Engineering new careers - through Dream, Believe, Achieve

Two young North Queenslanders are celebrating a major career milestone after successfully completing the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ Dream, Believe, Achieve (DBA) Engineering Pathways training and employment program and going on to secure employment with an industry leader.

Program graduates Latrell Bann (21) and Mii [Me-ee] Joe (18) are now working as dispatch operators at Australian Reinforcing Company’s (ARC) Townsville site, where they are responsible for picking, packing, and assembling loads for delivery.

Latrell said the DBA program, which is presented by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, gave him the opportunity to pursue a more meaningful path.

"We went through the Dream, Believe, Achieve program and did a course at TAFE, after that the Cowboys helped us with opportunities and we landed jobs here," Latrell said.

"I decided to do DBA because I wasn’t really doing anything else, so I thought I’d use my time to progress to

something better. I knew when I started that in a few months I would be proud of myself, and I am.

"It’s something that can help people – not just young fellas – but anyone who’s not doing anything with their time, as long as they commit to the program, it can change your life.”

ARC manufactures and processes steel and is the Australia’s largest reinforcing supplier to the construction industry. North Queensland Area Manager John Reeves said the pair have made a strong start to their careers and are already progressing through further training.

"Coming through the Dream, Believe, Achieve program demonstrated they were both motivated and committed to bettering their futures.  They’re willing to listen, learn and work hard and they are fitting in very well with the team,” John said.

"We’re currently putting them through their high-risk forklift tickets.

"They’ve completed their theory-based training and are now gaining hands-on experience before returning for their practical assessment.

"If they keep putting their best foot forward, they’ll continue to receive on-the-job training and more high-risk tickets. Eventually, they have the option to move into front-of-house roles like sales, dispatch, and production planning."

Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said success stories like Latrell’s and Mii’s demonstrated the value of the unique training model.

“Since 2015 we have developed a winning combination of in-class training, one-on-one mentoring, and work experience which has supported hundreds of out-of-work North Queenslanders into meaningful employment within the Hospitality industry,” Fiona said.

“This was our first expansion into the engineering space, an area in great need of skilled workers, and we’re extremely proud of Latrell and Mii’s achievements so far and excited for their bright futures.

“We know they couldn’t have achieved these outcomes without the support of DBA Presenting Partner Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and strong collaboration with our Training Partner Tafe Queensland and industry partners like ARC.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers has provided valuable insights for participants during the program, presenting on workplace rights, such as fair pay, leave entitlements and what to do if you’re injured.

“We’re proud to be presenting partner for such an important program that equips people with skills and confidence to enter the workforce. And we’re really pleased to be able to offer our expertise and insights on important issues like workers’ rights to further help set up participants for success,” said Tamara Splatt, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.

The Cowboys Community Foundation is seeking funding to rollout the program in 2026 and ongoing.

For more information on the program, visit  cowboys.com.au/DBA.