QPAC

It’s incredibly rewarding to see Tech Connect trainees take what they’ve learnt and turn it into a career. That's exactly what happened for Ruby Bell at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC).

After completing her traineeship at MECC earlier this year, Ruby stayed on as a casual employee while continuing to build her skills. When an opportunity arose, she stepped into higher duties before being appointed as MECC’s full-time Lighting Technician.

For Ruby, one of the best things about the traineeship was developing the skills that allowed others to have confidence in her ability.

"Being trusted to operate lighting for events was a huge moment for me," she explained.

Travelling to Brisbane for the Tech Connect Block Training was a standout experience for Ruby, as she was able to meet trainees from across Queensland and learn alongside other trainees from different venues.

These days, no two shifts are the same. As MECC’s Lighting Technician, Ruby spends her time operating the lighting console for a range of productions, maintaining equipment, refining her skills and working towards a qualification in testing and tagging.

One recent highlight for Ruby was operating Music of the Night, featuring songs from the musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

"It was so cool to be part of," she said.

Ruby's story is exactly why Tech Connect exists: to support emerging technicians, create opportunities and help talented people build long-term careers within Queensland's live performance industry. We're incredibly proud of everything Ruby has achieved and can't wait to see what's next.