had a total of 63 apprentices and trainees, ranging from first to fourth year, with twelve expected to graduate this month and four expected to graduate in May 2022.

Brent’s parents Allan and Jenny Holland were proud to present the inaugural Brent Holland Merit Award to Lachlan Mason.

“Brent received enormous support from GPC employees when he was unwell, and it is so good to see the support, care and recognition that continues to be shown to the trainees and apprentices every year at the awards night,” Mrs Holland said.

“GPC employees mentor apprentices and trainees and invest their own personal time into ensuring that the younger people finish their time as capable, community-minded individuals heading into the future in the right direction.”

Acting Chief Executive Officer Paul Heagney hosted the event and was proud to hand the awards to the stellar group of apprentices and trainees.

“Our apprentices and trainees are an integral part of our workforce, and we always look forward to welcoming new ones every year into different departments and locations across the organisation,” Mr Heagney said.

“GPC has a pool of very skilled employees with many years of experience, and it is essential for us to ensure such invaluable knowledge is passed on to the next generation who will take the lead in the future.

“I’m so proud of our team who have been working on adding the Brent Holland Merit Award to this special event.

Apprentices and trainees walked away with 15 awards in various categories, including Mechanical, Diesel Fitting, Building Trades, Electrical and Refrigeration and Safety.

One in five Queensland jobs relies on trade, and one in four jobs in the Gladstone region.

GPC is home to more than 750 employees, 8.3 per cent of them are apprentices and trainees.