From city skylines to regional roads, Queensland's construction industry is built by skilled hands and visionary minds. This year's Queensland Training Awards finalists in construction and related trades highlight the power of vocational education and training (VET) to transform lives, workplaces and communities. As the industry evolves, these outstanding apprentices, employers and educators are not just building infrastructure—they're building futures.
Rising stars in construction
Apprentices and trainees are the future of every trade. This year's finalists in the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year and School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year categories are already making their mark.
In Brisbane, Jessica Bichselis applying her carpentry skills on award-winning film sets while mentoring women entering trades.
In Tropical North Queensland, Christopher Reppel uses his 'Midlifecarpentry' YouTube channel to inspire career changers and champion the trades.
In the South East, Joel Avery and Jett Davis demonstrate excellence in both carpentry and fabrication, setting new standards teamwork and workmanship.
Andrew Blanchard (North Coast) and Oram McGilvray (Central Queensland) are proving the value of school-based pathways — balancing studies with hands-on experience in carpentry and setting themselves up for future success.
Employers leading by example
Behind every great apprentice is a supportive employer. This year's finalists in the Small and Medium Employer of the Year categories are reshaping how trades training is delivered.
NCHE Construction (South East) may be small, but its commitment to mental health, mentoring and personalised support creates an environment where apprentices thrive.
CRA Construction (Metropolitan), a family-run plastering business, is creating dual-trade career pathways, and embedding inclusion and resilience into its workforce culture.
BG Group NQ (North Queensland) combines cutting-edge construction with innovation and high-quality training, ensuring every project also develops future talent.
Moonyah Workforce, a 100% Indigenous-owned labour hire and traffic control business, embeds cultural values and supports skill development across its workforce, making a difference both on and off the worksite.
Educators driving excellence
Great training starts with great educators. This year's VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year finalists are passionate about quality education and learner success.
In Metropolitan Queensland, Ruby Harrison supports more than 100 painting and decorating apprentices, focusing on hands-on training and gender diversity.
Brent Long (South East) delivers high-risk work training using his '3Cs Principle'—comfort, confidence, competence—making every session meaningful and engaging.
Troy Bloustien (Tropical North Queensland) is reimagining landscape and civil construction training across regional schools, communities, and correctional centres, increasing access to training where it's needed most.
Advocating for equity and leadership
These finalists aren't just excelling in their fields — they're challenging industry norms and lifting others with them.
James Doyle (Central Queensland), a proud Ghungalu Iman man and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year finalist, mentors young apprentices while balancing family, leadership and a career in civil construction.
Felicity Wadsworth (North Coast), a Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year finalist, is a passionate advocate for women in construction. Through her 'Hard Hats and Heels' podcast and leadership, she's paving the way for greater equity in the trades, all while overcoming her own personal health challenges.
Our 2025 finalists prove that construction isn't just about bricks and beams—it's about people. Through training, mentoring, innovation and advocacy, they're shaping a stronger, more inclusive Queensland.
The Queensland Training Awards recognise their stories and celebrate the training, support and opportunities that help Queenslanders succeed in the trades and beyond.
Find out more
Learn more about the Queensland Training Awards.
Last updated 8 July 2025
