When young people are supported to dream big and back themselves, incredible things can happen, especially when workplaces invite them to give new things a go!
That’s exactly what Qube is doing through their partnership with the Clontarf Foundation; an awesome organisation that helps young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men build confidence, stay engaged in school, and kick-start their careers.
If you haven’t heard of Qube, it’s time to get clued in. They’re a big name in Australia’s logistics scene: think ports, freight, transport, and moving all kinds of goods across the country. But more than that, Qube is passionate about building diverse teams and creating opportunities for the next generation to shine.
Their work with Clontarf is all about helping students explore what’s possible, and Richie Harte is living proof of where that journey can lead. From high schooler with no clear direction to crane-driving legend on the Bunbury wharf, Richie’s story is one of hard work, curiosity, and saying yes to new challenges.
What is the Clontarf Foundation – And How Can It Help You?
Qube is a proud partner of the Clontarf Foundation, which exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem, and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. Clontarf academies help young men to attend school, finish Year 12 and enter employment.
Using supportive relationships, a welcoming environment and a diverse range of activities, the young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in the Clontarf program develop improved self-esteem and confidence, which assists them to participate in education, employment and society in a positive way.
With 158 Clontarf academies around Australia, Qube is regularly involved in Clontarf events and activities. Qube also works with Clontarf academies to offer school-based traineeships and apprenticeships to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
Meet Richie: From High School Student to Qube Employee
Richie Harte is a First Nations stevedore from Western Australia who joined Qube straight out of high school through the Clontarf program.
“I’m a proud employee of Qube Ports. I’ve been a stevedore for 14 years now. I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was at school – I was pretty athletic, I wanted to be a sports teacher, maybe. Qube came round to the school and did a port talk, and they seemed really interesting. They did a big variety of jobs and drove really cool big machines. I wanted to have a go and give it a crack. And I’ve been loving it ever since.”
Since then, Richie has been driving many different machines in his role as a stevedore on the wharf in Bunbury and has been loving every minute!
“I don’t like doing the same job every day. On any given day at work, I could be driving a ship loader, an excavator or a bobcat; I really, really love the variety, but the crane takes the cake for me. The harbour crane is really fast; we do a lot of different jobs in it. It’s very tricky to learn in the beginning, but once you get your head around it and you get on top of your skills and learn how to control that machine, it’s one of the best jobs around.
“I’m a gamer at home – I’ve been a gamer since I was a kid – so picking up the cranes was pretty easy for me. If you’re a video gamer and you can adjust and change to different games and controls all the time, an environment like the port is just perfect because you’ve got such a variety of machines that you can jump into; you’re constantly learning new things, new jobs, and you become very versatile.
“It’s a pretty high-paying industry. That, and being able to drive all these cool machines, I just love it.”
Fresh Faces and Big Age Gaps: Starting Out With Qube
Starting a new job straight out of school can feel pretty full-on, especially when you’re stepping into a busy worksite with big machines and even bigger personalities. But don’t stress! Every expert was once a beginner. As a school-based apprentice, even Richie was intimidated when he first started life on the wharf! However, before long, he was working the wharf like a pro!
“When I first came to work for Qube, I remember being quite intimidated, because it wasn’t an environment I was used to being in before. There was definitely an age gap there. The port is very old school, and there were a lot of older people.
“My friend Timmy and I started together. We were the only two young kids around, and we stuck together, had a can-do attitude and asked lots and lots of questions. As time went on, and I started getting a better understanding of the job, I became more comfortable, and things became a lot easier.”
Advice for New Starters
Nervous about a new role? Richie Harte knows the feeling and has some solid advice to help you settle in. His top tips? Be on time, keep a positive attitude, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. At Qube, effort and eagerness go a long way. Pay attention, and get involved, because that’s how you grow your skills and earn respect, just like Richie did!
“You have to rock up. It’s not school, and the company is paying you to be here. You’ve got to give it your all. Put your phone away, get in, have a look, ask questions, and apply yourself. That’s the only way you’re going to be able to get anywhere.
“Your attitude reflects on the growth in your career, so if you have a poor attitude at work, then you’re not going to go very far. So long as you apply yourself and give it your best shot, the opportunities are endless. You are what you make of yourself.”
How You Can Get Involved and Start Your Own Career Journey
Want to follow in Richie’s footsteps? Well, Clontarf students have a fantastic opportunity to build a strong future in the logistics industry, and you could join them!
The first step is to seek out a Clontarf academy connected with businesses like Qube and ask about site tours, work experience opportunities, and the potential for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.
As Richie says, the best way to succeed in any new job is to pay attention to what’s happening around you. Turn up on time, stay off your phone and give it your all. Be inquisitive, ask questions, and grab opportunities for training with both hands.
To kickstart your career journey in the logistics industry, contact the Qube team at people.culture@qube.com.au or dive deeper into the logistics industry by checking out Qube’s employer profile today!
