Story courtesy of Matt Nicholls (The Western Cape Bulletin)
A FORMER Aurukun resident came close to winning a state award for his persistence to complete his traineeship.
Dickson Wapau (pictured left) was been named as a finalist for construction trainee of the year at the Construction Skills Queensland Excellent Awards held in Brisbane earlier this month.
“Dickie” as he is affectionately known, first started in the construction industry during the housing rollout of 2013-14.
His role included building and erecting houses in Aurukun.
Mr Wapau has spent time with four different building contractors to come this far in his traineeship.
His current boss David Woodham said he had shown great strength in overcoming the obstacles of continuity of projects to keep his traineeship going.
Mr Wapau finally completed the last competency this year, therefore successfully completing his traineeship.
He has since been employed as a trade assistant/supervisor for My Pathway in Weipa supervising and coordinating a team of eight Indigenous participants in Napranum for five months.
“Upon completion Dickson immediately put up his hand to be considered for an opportunity for a Certificate III apprenticeship in carpentry,”
Mr Woodham said. “He has clearly demonstrated he has what it takes to complete his apprenticeship.”
Mr Wapau is now working on the “Training House” project.
The project is part of a joint collaboration with the Western Cape Regional Partnership Agreement, My Pathway and Rio Tinto.
The program is aimed at engaging and employing Indigenous apprentices and encouraging them back into a positive educational employment pathway.