Celebrating five outstanding journeys

Through guidance, experience and professional growth, each apprentice leaves with the skills and confidence to take their next step forward.

The milestone was recognised at a farewell lunch that brought together colleagues from across the organisation, celebrating not only the achievements of the apprentices but also the mentors and wider NQBP team whose support has been central to their development.

At NQBP, apprenticeships are about more than learning a trade. They are about building confidence, strengthening teamwork and developing real-world capability, ensuring apprentices move on with practical skills, industry experience and pride as they enter the next chapter of their careers.

Recognising our apprentices and their mentors

Riley – Apprentice Electrician
Mentored by Heath Kennedy – Team Leader Electrician

Riley has shown steady growth, a strong approach to learning and a readiness to take on new tasks. Heath’s guidance has helped him build the confidence and skill he needs for the next stage of his electrical career. Riley is now heading to Gladstone to move into commercial contracting work, taking his NQBP experience into a new field and continuing to grow in his trade.

Amber – Horticulture (Certificate III – Parks and Gardens)
Mentored by Leigh Thayer – Team Leader Operations & Maintenance and Greg Steward – Port Services Worker

Amber has built a wide range of hands-on experience during her time at NQBP. She has developed practical horticulture skills and learned how port operations work day to day. Leigh and Greg have worked closely with her and given her steady support throughout her apprenticeship. She will stay local and move into nursery work next year, taking her skills and confidence with her.

Zoey – Horticulture (Certificate III – Parks and Gardens)
Mentored by Leigh Thayer – Team Leader Operations & Maintenance and Greg Steward – Port Services Worker

Zoey’s time at NQBP has seen her grow into a capable, reliable team member with a strong practical skillset and a genuine love for the work. With Leigh and Greg’s support, she has gained experience that will serve her well wherever she goes. Zoey and her partner are now heading off on a year-long trip around Australia, a well-earned break before the next step in her career.

Seumus – Horticulture (Certificate III – Parks and Gardens) 

Mentored by Leigh Thayer – Team Leader Operations & Maintenance and Greg Steward – Port Services Worker

Seumus has spent the past three years at NQBP and leaves with a strong understanding of ports and the shipping environment. This experience has shaped his next move. He is heading to the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania to work toward a career in the shipping industry with plans to pursue marine piloting. He shared how his time here opened his eyes to new opportunities. His journey shows how apprenticeships can create pathways you may not expect.

Andy – Plumbing (Certificate III)
Mentored by Mark Berts - Operations Supervisor – Facilities and Utilities and Nick Watts – Plumber

Andy has approached his apprenticeship with drive and a clear focus on his goals. With Mark’s support, he has built strong trade skills and the practical experience he needs to keep moving forward. He is now heading to the Sunshine Coast to find work and continue his studies. His plan is to complete Certificate IV and work toward running his own business in the future.

Thank you to our trade mentors

A strong theme at the lunch was gratitude for the trade mentors who guide apprentices every day. Mentors do more than teach a trade. They set standards, share expectations, build problem solving habits and give apprentices the confidence that comes from steady support. The work Heath, Leigh, Greg, Mark, and the broader team have put into these apprentices has made a real difference, and that was clear across the room.

Manager Emergency Management and Operations, Anthony Lee

Anthony spoke to the group about reaching the end of their apprenticeships and how quickly the past few years have passed. He reminded them that there were moments when the finish line felt far away, but the day has arrived, and they should feel proud of that.

He asked them to keep challenging themselves both mentally and physically as they move into the next stage of their careers. He told them to draw on the skills they have built at NQBP and use those skills to drive their future goals.

Anthony also asked them to stay in touch and share what comes next in their journeys. He reminded them that life moves fast, even if it does not feel like it now, so take every opportunity and move forward with confidence.

CEO Brendan Webb: “Be proud of yourselves”

NQBP CEO Brendan Webb shared a personal reflection with the group about beginning his own career through an apprenticeship. He spoke about the value of learning from the ground up and learning from the people around you.

He told the apprentices he was proud of what each of them has achieved and reminded them to feel proud of themselves. He encouraged them to carry their skills, experiences, and lessons into the rest of their careers. His message was simple and direct. Keep learning, keep growing and back yourselves.

Looking ahead

While we’re sad to see our apprentices move on, we’re excited for what’s ahead for each of them. Their paths differ, including commercial electrical work, nursery horticulture, travel, maritime careers and further plumbing study. What they share is a strong foundation built here at NQBP.

To Riley, Amber, Zoey, Seumus and Andy: thank you for your hard work, your contribution to the team, and the positive energy you’ve brought to the port. You’ll always be part of the NQBP story, and we can’t wait to see what you do next.

Images for download

Image | Five apprentices, Amber, Zoey, Andy, Seumus and Riley are ready to leave NQBP and start the next chapter of their careers.

Image | NQBP CEO Brendan Webb and  Manager Emergency Management and Operations Anthony Lee wished the apprentices well on their journey.