2024 QGC Pathways Intake
MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees and Shell's QGC business are seeking Western Downs locals to join QGC's onshore natural gas business.
Choose from apprenticeships and traineeships in Mechanical Fitting, Electrotechnology and Instrumentation, and Gas Plant Operations.
The annual QGC Pathways program is about creating opportunities for individuals to establish a career pathway with a world-leading organisation while completing a nationally accredited qualification.
MIGAS continues its partnership with Shell's QGC business to find passionate, ambitious and committed apprentices.
Applications for the 2024 QGC Pathways Apprentice Intake are now closed.
Please visit our Jobs Board for current apprenticeship roles.
The Apprenticeships
We encourage local residents of Queensland's Western Downs region looking for long-term work to apply.
Apprenticeships are available in the following trades:
- Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeships - 4 years
- Electrical and Instrumentation Apprenticeships - 5 years, dual trade
Each apprentice receives:
- Experience in a world-leading organisation with first-class facilities
- On-the-job training and support from highly skilled and experienced technicians at Shell's QGC business
- Support from a dedicated MIGAS mentor
- A structured training program through TAFE to gain an accredited qualification
- A solid foundation to build a successful career in the Western Downs region
QGC Pathways FAQs
- How long is the recruitment process and what’s involved?
A place within the QGC Pathways program is highly competitive and the selection process can take a number of weeks. You must participate in each stage to be considered for an apprenticeship position.
The full selection process will involve:
STAGE 1 - Phone Screen
Successful candidates will be contacted for a phone screen to briefly discuss the details of their application and clarify any questions upfront specific to the role. Those applicants who successfully pass the phone screen will be asked to participate in a more formal online interview and arrangements will be made to confirm a suitable time.
STAGE 2 - Interview
Candidates will be interviewed by a MIGAS Recruitment Officer online or by phone to assess suitability for progression to the next stage of the process. In this stage, candidates will also be asked to participate in online skills testing and reference checking. It’s important to include two referees and their contact details in your resume.
STAGE 3 - Assessment Centre
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre, where they will participate in team activities and supervised testing. Candidates will be required to attend for one day at the QGC Training Centre in Chinchilla.
STAGE 4 - Medical Assessment
Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a medical assessment before final offers are made. This will be organised and paid for by the QGC Pathways program and you will be advised of where to go to complete the assessment.
STAGE 5 - Employment Offers
Employment offers for the program will be made to the successful candidates. You will first receive a verbal offer of employment, followed by an electronic offer (emailed documents) and relevant new starter information from MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees.
- Do I need a car or driver's licence?
It is a requirement of all the positions that you have reliable transport to and from work.
It is preferred that you either currently hold an Open driver's licence or are on track to obtain your Open driver's licence at the completion of your apprenticeship or traineeship.
- Do I receive a uniform and PPE?
As a MIGAS apprentice you will have all of your uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied, as well as being paid to attend TAFE to complete your off-the-job training.
- Will I need to travel or move closer to different worksites?
There are a number of QGC site locations across the Western Downs region where the apprenticeships will be based. Travel across these sites will be required depending on your location and your apprenticeship. Moving closer is not a requirement of these positions and there are no paid travel or reimbursement entitlements.
As part of your employment you will be covered by a Fatigue Management Policy which may entitle you to camp accommodation between shifts. Your location and travel commitments will be discussed with you on a case by case basis as you progress through the selection process.
- What can I expect to be paid?
Wages will vary depending on your age, your trade, and any previous qualifications you may have obtained. You can calculate an estimate of your pay based on the relevant award using the Government’s Pay Calculator. It is expected that you will occasionally participate in overtime during the course of your apprenticeship and this will be paid at a higher rate depending on the type of overtime.
Each year you progress through your apprenticeship, your pay rate will increase slightly to recognise the additional skills you can now offer the role. There’s also a range of entitlements for apprentices set out by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The Australian Government provides a range of income support options for apprentices to support them in completing their training.
Learn about additional financial assistance for Australian Apprentices.
- When do the apprenticeships commence?
All roles will commence in January 2025.
Successful candidates will be advised in the employment contract of their exact start date.
- How will I be notified if I’m shortlisted or unsuccessful?
Candidates will be advised if they have progressed through each stage of the selection process. We encourage you to keep an eye on your phone and emails during the course of the selection process.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by either phone or email to confirm their progression to the next stage of the process.
Due to the number of applications we receive, we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates. Those who are unsuccessful will be notified by email.
- What happens next if I’m successful?
If you are successful, you will receive a phone call with a verbal offer of employment. This will be followed up by a copy of your employment contract and all other documents regarding your employment with MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees.
From here you will have direct communication with your appointed MIGAS Field Officer regarding your MIGAS and Shell QGC inductions and any additional tickets or training required before your first day.
- What happens at an assessment centre?
An assessment centre is a group assessment where you and other applicants in the running for the roles will be assessed on your practical ability, teamwork, communication skills, ability to problem solve and adapt to different situations. You will be involved in a number of individual, group and practical activities that will be relevant to the position for which you are applying.
Our assessment centres generally start with an introduction and overview of the day followed by an ice breaker to help everyone feel relaxed. Then we move on to the individual and group exercises where you will be assessed by our team throughout the day.
You can prepare by simply being yourself and ensure you’re interacting and contributing to the activities throughout the day.
- How do I know if the apprenticeship is right for me?
It’s often hard to know if you will enjoy or succeed in your apprenticeship before you commence.
Although it can be a very rewarding industry, there is a lot more to these apprenticeships than meets the eye. We recommend you take some time to learn a little more about these trade specialisations and about Shell's QGC business.
- Can I apply for multiple roles?
Yes, you can.
To be considered for multiple roles you must apply for each position separately. Each trade is very different and requires different strengths and interests.
We suggest you develop a tailored cover letter for each role you are applying for, highlighting your strengths in the different apprenticeships on offer.
- Are relocation costs covered?
We do not cover the cost of relocating you and/or your family as a new apprentice.
- I live outside the Western Downs region – can I apply?
We strongly recommend that only applicants living in the Western Downs region apply for these roles. If you live outside of the region your application may not be considered.
We strongly encourage Traditional Owners who have connections within the Western Downs Region and aspire to come back and work ‘on country’ to apply. Please include your Traditional Owner group in your cover letter to assist our recruitment team in identifying your application.
Be mindful that in order to participate in the selection process you will also be required to travel to Chinchilla.
- Is there any additional support available to Traditional Owners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Shell’s QGC business has unique relationships with Traditional Owner groups in its footprint. These groups include Iman, Bigambul, Mandandanji, Barunggam, Cobble Cobble, Jarowair, Yiman, Western Wakka Wakka, Wakka Wakka, Wulli Wulli, Gangulu, Bailai, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Taribelang Bunda.
QGC and MIGAS recognise that these Traditional Owners have historic and enduring affiliations with, and responsibilities for, the lands on which the Shell-operated QGC business operates. This recognition has been reflected in a number of Indigenous Land Use Agreements and Cultural Heritage Agreements which include commitments to employment opportunities for Traditional Owners and other Indigenous Australians.
We take these relationships and commitments seriously, and have a number of initiatives to support Traditional Owners in employment. If you identify as one of the Traditional Owner groups listed above, you may be entitled to support and assistance with the application process. Please talk to MIGAS to get further details on 1300 464 427.
- I'm over 21 and considered mature age, can I still apply?
Yes, absolutely. MIGAS (and Shell's QGC business) employs matured aged apprentices and your life experience is of great value.
If your skills and experience match the requirements of the role and you are genuinely interested in developing a trade career, we encourage you to apply regardless of your age.
- Who can apply?
We value diversity and we encourage people from all walks of life to apply including women, mature age applicants, school leavers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and any Western Downs locals looking to take on an apprenticeship commitment.
Overall, we are looking for someone who has:
- A focus on safety
- Great communication skills
- A thirst for learning and a willingness to adapt to an ever-changing environment
- When do applications close?
Applications for the 2024 Shell QGC Pathways Apprentice Intake close on Friday 16 August 2024.
- What do I need to apply?
You will need a cover letter and a resume highlighting your interests in the chosen trade and the relevant skills you will bring to your apprenticeship.
A cover letter is your opportunity to tell us:
- A little bit about you
- Why you want the apprenticeship/traineeship
- What makes you right for this role
Tell us about what interests you, what you do in the local community and why it will make you a great apprentice for Shell's QGC business.Think of your resume as a catalogue of your skills and experience. We’d like to see your school and subjects listed along with your grades and any pre-vocational certificates you have completed, plus any full-time or part-time work.
Make sure you include any work experience or volunteer work where you may have had the opportunity to be part of a team. And don’t forget to list any clubs or groups you are actively involved in.
You will need to include two referees and their contact details in your resume. It’s a good idea to have your referees in mind and start talking to them about providing a reference if you are successful in moving forward with your application.
A great referee is someone who knows your skills and strengths, has managed or mentored you, and can tell us about what will make you a great apprentice or trainee. They might be a teacher at school, a manager at work, or a coach of a sports team you play for.
Cohort of apprentices and trainees in the 2023 QGC Pathways intake.
To discuss your application, call 1300 464 427 and speak to a MIGAS Recruitment Officer.
Group Intake Now Closed
Applications have closed for the current QGC Pathways Intake.
Register your details with MIGAS to receive updates on available apprenticeships, including future Shell QGC roles.
View our Jobs Board for apprenticeships available now.