Trainees line up for State awards

Winners of the WA Trainee Awards will be announced next Tuesday — and two talented Geraldton students have made it on the guest list. Trainee of the year finalist Cassandra Rowan said when mineral sands were processed, they made their way into their machines multicoloured and came out sorted into distinctive different mineral groups. “It sounds nerdy but I find that process really interesting,” she said. After working in mineral processing for around seven years, she said she was working as hard as she could to see how far the industry could take her. Miss Rowan loves the work and said this was key to her success. “If you are interested in what you are doing, you learn so much more,” she said. As she already has the Mid West and Gascoyne regional trainee award under her belt, the State award is simply the next notch on her list of achievements. Her Certificate III in Resource Processing from Central Regional TAFE was part of her onboard training with Iluka Resources Narngulu plant. Previously, she worked for a smaller mineral processing plant but decided to move on as she wanted to find an opportunity at a more complex plant where she would get more training. Miss Rowan was delighted to find her position at Iluka, and she said it was a great place to work. She also said she appreciated being able to work in resources without taking on a FIFO life-style. “Honestly, it’s amazing to not be away from your family, and to still have that normal Monday to Friday,” she said. Due to COVID-19, the regional training awards could not go ahead. However, the State awards were given the tick of approval for October 6. “I am still trying to find a dress,” Miss Rowan said. WA school-based apprentice of the year finalist Joel Pearson, 17, will also be recognised. He completed a Certificate III in Arts Administration through North Regional TAFE this year while working for local events company Euphorium and finishing high school. For him, clear communication with course facilitators was vital to his success. “When you’re having a bad week, it’s about saying here is my plan to get back on track,” he said. Euphorium has offered Joel a system analyst job, and he said it was his role to make the most of available technology and make life easier. He said he was not sure about his plans for the future, but he knows he loves working in arts management. “I am keeping an open mind,” he said.