Congratulations to the 11 winners and all the finalists of the South East region.
Thank you to everyone who attend the regional final held on 22 July 2023 at the Home of the Arts, Surfers Paradise.
The winners will now represent their region at the state final on 9 September 2023 in Brisbane.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Wayne Costain
Qualification: Certificate III in Printing
Training provider: Spectra Training
Group training organisation: MEGT
Host employer: PSI Screen Printing
Wayne Costain's obsession with print started with handwriting at school. He later uprooted his life in New Zealand to undertake a Certificate III in Printing with Spectra Training hosted by PSI Screen Printing. Wayne completed his apprenticeship in half the scheduled time and grew his skillset. He feels fortunate to have worked with top clients such as Marvel and Disney, and credits his apprenticeship for developing his attention to detail, leadership skills and confidence.
Regional finalists
Jayden Andrew Cross, Certificate III in Carpentry
Patrick Mellifont, Certificate III in Plumbing
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Winner: Charlotte Ross
Qualification: Certificate IV in Information Technology
Training provider: Precept Education
Employer: ONGC Systems
Charlotte Ross is an IT professional at ONGC Systems currently completing the Certificate IV in Information Technology through Precept Education. Despite undergoing a life-changing double heart surgery 2 months before beginning her training, Charlotte persevered and is now eager to take on more challenging roles including her work with groups such as BUSY At Work 'Busy Sisters' program, which empowers women in trades and boosts career prospects.
Regional finalists
Blake Hyndman-Roberts, Certificate III in Community Pharmacy
Abigail Leth, Certificate III in Hospitality
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner: Jannah Dymnycz
Qualification: Diploma of Accounting
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: PCYC Queensland
As a single mother of 3 young children looking for a stable work schedule, Jannah enrolled in an accelerated Certificate IV and Diploma of Accounting through TAFE Queensland and began working for PCYC Queensland. After positive experiences in various roles, she is now working as a grants compliance officer. Jannah values her training for its flexibility and with her strong teamwork and communication skills Jannah aspires to build her skills and career in accounting.
Regional finalists
Grace Edmonds, Diploma of Community Services
Jayme-lee Neilsen, Diploma of Nursing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Winner: Brianna Morrison
Qualification: Certificate II in Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration
Training provider: Envirotech Education
Employer: Envirotech Education
Brianna Morrison completed the marine placement program "Healing Sea Country" offered through Envirotech Education. The course, especially the fieldwork, deepened her passion and understanding of marine ecosystems, and she earned her Certificate II in Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration. She is also a 2023 Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ambassador at Cleveland State High School and now aspires to work in coral reef restoration.
Regional finalists
Emmison Jayde Fitzgerald, Certificate III in Aquatics and Community Recreation
Eli Gilsenan, Certificate III in Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Winner: Teraya Wheeler-Harwood
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: City Venue Management
Employer: City Venue Management and Miami Aquatic Centre
School: Australian Industry Trade College
With a love of swimming and the pool, Teraya Wheeler-Harwood knew she wanted to pursue a career in the industry and became a trainee at Miami Aquatic Centre. She enrolled in a Certificate III in Business under City Venue Management and learned essential skills and behaviours for her work as a lifeguard, swim teacher, and in customer service. Teraya also fund raised through Starlight Super Swim, and is a school leader who mentors younger students.
Regional finalists
Amy Hickling, Certificate III in Business
James Newman-Pace, Certificate III in Cabinet Making
Equity Student of the Year
Winner: Dean Clark
Qualification: Diploma of Sport (Coaching and Sport Development)
Training provider: GeSS Education
Group training organisation: Fit Education
Employer: Titans Gold Coast
Dean Clark is overcoming a brain injury and pursuing a Diploma of Sport through GeSS Education. After a decade of limited employment and relying on a disability pension, Dean joined the Gold Coast Titans Physical Disability Rugby League. The routine and exercise improved his memory and he took on assistant coaching duties alongside his studies. He credits his success to the encouragement of his partner, his sports trainer, and the individualised learning and assessment options he received.
Regional finalists
Siobhan Dansby, Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways
Blake Dempsey, Certificate III in Business
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Winner: Katya Holker
Katya Holker is a successful business trainer and consultant with almost a decade of experience. Finding her passion in the practical and hands-on approach of VET and its culture of continuous learning and improvement, Katya spent the past 5 years delivering business and foundation training at Kings Trade Training Centre. Katya is known for creating customised training programs and has helped to introduce new technologies and methodologies to enhance training and assessment outcomes.
Regional finalists
Christine Estelle Dellit
Philip Simon
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Winner: Everything Suarve
Program: Big Brother Programs
www.esuarve.com.au
Everything Suarve's Big Brother Program, funded under Skilling Queenslanders for Work, aims to address youth crime by supporting at-risk and disengaged youth. During the 13-week program, participants complete a Certificate I in Construction, a first aid course, and learn resume and interview skills, while focusing on their holistic mental health and well-being. The program's partnerships with stakeholders, local businesses and training organisations supports good outcomes for participants.
Regional finalists
Abilities Plus Learning By Doing – Abilities Plus—Learning By Doing
Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast – Work Towards
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: Riviera Australia
www.rivieraaustralia.com
(07) 5502 5409
Riviera is Australia's largest luxury motor yacht builder and employs over 900 people, including 92 full-time apprentices and 20 school-based apprentices, in diverse trades including electrotechnology, engineering and upholstery. Riviera offers apprentices a unique program for personal and career development where master craftspeople and senior management share their knowledge, experience, and skills. This creates a team environment that supports diversity and employee retention.
Regional finalists
City Venue Management
G8 Education
Medium Employer of the Year
Winner: All Purpose Transport
www.allpurpose.com.au
(07) 3719 2111
Established in 1975, All Purpose Transport has become one of Queensland's largest privately owned transport companies, employing over 100 staff and 260 owner-drivers. Its training program 'Project APT', is now in its 11th year and provides the opportunity to earn a qualification. Over 500 workers have received a certificate III or higher qualification, fostering a skilled and competitive workforce resulting in business growth, industry recognition, and improve customer satisfaction.
Regional finalists
Bittn
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Small Employer of the Year
Winner: Hope Island 7 Day Amcal Chemist
www.amcal.com.au
(07) 5530 8653
Hope Island 7 Day Amcal Chemist is a growing community-focused pharmacy. Its commitment to training pathways includes supporting pharmacist internships, traineeships and other opportunities for employees. It has also employed 6 pharmacy students and hosted school and university placement students. With established partnerships to deliver innovative training programs including online portals, workshops, and seminars, staff can provide quality care for patients and customers.
Regional finalists
Little Snappers Swim Schools
SeedsOfLife Organic Wholefoods Australia
Last updated 23 July 2023
