THORNLANDS resident Gemma Stewart is set for success in the construction industry after graduating from a state government training program.
Eight young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from across the state graduated from the program, making up the class of 2018.
The initiative, hosted by the Transport Department's RoadTek, has provided training for eight young Queenslanders to achieve a Certificate II in Civil Construction.
Participants also received practical experience at RoadTek depots in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Toowoomba.
Ms Stewart said the training had helped her to get a foot in the door of the construction industry.
"Some of the skills I now possess are everything from using hand tools to operating road rollers, which I feel proud achieving while here at RoadTek," she said.
During their traineeships, the trainees obtained their medium-rigid truck licenses, undertook basic traffic control training and gained their construction industry white card.
Ms Stewart said she hoped to get a job in the construction industry after she graduated.
"I find it rewarding when you get to start a new job and see the finished product when complete," she said.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the program had boosted the skills and confidence of the eight trainees to position them for a career in the construction industry.
"Many of the graduates will now continue their work placements with TMR and will also complete further nationally recognised accredited training," Mr Bailey said.
Three of the trainees have been nominated in the 2019 Queensland State Training Awards, with winners to be announced on July 5.
