Shell QGC Apprentice and Trainee Program

Program FAQs

• Who can apply?

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  We value diversity, and encourage people from all walks of life to apply, including women, mature-age applicants, school leavers, First Nations peoples, and any Western Downs or Gladstone locals looking to take on an apprenticeship commitment.

  Overall, we are looking for people who have:

  • A focus on safety
  • Great communication skills
  • Time management skills
  • A thirst for learning and a willingness to adapt to an ever-changing environment
• 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 trade 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 read the job vacancies thoroughly when applications open, and learn more about Shell QGC.

• Do I need a car or driver's licence?

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  Western Downs (Upstream)

  It is a requirement of all positions that you hold a provisional or open driver’s licence.

  Gladstone (Midstream)

  It is a requirement of all the positions that you have reliable transport to and from work.

  It is preferred that you either currently hold an Open driver's licence or are on track to obtain your Open driver's licence at the completion of your apprenticeship or traineeship.

• I live outside Gladstone/Western Downs region – can I apply?

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  We strongly recommend that only applicants living in the Western Downs region or Gladstone apply for these roles. If you live outside of these regions, your application may not be considered.

  We strongly encourage Traditional Owners who have connections within the Western Downs or Gladstone regions and aspire to come back and work on Country to apply. Please include your Traditional Owner group in your cover letter to help our recruitment team identify your application.

  Be mindful that in order to participate in the selection process, you will also be required to travel to Chinchilla or Gladstone.

• What is the Traditional Owner and First Nation Applicants Pathway?

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  Together, MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees 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.

  According to The Affirmative Measure – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment provision provided by the Australian Public Service Commission, agencies are allowed to identify a role as open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, legislated under Section 26.

  Traditional Owner and First Nations candidates who are not successful for the apprenticeship or traineeship roles may be considered for a development traineeship, which will provide a clear pathway to a trade qualification and include hands-on practical experience as well as some classroom lessons.

  The annual QGC Pathways program is about creating opportunities for individuals to establish a career pathway with a world-leading organisation while completing a nationally accredited qualification. Please contact us on 1300 464 427 for further details.

• Is there any additional support available to Traditional Owners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

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  Shell QGC has a unique relationship 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, Warrabul Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng,and Taribelang Bunda.

  Shell QGC and MIGAS recognise that these Traditional Owners have historic and enduring affiliations with, and responsibilities for, the lands and waters on which Shell QGC 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 First Nations Australians.

  We take these relationships and commitments seriously and have a 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 contact us on 1300 464 427 for further details.

• Why do I need to be local?

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  We accept applications from residents of Queensland’s Western Downs region who want to work and live locally. The 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.

  For Traditional Owner or First Nations applicants, please contact us on 1300 464 427 directly for further details.

• 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 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 each role 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 that position.

  If you apply for multiple roles, our recruitment team will work with you during the interview process to identify which one best suits your skills and interests.

• When do the applications close?

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  Applications for the 2027 Shell GQC Apprentice and Trainee Program close as follows:

  Western Downs (Upstream): Sunday 9 August 2026

  Gladstone (Midstream): Sunday 16 August 2026

• 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 at the conclusion of the selection process.

• 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 assessed 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.

  Read more on What to Expect at a MIGAS Assessment Centre.

• 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.

• When do the apprenticeships and traineeship commence?

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  All roles will commence in February 2027.

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

• 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.

• What can I expect to be paid?

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  Wages will vary depending on your age and trade. 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. You will also be paid to attend TAFE to complete your off-the-job training.

  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.

• Do I receive a uniform and PPE?

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  As a MIGAS apprentice or trainee in the Shell QGC Program you will have all of your uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied.

• 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 if I'm unsuccessful?

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  Candidates who are not shortlisted prior to the assessment centre stage will be notified by email.

  Assessment centre participants will receive a phone call from MIGAS with feedback from their Shell QGC interview and how they performed on the day.

  Traditional Owner and First Nations candidates who are not successful for the apprenticeship or traineeship roles may be considered for a development traineeship, which will provide a clear pathway to a trade qualification and include hands-on practical experience as well as some classroom lessons.

  We encourage everyone who is unsuccessful to apply again the following year.