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Study sparks bright future for Townsville apprentice Posted: Wednesday 31 March 2021

22-year-old Olkolo woman and electrical apprentice Calistie Souey is lighting the way for more young women to take up technical apprenticeships.

Calistie moved with her family from Cairns to Townsville as a child, and after graduating from Thuringowa State High School completed a Certificate II in Electrotechnology — sparking her interest in an electrical career.

She kick-started her career through a Queensland Government and local business partnership aimed at inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve, succeed and thrive.

Through the Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Youth Employment Program (YEP), Calistie secured an apprenticeship with Townsville-Mackay based company, NQ Electrical.

Calistie travels for work throughout North Queensland, including Mackay and Ingham, to install residential and business solar systems and grow her electrical expertise.

“My career has opened opportunities to travel and meet new people,” Calistie said.

“I hope my journey inspires more young Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous women seeking rewarding, satisfying and worthwhile career paths to take up apprenticeships.”

Townsville Project Officer Colleen Reisener said it was exciting to see young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders thrive in work, study and career opportunities in Townsville.

“It is wonderful to see young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women empowered to achieve in traditionally male-dominated fields,” Ms Reisener said.

YEP assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples looking for work or considering further education to access job and study networks, pre-employment activities including resume, application and interview preparation and post-placement support.

In 2019-20, more than 680 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders found employment through YEP, including 154 people in the department’s North Queensland Region.

For more information or to sign up visit the Youth Employment Program.

[ENDS] Media contact: media@dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au

Youth Employment Program participant and electrical apprentice Calistie Souey

Above: Youth Employment Program participant and electrical apprentice, Calistie Souey

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