Arrow Energy is helping dozens of young people across the Darling Downs kick-start their careers on its Surat Gas Project (SGP).
Approximately 700 contractors are currently working on the SGP in the Miles and Dalby regions, including around 30 apprentices and trainees.
Arrow Energy Chief Operating Officer Anton Verdel said Arrow was proud to be supporting young people to develop their careers while working close to home.
“Working on a large-scale infrastructure project such as our Surat Gas Project will help set these young people up for the long term, providing them with hands-on experience, training from experienced operators, and an opportunity to broaden their skill set,” Mr Verdel said.
“When young people are employed locally, they are more likely to stay close to home, local talent pipelines are strengthened, and salaries stay local which benefits regional economies.
“One third of Arrow’s direct workforce is based in the Downs, and it’s very important to Arrow that our Tier 1 contractors are also employing locally because we recognise the broader social and economic benefits.”
One of Arrow’s Tier 1 contractors, Wild Desert, has 11 apprentices across a range of trades working on the SGP.
Wild Desert apprentice electrician Matt Rogers said working on the project had already helped him to develop his trade.
“Learning new things from my colleagues and having them teach me different skills is a big highlight. You get to learn things that you couldn’t learn anywhere else,” Matt said.
“The experience I’ll get from working on this project will help me progress in my career.”
Wild Desert heavy diesel apprentice Ryan Kingsley said the project had opened the door to valuable new experiences.
“It’s very important for young people because they can engage in new things and open up to new experiences,” Ryan said.
Wild Desert apprentice auto electrician Fletcher Ferguson said it’s been a valuable learning experience.
“I’d definitely recommend any young people looking for work to get into the oil and gas industry and venture wherever they want,” Fletcher said.
About the Surat Gas Project
The Surat Gas Project is a multi-decade project in the Surat Basin to produce natural gas to support growing energy needs. The project is being rolled out in a phased approach, with current activity focused on the Miles and Dalby regions.
Arrow has a direct workforce of approximately 450 people at its Dalby, Chinchilla and Brisbane offices, with a further 700 people working on the SGP through Arrow’s Tier 1 contractors.
Arrow has a strong commitment to local content, spending almost $65 million in the Western Downs and Toowoomba regions in 2025, with that spend benefiting more than 320 local businesses.
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