A lifetime passion for horses had meant that from a young age she had always thought she wanted to pursue a career as a Veterinarian.

However, the reality of acquiring a large student debt coupled with a long study period and no prospects of secure employment after university led Shannah to investigate what other career options were out there. 

It wasn’t long before this born-and-bred Territorian had found inspiration in the trades sector, and her mind was made up to be one of an ever-growing number of female Territorian tradies.

“I thought, university is not for me. I’ve always been a better worker than student. I just wanted to start working.”

Her parents were shocked but supportive.

As Shannah investigated how to begin a trade qualification, she came across an advertisement for the Prelude To The Future Dual Apprenticeship Program.

Following a rigorous selection process, she was accepted into the 2019 program and is now working towards completing a dual qualification in Diesel Fitting and Electrical Fitting with global cooling systems company Aggreko in Winnellie.

“I love working at Aggreko,” she says. “their workplace supports diversity. I’m very grateful to be part of the Prelude To The Future Program which has given me a real foundation to pursue a career in Diesel Fitting and Electrical Fitting.

The Prelude To The Future initiative is an innovative program funded by both Shell Australia, as part of their Social Investment Program, and the Northern Territory Government – Department of Trade, Business and Innovation.

It provides both employment and training opportunities for Territorians, and serves as a pathway into the oil and gas industry and related service provider sectors.

The program is delivered by GTNT, the largest employer of apprentices and trainees in the Territory, with technical classroom-based training taking place through Charles Darwin University and structured work placements with local businesses.

Shell Australia and the Northern Territory Government – Department of Trade, Business and Innovation have now supported four Prelude To The Future programs, with each intake targeting different industries and supporting a number of local businesses.

“The community told us they want young people to have access to the jobs of the future, and this program supports young people to train for jobs in areas where there are skills shortages in the Territory,” says Rob Jager, Vice President of Prelude.

“We’re proud the Prelude To The Future Program is having a positive impact on the economy, with more than 80 young people supported to get training and 75% of them successfully attaining a job that’s directly linked to the skills they learned through the program.”

GTNT Business Development Manager Amelia Nuku added: “It’s amazing to see the continuous investment and commitment from Shell Australia and the Northern Territory Government – Department of Trade, Business and Innovation towards skilling and creating jobs for Territorians and supporting local businesses.

“The Prelude To The Future Program demonstrates strong collaboration and partnerships between private, public and not-for-profit organisations in the Northern Territory.”

Shannah summarised the program as “a terrific initiative” and praised GTNT’s personal support and mentoring services.

“GTNT are great,” she says. “It’s good having someone like GTNT who you can call or talk to about your employment, training, issues and have all your questions answered.

“This is my first time experiencing full-time employment and having GTNT to support me has been a great experience.

“The Prelude To The Future Program was awesome and gave me a great pathway into a trade. Without GTNT, Shell Australia, the NT Government and Charles Darwin University I would never have ended up undertaking a trade.”

Aggreko is providing Shannah with first-class on-the- job training in Diesel Fitting and Electrical Fitting, which includes remote experience.

Prelude To The Future Program is named after the Prelude FLNG facility located offshore, with Shell Australia’s onshore supply base in Darwin. TQ

CONTACT
GTNT
The Gulf Centre, 2/116-120
Coonawarra Road, Winnellie NT 0820
08 8980 0600
reception@gtnt.com.au
gtnt.com.au