Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the Central Queensland region.
Winners were announced at the regional final:
When
Saturday 20 July 2019
Where
Australian Shearing Shed, Rockhampton Heritage Village
View the Central Queensland regional final dinner program (PDF, 1.4MB).
The Central Queensland region thanks their sponsors.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Construction Skills Queensland
Regional winner: Richard O'Brien
Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician / Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control
Training provider: CQUniversity Australia
Employer: Rio Tinto Alcan - Yarwun
Richard O'Brien is a dual-qualified tradesman with an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. He demonstrated incredible dedication to his trade as he sought out professional work experience in order to secure his apprenticeship in a highly competitive field. And once he got started, Richard committed himself to achieving a high level of qualification to ensure he has a long and successful career.
Regional finalists
Saraya D'Ath
Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: BM Alliance Coal Operations Pty Ltd
Bronwyn Gurney
Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Maintenance - Diesel Fitting)
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Group training organisation: Gladstone Area Group Apprentices Ltd (GAGAL)
Host employer: Anglo American Dawson Mine
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Proudly sponsored by BUSY At Work
Regional winner: Toby Greenbury
Qualification: Certificate II in Horticulture
Training provider: CQUniversity Australia
Employer: Central Highlands Regional Council
Toby Greenbury saw his traineeship with Central Highlands Regional Council as an opportunity to change his career path, and build skills and knowledge in an industry he loves. Toby's passion for horticulture led him to seek out a qualification that would support his new career, and a better future for himself and his family. He is an advocate for the benefits of mature-age traineeships.
Regional finalists
Kira-Lee Gibson
Qualification: Certificate III in Work Health and Safety
Training provider: Orion Training
Group training organisation: Golden West Apprenticeships Limited
Host employer: SunWater Limited
Jeanette Timor
Qualification: Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management
Training provider: Horticultural Training Pty Ltd
Employer: Mackay Regional Council
Vocational Student of the Year
Proudly sponsored by SDS Training
Regional winner: Jock McDonald
Qualification: Certificate III in Civil Construction
Training provider: RAPAD Skilling
Employer: Diamantina Shire Council
Having worked in the farming industry for most of his life, Jock McDonald had a vast skills set, but no recognised qualification. Completing his Certificate III in Civil Construction has enabled Jock to convert his lifetime of experience onto paper, improving his job prospects and future career growth in the civil construction and engineering industries. He is an ambassador for the opportunities of mature-age VET.
Regional finalists
William DeVreede
Qualification: Diploma of Procurement and Contracting
Training provider: Major Training Services
Employer: Central Highlands Regional Council
Chloe Stockham
Qualification: Certificate III in Events
Training provider: RAPAD Skilling
Employer: Winton Shire Council
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Rockhampton Regional Council
Regional winner: Jeanette Timor
Qualification: Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management
Training provider: Horticultural Training Pty Ltd
Employer: Mackay Regional Council
A passion for conservation and land management led Jeanette Timor to undertake a mature-age traineeship with Macaky Regional Council, and like the plants and gardens she cultivated through her training, she has thrived in her new career path. Jeanette's particular knowledge and understanding of native plants and fauna has driven her work and continues to aid her training, which she will complete in 2019.
Regional finalists
Kaddie Chilly
Qualification: Certificate III in Business Administration
Training provider: CQUniversity Australia
Employer: Department of Education
Raymond Parlett
Qualification: Certificate III in Civil Construction
Training provider: SDS Training
Group training organisation: Capricornia Training Company Limited
Host employer: Roadtek Central Queensland
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Hastings Deering
Regional winner: Kristy Hughes
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Training provider: Health Industry Training Queensland
Employer: The Oaktree Family Medical Centre
School: Moranbah State High School
Kristy Hughes decided to undertake a school-based traineeship with The Oaktree Family Medical Centre to gain experience in the workforce and explore whether a career in health was right for her. Kristy's qualification has provided her with skills and insight into the medical industry, and reinforced her passion for health care. Having successfully completed her traineeship, Kristy hopes to study nursing at university next year.
Regional finalists
Madison Curran
Qualification: Certificate III in Dental Assisting
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: DentalCareXtra Moranbah
School: Moranbah State High School
Brenton Tomlinson
Qualification: Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
Training provider: CQUniversity Australia
Group training organisation: MRAEL Group
Host employer: Anglo American Moranbah North Coal Mine
School: Moranbah State High School
Equity VET Student of the Year
Proudly sponsored by CQUniversity Australia
Regional winner: Sahra-Jade Milner
Qualification: Certificate III in Community Services
Training provider: Designer Life
For Sahra-Jade Milner, completing a Certificate III in Community Services through the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative has given her a purpose and an avenue to achieve her goals. Influenced by her personal experiences, Sahra-Jade has developed a keen interest to work in the area of community services. She hopes to support others facing similar situations to her own to overcome the barriers they face.
Regional finalists
Selena Buckley
Qualification: Certificate III in Beauty Services
Training provider: CQUniversity Australia
Elizabeth Cassells
Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support
Training provider: Designer Life
Employer: Engedi
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited
Regional winner: Thane Williams
Employer: Marist College Emerald
As a trainer, Thane Williams embraces every opportunity to encourage his students to develop not only their skills but also a passion for hospitality. Through Thane's vision, his students have catered functions and events not previously realised due to the rural setting of Marist College Emerald. Drawing upon his extensive experience, Thane has inspired many of his students to pursue a career in hospitality.
Regional finalists
Shannon Armstrong
Employer: Designer Life
Katie Frize
Employer: Longreach State High School
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Proudly sponsored by CQUniversity Australia
Regional winner: Jobs Queensland Limited
Program: Work Skills Traineeships (SQW)
www.jobsqld.org.au
(07) 3151 5596
Jobs Queensland Limited is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation working to deliver employment and training opportunities to local jobseekers in the Central Queensland region. It is focused on providing assistance to disadvantaged and long-term unemployed people looking to get back into the workforce. Jobs Queensland Limited provides employment outcome focused services and support through the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
Regional finalists
Welcoming Intercultural Neighbours Inc
Program: Skilling Central Queensland
www.win-australia.org.au
(07) 4900 1000
Women's Health Information and Referral Service CQ Inc
Program: Confident, Inspired & Ready for Work Program (Round 2)
www.womenshealthrockhampton.com
1800 017 382
Large Employer of the Year
Proudly sponsored by MEGT (Australia) Ltd
Regional winner: Central Highlands Regional Council
www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au
1300 242 686
Central Highlands Regional Council is committed to building the capacity of its workforce by providing opportunities for employees to attain and maintain the required qualifications, and participate in ongoing skills development programs. The council offers a range of professional development and learning opportunities to ensure staff have the skills and knowledge to deliver the high-quality services the Central Highlands community have grown to expect.
Regional finalists
Civeo Pty Ltd
www.civeo.com
1300 732 911
Mackay Regional Council
www.mackay.qld.gov.au
1300 622 529
Small Employer of the Year
Proudly sponsored by MyneSight
Regional winner: Taylored Automotive Services
www.facebook.com/TayloredAutomotive
(07) 4958 2290
When it comes to training, Taylored Automotive Services has adopted a policy that encourages all staff to undertake the training they want or need to be more successful in their chosen profession, whether they are a trainee or a tradesperson. As a small business, Taylored Automotive recognised the importance of training in helping to keep ahead of the competition and supporting and maintaining quality staff members.
Regional finalists
Bright Kids After School Care
www.moranbahshs.eq.edu.au
(07) 4949 2111
Intuition The Art of Hair
www.intuitionhair.com.au
(07) 4942 2177
Last updated 22 July 2019
