Shell QGC Apprentice & Trainee Program

MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees, in partnership with Shell QGC, is creating real job opportunities in Gladstone and the Western Downs region for locals who want to start a career close to home in the natural gas industry.

Shell QGC is one of Australia’s leading natural gas producers, focused on developing Queensland’s world-class onshore gas reserves.

Apprentices and trainees who are selected for the annual Program intake receive paid on-the-job training under the supervision of Shell QGC’s skilled technicians at both the Western Downs Upstream (Chinchilla and surrounds) and Gladstone Midstream operational gas sites.

Program graduates are highly sought after by industry with many progressing onto employment in the Shell QGC business where career progression and opportunities are limitless.

MIGAS apprentice, Olivia Mutch, completed the Shell QGC Program while living and working in Queensland’s Western Downs region. Discover how this led to a career with Shell QGC in her hometown and how the program is creating local jobs for local people.

Training Disciplines

Apprentice and trainee candidates may apply for training disciplines including:

Mechanical Fitting
Electrotechnology & Instrumentation
Wellsite Operations
Indigenous Development

Successful applicants will work in their chosen training discipline at Shell QGC work sites under qualified supervision to develop hands-on, practical skills as they work towards becoming fully qualified.

Combined with the on-the-job practical work, apprentices and trainees also complete a nationally recognised qualification in the trade discipline. All this means that at the end of the Program graduates are qualified, experienced and work ready.

Indigenous Pathways

Together MIGAS and Shell QGC are proud to create industry job pathways for First Nations peoples who can live and work on Country as part of the Program.

Check back for more details about Indigenous apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities when applications open in July 2025, or register your interest.

Program Applications

We’re seeking passionate and ambitious applicants for the 2026 Shell QGC Pathways Program intake. Applications open in July 2025, with apprenticeships and traineeships commencing from February 2026.

About the Apprenticeships and Traineeships

The Shell QGC Apprentice & Trainee Program is about creating careers close to home for those who live in Queensland’s Western Downs region and in Gladstone. It’s just one way Shell QGC reinvests in the communities in which they operate.

Successful applicants will receive:

Job placement at a dynamic organisation developing technical skills working on world class facilities, on-the-job training and support from highly skilled and experienced technicians
Commencement to completion support from MIGAS to guide program participants through each step of the training
Structured technical training to attain a nationally recognised trade qualification
A solid foundation to build a successful future career in the gas and energy industry

MIGAS and Shell QGC are equal opportunity employers and strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds including identified roles for First Nations applicants.

Please note that all applicants must reside in the location applicable to the apprenticeship or traineeship for the duration of the training and work placement.

Understanding the Application Process

How long is the recruitment process and what’s involved?

A place within the Shell QGC Apprentice & Trainee Program is highly competitive and the selection process may take several weeks. You must actively participate in each stage to be considered for a position.

The selection process involves:

STAGE 1 - Initial phone interview

Successful applicants will be contacted for a phone interview to discuss the details of their application and clarify any questions upfront specific to the role. Applicants who are successful at Stage 1 will be invited to participate in a more formal online interview and arrangements will be made to confirm a suitable time.

STAGE 2 - Formal Interview

Candidates will be interviewed by a MIGAS Recruitment Officer online or by phone to assess suitability for progression to the next stage. Candidates will also be asked to participate in online skills testing and reference checking. It’s important to include two referees and their contact details on your resume.

STAGE 3 - Assessment Centre

Following the interview, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a face-to-face assessment centre where they will participate in team activities and supervised testing. Candidates will be required to attend for one to two days in either Chinchilla or Gladstone.

STAGE 4 - Medical Assessment

Pre-selected candidates will be required to complete a medical assessment before final offers are made. This will be organised and paid for by MIGAS and you will be advised how to complete this assessment.

STAGE 5 - Employment Offers

Employment offers for the program will be made to the successful candidates. You will first receive a verbal offer of employment, followed by an electronic offer (emailed documents) and relevant new starter information from MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees.

Program FAQs

Who can apply?
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We value diversity and we encourage people from all walks of life to apply including women, mature age applicants, school leavers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and any Western Downs or Gladstone locals looking to take on an apprenticeship commitment.

Overall, we are looking for someone who has:

·         A focus on safety

·         Great communication skills

·         A thirst for learning and a willingness to adapt to an ever-changing environment
When do the applications close?
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Applications for the 2026 QGC Pathways Intake close on 4 August 2025.
How will I be notified if I’m shortlisted or unsuccessful?
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Candidates will be advised if they have progressed through each stage of the selection process. We encourage you to keep an eye on your phone and emails during the course of the selection process.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by either phone or email to confirm their progression to the next stage of the process.

Due to the number of applications we receive, we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates. Those who are unsuccessful will be notified by email.
What do I need to apply?
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You will need a cover letter and a resume highlighting your interests in the chosen trade and the relevant skills you will bring to your apprenticeship or traineeship.

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell us:
- A little bit about you
- Why you want the apprenticeship/traineeship
- What makes you right for this role
Tell us about what interests you, what you do in the local community and why it will make you a high performing apprentice.

Think of your resume as a catalogue of your skills and experience:
- We’d like to see your school and subjects listed along with your grades and any pre-vocational certificates you have completed, plus any full-time or part-time work.
- Make sure you include any work experience or volunteer work where you may have had the opportunity to be part of a team. And don’t forget to list any clubs or groups you are actively involved in.
- You will need to include two referees and their contact details in your resume. It’s a good idea to have your referees in mind and start talking to them about providing a reference if you are successful in moving forward with your application.
A great referee is someone who knows your skills and strengths, has managed or mentored you, and can tell us about what will make you a great apprentice or trainee. They might be a teacher at school, a manager at work, or a coach of a sports team you play for.
Can I apply for multiple roles?
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Yes, you can.

To be considered for multiple roles you must apply for each position separately. Each trade is very different and requires different strengths and interests.

We suggest you develop a tailored cover letter for each role you are applying for, highlighting your strengths in the different apprenticeships on offer.
I live outside Gladstone/Western Downs region – can I apply?
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Only applicants living in the Western Downs region or Gladstone will be considered for roles.

We strongly encourage First Nations peoples who have connections to Country where QGC operates to apply.

These groups are: Bailai, Barunggam, Bigambul, Cobble Cobble, Jarowair, Gangalou, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, Iman, Mandandanji, Taribelang Bunda, Warrabal, Wakka Wakka, Western Wakka Wakka, and Yiman.

Please include your Traditional Owner group in your cover letter to assist our recruitment team in identifying your application. Be mindful that in order to participate in the selection process you will also be required to travel to either Chinchilla or Gladstone.
Will I need to travel or move closer to different worksites?
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There are several Shell QGC site locations across the Western Downs region and one central work site in Gladstone. For Western Downs applicants, travel across sites will be required depending on your location and your apprenticeship. Moving closer to a work site is not a requirement of these positions and there are no paid travel or reimbursement entitlements.

As part of your employment, you are required to adhere to a Fatigue Management Policy which may entitle you to on-site camp accommodation between shifts. Your location and travel commitments will be discussed with you on a case-by-case basis as you progress through the selection process.
Do I need a car or driver's licence?
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It is a requirement of all the positions that you have reliable transport to and from work and training.

It is preferred that you either currently hold an Open driver licence or are on track to obtain your licence in the near future.
I'm over 21 and considered mature age, can I still apply?
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Yes, absolutely. MIGAS and Shell QGC employ matured aged apprentices and trainees, and your life experience is of great value.

If your skills and experience match the requirements of the role and you are genuinely interested in developing a trade career, we encourage you to apply regardless of your age.
What happens next if I’m successful?
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If you are successful, you will receive a phone call with a verbal offer of employment. This will be followed up by a copy of your employment contract and all other documents regarding your employment with MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees.

From here you will have direct communication with your appointed MIGAS Field Officer regarding your MIGAS and Shell QGC inductions and any additional tickets or training required before your first day.
What can I expect to be paid?
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Wages will vary depending on your age, your trade, and any previous qualifications you may have obtained. You can calculate an estimate of your pay based on the relevant award using the Government’s Pay Calculator. It is expected that you will occasionally participate in overtime during the course of your apprenticeship/traineeship and this will be paid at a higher rate depending on the type of overtime.

Each year you progress through your Australian Apprenticeship, your pay rate will increase to recognise the additional skills you can now offer the role. There’s also a range of entitlements for apprentices set out by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The Australian Government provides a range of income support options for eligible apprentices to support them in completing their training.

Learn about additional financial assistance for Australian Apprentices.
Is there any additional support available to Traditional Owners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
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Shell QGC has unique relationships with Traditional Owner groups in its footprint.

These groups include Iman, Bigambul, Mandandanji, Barunggam, Cobble Cobble, Jarowair, Yiman, Western Wakka Wakka, Wakka Wakka, Wulli Wulli, Gangulu, Bailai, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Taribelang Bunda.

QGC and MIGAS recognise that these Traditional Owners have historic and enduring affiliations with, and responsibilities for, the lands on which Shell’s QGC business operates. This recognition has been reflected in a number of Indigenous Land Use Agreements and Cultural Heritage Agreements which include commitments to employment opportunities for Traditional Owners and other Indigenous Australians.

These relationships and commitments are deeply valued and a there are number of initiatives to support Traditional Owners in employment. If you identify as one of the Traditional Owner groups listed above, you may be entitled to support and assistance with the application process.

Please talk to MIGAS on 1300 464 427 for further details.
How do I know if the apprenticeship is right for me?
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It’s often hard to know if you will thrive in your apprenticeship before you commence.

Although it is a rewarding pathway, there is more to apprenticeships than meets the eye. We recommend you take some time to learn a little more about these trade specialisations and about Shell's QGC business.
- Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship
- Electrical Instrumentation Apprenticeship
Are relocation costs covered?
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We do not cover the cost of relocating you and/or your family as a new apprentice or trainee.
What happens at an assessment centre?
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An assessment centre is a facilitated group workshop where you and other applicants will be observed completing tasks that demonstrate your practical ability, teamwork, communication skills, ability to problem solve and adapt to different situations. You will be involved in a number of individual, group and practical activities that will be relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Our assessment centres generally start with an introduction and overview of the day followed by an ice breaker to help everyone feel relaxed. Then we move on to the individual and group exercises where you will be observed by our team throughout the day.

You can prepare by simply being yourself and ensure you’re interacting and contributing to the activities throughout the day. We recommend researching the role requirements and technical skills of your preferred trade discipline.
Do I receive a uniform and PPE?
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As a MIGAS apprentice or trainee in the QGC Pathways program you will have all of your uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied, as well as being paid to attend TAFE to complete your off-the-job training.
When do the apprenticeships commence?
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All roles will commence in January 2026.

Successful candidates will be advised in the employment contract of their exact start date.

To discuss your application, call 1300 464 427 and speak to a MIGAS Recruitment Officer.

Group Intake Opening Soon

Applications for the next Shell QGC Apprentice & Trainee Program in Gladstone and the Western Downs open on Monday 7 July 2025.