CQU student Josh Hillman has had the chance to meet senior politicians and public figures thanks to selection in a 'Today's Skills: Tomorrow's Leaders' program held in Canberra recently.

The event was organised by Group Training Australia and held from August 5-10.

Josh Hillman

Positions in the program were open to more than 40,000 apprentices and trainees Australiawide and there were only 21 people selected.

The 22-year-old cadet building inspector from Horsham Rural City Council is currently studying an Associate Degree of Building Surveying via distance education, having completed a traineeship.

Horsham Rural City Council CEO Kerryn Shade said Josh had shown exceptional skills, enthusiasm and commitment throughout his traineeship.

Josh was nominated for the Canberra program by Chris Perry from WorkCo Group Training, who said he was a model trainee and excellent ambassador for WorkCo and the Council.

While in Canberra, Josh toured the Australian Institute of Sport and Parliament House and met senior Ministers, the Governor-General and the PM. He learnt about the political system and how to find the best work-life balance.

According to a report in Horsham's 'Weekly Advertiser' Josh said the leadership program had proved invaluable and was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Most of the week we spent working on improving and developing better skills like leadership and goal setting," Josh reportedly said.

"I have already set more short, medium and long-term goals and my own definition of success has changed. You don't have to make lots of money to be successful.

"I think the things I have learned from the trip will be invaluable. It was a great experience and I  certainly learned a lot from it."

Josh (left) meets the Prime Minster
Josh with Governor-General Michael Jeffrey
Josh with WorkCo's Chris Perry