Gladstone Power Station employee Lachlan Overend was recently named the 2021 Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

“Getting it (the award) was the greatest achievement of my professional career so far.”

NRG Gladstone Power Station employee Lachlan Overren was recently awarded the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year at the 60th annual Queensland Training Awards.

A Gladstone trainee who discovered his passion for material management while working at Woolworths, recently had his hard work recognised in a big way.

Gladstone Power Station’s Lachlan Overend, 21, was awarded the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year award at the 60th annual Queensland Training Awards on Friday night.

Mr Overend told The Observer it was a tremendous honour to claim the Trainee of the Year award.

“Getting it on Friday was the greatest achievement of my professional career so far,” he said.

“After two years of a warehousing apprenticeship I just had a wet nose, I was just really keen to make a good impression and get good references.

“It was a tremendous honour to be announced as the Central Queensland regional finalist and now it is onto the state level awards.”

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said Lachlan discovered an interest in material management while working at Woolworths during high school.

“With the successful completion of a Certificate III in Warehouse Operations under his belt, Lachlan is now applying his knowledge and skills at NRG Gladstone Power Station,” Mr Butcher said.

“As a qualified mechanical fitter and turner who did my apprenticeship with the Gladstone Power Station, I know how important it is to get access to quality skills and training.

“It was also fantastic to see Queensland Alumina Limited out the award for Large Employer of the Year.

“I had a proud 21-year career at QAL and I know that this world-leading facility is committed to the development of its employees — providing them with the training needed to perform their jobs competently, safely and to a high standard.

“These companies and their local workers are an integral part of Gladstone’s history, and will play a key role in its future.

“I’d like to congratulate all the entrants and winners from the Gladstone region and thank them for taking pride in their jobs, our local industry, and encouraging the growth of local careers.”

Lachlan’s mother Michelle took to social media to convey how proud she was of her son’s achievement.

“We are so proud of Lachlan who has just been announced as the Central Qld trainee of the year, now off to the state awards in September. Well done,” Ms Overend said.

The regional winners will now vie for the state titles, which will be announced at the State Final Event in September.

Originally published as Gladstone Power Station employee Lachlan Overend was recently named the 2021 Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year