Congratulations to Metropolitan's 2024 regional winners and finalists.
The regional final was held on 5 July 2024 at Brisbane City Hall.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Harry Roberts
Qualification: Certificate III in Arboriculture
Training provider: Interlink
Employer: Brisbane City Council
Harry's passion for the environment has propelled him into a successful career with council's arborist team after completing his certificate 12 months ahead of schedule. He won the Customer Service Award at the 2023 Lord Mayor's Apprentice of the Year awards for providing lifesaving first aid to a member of the public. Harry has engaged in further arboriculture and climbing training to develop his skills further and progressed to leading teams safety through challenging jobs.
Finalists
Angela Jones, Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)
Madonna Tyler, Certificate III in Signs and Graphics
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Winner: Daniel Foster
Qualification: Diploma of Business
Training provider: Australian College of Higher Studies
Employer: The Centre for Men and Families
Daniel's dedication to the not-for-profit sector led him to volunteer at The Centre for Men and Families in 2019. He pursued a traineeship in business management to bridge the gap between volunteers and qualified staff. Through his training, he gained skills in budgeting, strategic planning, and resource allocation that supported his employer's operations. Facing challenges he balanced his family, work and study responsibilities, demonstrating his resilience and commitment.
Finalists
Shelby Barney, Certificate III in Business
Justin Jacobsen, Certificate I in Workplace Skills
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner: Atong Koot
Qualifications: Certificate III in Individual Support / Certificate III in Business / Certificate III in Sport and Recreation / Certificate II in Salon Assistance
Training providers: Celtic Training and Consultancy, Binnacle Training
Atong's inspiring training journey began as a refugee from Sudan, learning to speak English and now completing Year 12 while studying multiple qualifications. She ultimately aims to become a nurse and make her mother proud. Despite facing numerous challenges, Atong has honed her communication, leadership and study skills while juggling school, her work, and being a role model to young African women involved in the cultural dance group at her school.
Finalists
Madisyn Blacker, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance / Certificate III in Business / Certificate III in Fitness / Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation
Joshua Rimmer, Certificate III in Screen and Media
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Winner: Shelby Barney
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Axiom College
Group training organisation: Australian Training Works Group
Host employer: Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works
Shelby is a Woppaburra and Wakka Wakka woman who is proud to be a role model for her nieces and aims to inspire the wider community. As a trainee with the Queensland Government she has contributed to projects and topics that have expanded her understanding and confidence. Her studies have helped her to present to senior leaders, produce content for departmental communications and engage with the community. Shelby has also been selected for Indigenous Queensland and Australian netball teams.
Finalists
Taryn Anno, Certificate III in Business
Mikahlia Saltner, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Winner: Ryan Wareham
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
School: Northpine Christian College
Training provider: SWC Training
Group training organisation: Australian Training Company
Host employer: Metro North Health – Caboolture Hospital
Ryan has explored the vast disciplines of nursing while completing a school-based apprenticeship with Caboolture Hospital. Inspired by the nursing stories of his mother and grandmother, Ryan completed his qualification while also working as a manager at McDonald's. Carrying out daily patient care and honing his skills in flexibility and communication reaffirmed his passion for serving others and has kindled a flame for him to become a Registered Nurse after completing high school.
Finalists
Tadium Richardson, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Oliver Weinert, Certificate III in Carpentry
Equity Student of the Year
Winner: Liam Santos
Qualification: Certificate III in Hospitality
Training provider: Training Unlimited
Employer: Hungry Jack's
Liam faced various challenges transitioning from home-schooling to the workforce. Supported by his Filipino heritage and a strong network including his managers, parents, and colleagues at Hungry Jack's, he overcame his barriers during his traineeship. Liam's proactive approach saw him promoted to crew coach and take on further training, enhancing his skills and confidence. His goal to pursue further vocational training reflects his resilience and commitment.
Finalists
Ella Cooper, Certificate II in Hospitality / Certificate II in Tourism / Certificate III in Business
Catherine Kunkel, Certificate II in Community Pharmacy
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Winner: Tanu Jayaswal
Employer: Australian International Islamic College
Tanu's experience and qualifications have prepared her to work as a trainer, administrator, career advisor and RTO manager for the Australian International Islamic College. She oversees the training and career pathways of over 200 students, often assisting non-native English speakers and those with trauma backgrounds. Tanu organises innovative projects that enhance student engagement and leadership skills and increase industry and government collaborations that support job placements.
Finalists
Stuart Alexander, Irrigation Australia
Ryan McMahon, Aviation Australia
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Winner: SunnyFutures, Sunnybank State High School Parents & Citizens' Association
Program name: SunnyFutures Ready for Work
Supporting early school leavers and individuals aged 15-65 to transition into employment, this program provides individual case management that addresses family situations and cultural diversity. SunnyFutures ensures sustainable employment outcomes by preparing participants for the changing world of work. Partnering with local employers, they provide job matching, training, and post-placement support that has recorded a 98% employment rate for participants.
Finalists
Beyond DV – New Pathways First Steps
Mount Gravatt Community Centre – School and Work
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: 99 Bikes
Through 99 Bikes Business School and The Bicycle Academy, staff can take on business traineeships or bicycle workshop operations apprenticeships as well as further training with external providers, including retail and management qualifications. Its on-staff trainers hold Cytech Master Technician status, an internationally-recognised accreditation for bicycle technicians, who demonstrate 99 Bikes' commitment to develop the Australian bicycle industry's skills.
Finalists
Churches of Christ
Hungry Jack's
Medium Employer of the Year
Winner: WIRED
Providing complete overhead wiring to Australia's railway industry, the company pioneered a Power Traction Linesperson Apprenticeship program, in collaboration with partners, and provides hands-on training and mentoring from its own state-of-the-art facility. WIRED has also developed tailored learning modules that cater to diverse learning styles and enhance outcomes. Its 50 employees share their experience through a mentoring program and work together on 'practice runs' or real-world projects.
Finalists
AD Close Group
Jimmy Rod's Barbershop
Small Employer of the Year
Winner: CRA Construction
This Geebung-based plastering business prioritises training for its 18 staff members. Owners Chris and Kim have developed their own business skills and currently employ 6 apprentices with 3 plasterers training to become dual-trade qualified in carpentry. CRA has also committed to the Awesome Women in Construction program providing job opportunities and work experience to those considering a career in the industry. The business has seen strong returns from its training investment.
Finalists
Beau Gordon Hair
Blondee
Last updated 23 July 2024
