2014
Finalist
Queensland

Gemma Hartwig had worked in her family’s farm’s shed with her father and grandfather for years, but didn’t consider diesel fitting as a career until it came up as an industry she may be suited to following a meeting with a career counsellor. She decided to undertake a week of work experience with a local company, Ostwald Bros. Falling in love with the trade, she was thrilled to be offered an Australian School-based Apprenticeship.

Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Maintenance Diesel Fitter)

Employer: Ostwald Bros

Training Provider: TAFE Queensland South West

School: Our Lady of the Southern Cross College

Gemma Hartwig had worked in her family’s farm’s shed with her father and grandfather for years, but didn’t consider diesel fitting as a career until it came up as an industry she may be suited to following a meeting with a career counsellor. She decided to undertake a week of work experience with a local company, Ostwald Bros. Falling in love with the trade, she was thrilled to be offered an Australian School-based Apprenticeship.

Gemma is now undertaking a Certificate III in Engineering at TAFE Queensland South West and completing her Year 12 studies at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College and, once her studies are complete, she plans to combine her trade with her rural knowledge through work in northern Queensland before travelling the world.

An active member of her local community, Gemma is the captain of her college and is involved in her local Lions club, as well as cattle handling and judging.