Congratulations to Darling Downs South West's 2024 regional winners and finalists.
The regional final was held on 19 July 2024 at the Kingaroy Town Hall.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Caitlin Baxter
Qualification: Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Encores Restaurant at the Empire
Inspired by her parents' love of cooking, Caitlin completed a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations at high school and secured an apprentice chef role at Encores in Toowoomba. Overcoming some initial anxiety she adapted to the fast pace and now thrives in it. She honed her skills and earned a reputation as a fast learner. Caitlin has taken on leadership and mentoring roles, giving her extra responsibilities to develop special dishes and work with suppliers around pricing and product sampling.
Finalists
Jesse Eiser, Certificate III in Carpentry
Keelie Sander, Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Winner: Tania Langton
Qualification: Certificate III in Water Industry Operations
Training provider: Water Training Australia
Group training organisation: MIGAS Apprentices and Trainees
Host employer: Origin Energy
Tania's passion to give back to her community led her to a traineeship in water operations with Origin Energy. Tania excelled in her traineeship completing her theory and practical learning 8 months early, earning a Top Performer Award. Tania mentors others, advocates for women in STEM, and promotes environmental and safety initiatives. She is training with the Origin emergency response team and focuses on diagnosing water treatment technical issues.
Finalists
Karl Bidgood, Certificate III in Work Health and Safety
Bianca Yarrow, Certificate III in Business
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner: Dallas Sykes
Qualification: Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Training provider: Spec Training
Employer: Gimbal Group Services
With nearly 30 years in the automotive and engineering industries, Dallas transitioned from senior operations management to vocational training. Passionate about apprentice growth and the importance of attracting and retaining skilled workers, he secured a scholarship and earnt a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Dallas is now implementing innovative training delivery methods and is engaging with apprentices and stakeholders to give back to the industries he loves.
Finalists
Morgan Burness, Certificate II in Community Services
Max Grills, Certificate III in Fitness
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Winner: Courtney McConville
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Sportsready Education
Employer: Western Downs Regional Council
A proud Mithaka and Gungarri woman, Courtney has excelled as a business trainee at Western Downs Regional Council, completing her qualification in just 5 months. Courtney worked on numerous community events and projects during her traineeship, including Indigenous upgrades to the Chinchilla Botanic Parkland, and has now become a full-time administration officer. Following her traineeship Courtney has purchased her first home and is proud to support her community through her job.
Finalists
Iris-Jean Blow, Certificate III in Business
Terence Porter, Certificate III in Carpentry
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Winner: Jacinta Morice
Qualification: Certificate III in Carpentry
School: Capricornia School of Distance Education
Training provider: Blue Dog Training
Employer: Teton Construction and Maintenance
Jacinta's dream of working in construction traces back to her childhood, where she grew up on a farm and gained hands-on experience working alongside her dad. As a school-based apprentice, Jacinta has worked on diverse projects including a Dalby library. Jacinta's work ethic, attention to detail, teamwork and attitude have helped her balance school and apprenticeship commitments. She hopes her resilience and story inspires others, especially women, to consider a trade qualification.
Finalists
Kaitlyn Greenhalgh, Certificate II in Animal Care
Ethan Strout, Certificate III in Engineering
Equity Student of the Year
Winner: Elizabeth Scott
Qualification: Certificate II in Animal Care
Training provider: UQ Skills
Lizzie's passion for animals helped her overcome numerous learning barriers to pursue her dream of working in a veterinary clinic. Despite physical and intellectual diagnoses making formal education challenging, Lizzie completed her Certificate II in Animal Care. With the unwavering support of her mother, along with her high school and UQ Skills, she excelled. Having developed her optimism, resilience and hard work, Lizzie now plans to start her own dog-walking business.
Finalists
Charlotte Beveridge, Certificate III in Agriculture
Jayson Passmore, Certificate III in Community Services
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Winner: Rob Hamilton
Employer: Aurora Training Institute
As a VET teacher with vast industry experience in hospitality, tourism, events and business, Rob develops and delivers innovative training programs, including simulated cafe environments, to enhance student engagement and skills. He aligns training and assessment with national standards and integrates online learning platforms ensuring high-quality, relevant student outcomes. Rob is committed to student success, industry engagement, mentoring and continuous professional development.
Finalists
Louis Fairbairn, TAFE Queensland
Heidi Wilson, TAFE Queensland
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Winner: SDIEA (Southern Downs Industry Education Association)
Program name: Eat, Shop, Stay Local Guide
The not-for-profit, community-based organisation is funded by the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to deliver training programs to disadvantaged Queenslanders. In 2023, 10 business trainees produced the 'Eat, Shop, Stay Local Guide' for visitors to the Warwick region. The project provided the trainees with project management skills, practical student learning opportunities, and partnerships with local businesses, which fostered positive community outcomes.
Finalists
BASE Services – 2nd Shot
Gateway to Training – Ready Steady Go!
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: Western Downs Regional Council
More than 700 employees at the Western Downs Regional Council are offered diverse personal and professional training. The council offers a range of apprenticeships and traineeships that fosters early career development. A Learning and Development Strategy includes programs like Grow@Work and Level Up Mentoring, aimed at education, cross-skilling, talent development and increasing youth employment. A focus mental health and well-being, ensures the creation of a skilled and dynamic workforce.
Finalists
M&H Ward Group (McDonalds Toowoomba Region)
Toowoomba Regional Council
Medium Employer of the Year
Winner: Global Engineering & Construction
The Kingaroy-based engineering and construction company, specialising in remote oil and gas construction, prioritises workforce training. Currently a third of the staff are in nationally accredited courses. Skill development, safety, and career growth for the predominately fly in/fly out workforce is supported by on-site training advisors maintaining completion rates and reducing training costs. Other training initiatives provide upskilling, leadership, and permanent employment opportunities.
Finalists
BLASK Engineering
NRG Services
Small Employer of the Year
Winner: Favier Building Industries
Their slogan 'Built on Reputation' reflects the Kingaroy-based company's commitment to maintaining high standards in their work, which extends to employee training. All 13 employees have either completed or are enrolled in apprenticeships and traineeships. A feature of their strategy is bringing training providers to Kingaroy, eliminating the need for employees to travel. The company supports work experience students and the wider community through charitable activities and sponsorships.
Finalists
Kingaroy Refrigeration Air Conditioning & Electrical
Power Mate Electrics
Last updated 19 July 2024
