May 25, 2022
For most high school graduates, securing a job with a global aerospace leader such as Boeing is something they can only dream about.
But for Kingaroy State High School graduate Jack Lucas that dream has became a reality when he landed a job with Boeing Defence Australia.
Jack is working on the Airpower Teaming System (ATS), the first military aircraft to be designed and manufactured in Australia for more than 50 years.
“My job is amazing and the skills I’ve learned since starting in January are unbelievable,” Jack said.
“For a country boy like me to have the experiences I’ve had is phenomenal. I love going to work every day.”
Jack was just days away from his Year 12 graduation when he was asked if he would like to apply for a traineeship with Boeing building the highly advanced nose section for the ATS.
The job offer came through the Clontarf Foundation, which aims to improve the education, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
Boeing has partnered with the Clontarf Foundation since 2020.
Jack, a Worimi man, joined Kingaroy State High School’s Clontarf Program in 2018 when he was in Year 9.
Clontarf Foundation Darling Downs employment officer Toby Broomhall said Jack had always known what he wanted to do when he left school.
“His love of working on cars at home was something he was able to build on while he was at Kingaroy SHS, getting various qualifications and experience through his senior subjects,” Toby said.
School wasn’t always the place Jack wanted to be, though.
“Seeing opportunities outside of school made it difficult at times for Jack to commit to graduating Year 12. But with the help of his parents, the school and Clontarf, Jack graduated and is setting a great example for the young Indigenous Clontarf boys.”
Boeing manager David Stilianos said Jack was a standout in his interview and has continued to impress during his traineeship.
“Jack’s skills and can-do attitude immediately set him apart during the interview process, and since starting with us he’s proven to be an enthusiastic hard worker with a positive can-do attitude.
“He’s the model trainee and we couldn’t be more pleased he’s with Boeing,” David said.
Jack credits the Clontarf Foundation and his parents for getting him to where he is today.
“Not many people get an opportunity to work at a company like Boeing, and I couldn’t have done it without Clontarf,” Jack said.
“They helped me with homework and assignments, and with getting my first part-time job in Grade 10, and they were always there if I needed a hand.
“But I’m most grateful to my parents. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
“Every time I go home to see them, they can’t stop saying how proud they are of me.”
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