Congratulations to the North Coast region's 2025 regional winners and finalists.
The regional final was held on 25 July 2025 at the Maroochy RSL, Maroochydore.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Kayla Benton
Qualification: Certificate III in Hairdressing
Training provider: MIG Training
Employer: Becky B Hair and Beauty North Lakes
Kayla has shown resilience and dedication balancing motherhood, work and study. Excelling in theory and practice, she's become a skilled stylist and emerging leader, mentoring juniors and co-managing the salon. Committed to growth, she's enrolled in advanced programs like the Redken Certified Colourist and Kérastase Care Coach, positioning herself as a future industry leader.
Finalists
Andrew Blanchard, Certificate III in Carpentry
Jayden Maguire, Certificate III in Carpentry
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Winner: Felicity Wadsworth
Qualification: Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Construction and Maintenance)
Training provider: Orbus 3
Employer: GTO - Community Solutions
Host employer: RoadTek
Felicity pursued a qualification in Civil Construction, where she not only excelled in her role but also served as Acting Leading Hand despite undergoing cancer treatment. She has been a strong advocate for gender equity within the industry, founding the 'Hard Hats and Heels' podcast to mentor women in construction. Felicity's leadership, resilience and efforts to break industry stereotypes have made her a powerful role model for others.
Finalists
Angus Dymock, Certificate I in Workplace Skills
Syafrida Suprihatin, Certificate IV in Laboratory Technology
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner: Tracey MacDonald
Qualification: Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs / Diploma of Mental Health
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: DrugARM (Awareness Rehabilitation Management)
Tracey completed advanced studies in mental health and substance support, using her lived experience to assist clients as a caseworker at DrugARM. She delivers programs in correctional facilities with empathy, helping break addiction cycles. Her dedication to lifelong learning and advocacy for others illustrates the impact of vocational education in fostering positive community change and personal growth.
Finalists
Syafrida Suprihatin, Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Naomi Wilson, Certificate II in Drilling Operations
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Winner: Levi AhSee
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Training provider: Connect 'n' Grow
Employer: Seed Employment
Host employer: Nambour General Hospital
A proud Wiradjuri man, Levi is completing his qualification through the Deadly Start Education2Employment program. Passionate about supporting rural communities, Levi has developed strong communication and leadership skills through his traineeship and volunteer work with Headspace. As an Indigenous leader at school, Levi inspires others to break stereotypes and pursue opportunities in healthcare. He is committed to making a positive impact on his community and future patients.
Finalists
Alexis Boyd, Certificate III in Business
Bianca Damrow, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Winner: Joel McLachlan
Qualification: Certificate III in Carpentry
Training provider: Inscope Training Pty Ltd
Employer: McLachlan Homes
School: St Columban's College (Caboolture)
Joel, a school-based apprentice from St Columban's College, is completing his qualification through Inscope Training. Working in his family business McLachlan Homes, he gains hands-on experience while demonstrating his strong work ethic and passion for the trade. Joel is also completing a Certificate III in Business in the hope of following in his father's footsteps to one day lead and grow the business.
Finalists
Mason Blacker, Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation
Zoe McTaggart, Certificate III in Business
Equity Student of the Year
Winner: Jodie Mackey
Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
Training provider: Fraser Coast – Training Employment Support Service
Employer: Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety
Jodie transformed her life through vocational education and training after surviving domestic violence and living with posttraumatic stress disorder. As a carer to children with complex needs, she returned to study in the hope of finding a career that would provide personal fulfilment and the opportunity to give back in community services, and secured work as a Residential Care Officer. Her lived experience fuels her compassion and resilience, making her a powerful advocate for those in need.
Finalists
Kayla Benton, Certificate III in Hairdressing
Lilly-Pearl Hancock, Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Winner: Shaun Andrews-Close
Employer: CTA Training Specialists
Shaun delivers high-quality hospitality, business and first aid training tailored to diverse learners across the North Coast. He spearheaded CTA's first aid program and led leadership projects like Project Eclipse for community club managers. Shaun's practical, student-focused approach and strong industry engagement make him a cornerstone of CTA’s training team and a much-loved figure in the region.
Finalists
Kirsten Drinne, Education Queensland (Nambour State College)
Dean Kent, Allen's Training
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Winner: Five Bridges
Program: Making Tracks Security Program
This program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the security industry. Participants gain qualifications in Certificate II in Security Operations and responsible service of alcohol, with guaranteed job offers. Making Tracks is a movement for systemic change – reshaping perceptions, promoting cultural integrity and strengthening community leadership. Participants emerge as role models, breaking cycles and building proud, purpose-driven futures for themselves and their communities.
Finalists
Community Foundation Skills – Five Bridges
Forgeahead Program – Chatsworth Park Ranch
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: Sesame Lane
Sesame Lane champions professional growth through comprehensive training programs for early childhood educators. With over 80 trainees supported through partnerships with TAFE Queensland and Swinburne University, employees gain nationally recognised qualifications. Enterprise initiatives like the RISE UP leadership program, behavioural learning workshops and the SelfCare @ Sesame Lane wellbeing program enhance skills and job satisfaction, promoting high-quality care across the region.
Finalists
City of Moreton Bay
Fraser Coast Regional Council
Medium Employer of the Year
Winner: Eckersley Print Group
Family owned and operated for over 50 years, Eckersley Print Group (EPG) is a recognised leader in Queensland's printing industry, celebrated with state and national awards for print excellence, creative design, customer service and environmental sustainability. From design and digital printing to branded merchandise, signage and logistics, EPG offers end-to-end solutions while fostering a strong culture of learning. Their proactive Apprentice Program is revitalising the sector – attracting new talent and securing the future of print.
Finalists
Bundaberg Motor Group
ECOllaboration
Small Employer of the Year
Winner: Becky B Hair
With 17 staff across two locations, Becky B Hair offers structured in-house training and external course access as a training hub committed to upskilling the next generation of hairdressers. Inspired by medical training models, their 'training hospital' includes job shadowing, personalised mentorship and partnerships with Redken and Kérastase. Focused on inclusivity and continuous learning, Becky B Hair empowers their team to deliver exceptional client experiences and fosters industry growth.
Finalists
Sunshine Coast Art and Framing Gallery
Tanners Electrical Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Last updated 28 July 2025
