Two young Indigenous workers have been successful in obtaining places on not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland’s (CEQ’s) popular cadetship program.
Kitty Lewis (Certificate III in Business Administration) and Phillip Oui (Certificate III in Warehousing Operations) have joined CEQ to work at the company’s Cairns office and warehouse while undertaking their qualifications.
Kitty, who has Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean heritage, said she wanted to pursue a career in administration.
“I’m really thankful to have been provided with this opportunity by CEQ,” she said.
“It’s hard work, as I am working during the day and then doing online modules in my spare time, but it’s worth it.
“I’m doing front desk administration, and also helping with ordering and buying. It’s really important to get qualifications for my career.”
Phillip, who hails from Mossman and was schooled in Far North Queensland, has ambitions to run his own warehouse once he’s completed his two-year cadetship.
“These opportunities don’t come along very often, so I’m making sure I don’t take it for granted,” Phillip said.
“I’m learning everything about warehousing and logistics, such as taking pallets off trucks, general and special orders, and dealing with dangerous goods.
“I’d really like to stay at CEQ if possible after I’ve finished my qualifications.”
CEQ Chief Executive Officer Ian Copeland said the company was delighted to be able to offer cadetship opportunities for young and ambitious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“I’d like to congratulate Kitty and Phillip on securing places on our cadetship program,” Mr Copeland said.
“The recruitment and selection process is of a high standard, and we’re thrilled to have Kitty and Phillip with us.”
Mr Copeland said that CEQ now employs over 390 people, up 350 per cent since 2010, of which 75 per cent identify as Indigenous.
“We are an established, dynamic and forward-thinking company with excellent employment opportunities, and this is just another example of what we offer,” said Mr Copeland.
“We have a real desire to establish local people in local jobs, and we can help achieve this by investing in the future.
‘Kitty and Phillip are just another example of the opportunities CEQ creates for Indigenous people across Far North Queensland.”
CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), and mainland Aboriginal remote communities through its 28 stores.
CEQ’s Corporate Office is based in Cairns, and manages Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) remote stores, as well as other stores including Col Jones and Mitre 10 on Thursday Island.
For more information, visit www.ceqld.org.au