Indigenous workers wanted for massive Wandoan gas project by multinational energy giant Shell

Major energy giant Shell is drilling 170 new gas wells in Queensland’s Surat Basin – and they’re looking to hire locally. Here’s how you could take advantage.

A major gas business is looking to hire Indigenous workers after starting the drilling of 170 new gas wells in the Surat Basin.

The new wells are part of a project involving multinational energy giant Shell and supplies about 15 per cent of east coast demand for natural gas each year.

As part of the project, Shell QGC in partnership with MIGAS is opening applications for the 2026 Apprentice, Trainee and Indigenous Development program, with the opportunity to earn qualifications in mechanical fitting, electrotechnology and instrumentation and well site operations.

Shell QGC lead trainer Dale Wheeler said candidates living in the Western Downs would develop hands-on skills with many moving onto permanent roles in the industry.

“You don’t need to leave the Western Downs to get a good job. Our program is all about real job opportunities, letting you work, and build a career where you live,” he said in a press release.

“Our program offers paid on-the-job training from some of the most qualified and experienced tradespeople in the industry and a qualification at the end that opens doors to more opportunities.”

Shell’s QGC business is set to commence on a new batch of onshore natural gas wells in Western Downs region of Queensland.

Chinchilla-based Arwa Gulf, who became an electrotechnology and instrumentation apprenticeship after successfully completing the Indigenous Careers Program in 2022, encouraged people to get involved.

“My advice would be to go for it, if you are wanting to set up your future with a lifelong career, and a workplace that looks after you, the Shell MIGAS program offers a great opportunity,” she said.

Head of Shell QGC Krishna Venkatesan said the program would help to meet the demand for the 300 jobs available through the project.

“We are proud of the role that we play in supporting regional Queensland economies, as well as providing energy security and reliability for both the east coast domestic market and our regional trading partners,” he said in a press release.

“Our natural gas projects support stronger regions by providing investment, direct and indirect employment and local business opportunities, while also helping to build vital skills and capability through our Apprenticeship and Trainee programs.”

Applications open via the MIGAS website on July 7, with apprenticeship and traineeships commencing from February 2026.