Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the North Queensland region.
Winners were announced at the regional final on Friday, 8 July 2022.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Regional winner: Evan Crisafulli
Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
Training provider: Hastings Deering
Employer: Hastings Deering
Evan Crisafulli is a third-generation sugar cane farmer who grew up following his dad around the family farm and often worked as a haul-out operator. This established a love of mechanical machinery and Evan knew this was what he wanted to do for a career.
While in Year 12, Evan successfully applied for an apprenticeship with Hastings Deering and is now a fully qualified diesel fitter in a leadership position within Hastings Deering in Mackay.
Regional finalists
Hannah Carle, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Brian Menz, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Regional winner: Holly Sherman
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Learning Partnerships
Employer: Townsville City Council
Holly Sherman successfully completed a Certificate III in Business with Townsville City Council in January 2022.
Undertaking a traineeship in business was an easy decision for Holly, as she felt this area of training offered a diverse skill set that would support her throughout her career.
Gaining these skills and work experience has created opportunities for Holly, and she's excited to start her post-school career.
Regional finalists
Kayleigh Bull, Diploma of Hospitality Management
Monica Hahn, Certificate I in Business
Vocational Student of the Year
Regional winner: Nissa Lalor
Qualification: Certificate IV in Hospitality
Training provider: Tactical Training Group
Employer: The Ville Resort – Casino
Nissa Lalor's training pathway has allowed her to build a career in the hospitality industry and advance her employment opportunities.
After starting as a steward at The Ville Resort – Casino at just 19, Nissa quickly built a reputation as a reliable and enthusiastic leader in her team.
Having now completed her Certificate IV in Hospitality, Nissa is currently enjoying her role as interim chief steward.
Regional finalists
Peter George, Certificate III in Fitness
Myika Martin-Colliss, Diploma of Hospitality Management
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Regional winner: Myika Martin-Colliss
Qualification: Diploma of Hospitality Management
Training provider: CTA Training Specialists
Employer: Cowboys Leagues Club
Myika Martin-Colliss is proud to be an advocate for training pathways.
After returning to Townsville to help support her family and community, Myika completed a Certificate III in Hospitality through the Dream Believe Achieve program and gained employment at the Cowboys Leagues Club, where she was promoted to cafe supervisor.
Myika remains focused on building her hospitality career, completing a Diploma of Hospitality Management this year.
Regional finalists
Sha-Kia Miller, Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical)
Holly Sherman, Certificate III in Business
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Regional winner: Caleb Baker
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Training provider: Connect 'n' Grow
Employer: Mater Private Hospital Townsville
School: Thuringowa State High School
Caleb Baker chose to undertake a school-based traineeship to pursue his interest in health services.
As a proud young Indigenous man, Caleb is passionate about closing the gap in health, wellbeing, education and employment. He is hopeful that his Certificate III in Health Services Assistance will provide practical skills and experience that will support his future university study and career goals.
Regional finalists
Braiden Driscoll, Certificate III in Carpentry
Max Pye, Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Regional winner: Ronelle Sheehan
Employer: TAFE Queensland
Ronelle Sheehan is a dedicated VET teacher who is passionate about training, particularly in the adult learning space.
Currently specialising in health and aged care, Ronelle delivers the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance and the Certificate II in Health Support Services.
In 2021, she was instrumental in the health and aged care industry's response to COVID-19, delivering state-wide Infection Control Skills Set training across North Queensland.
Regional finalists
Christopher Cave, CTA Training Specialists
Rebecca Hoffensetz, The Ville Resort – Casino
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Regional winner: Seed Foundation Australia
Program: Indigenous Support Services
www.seedfoundationaustralia.com.au
(07) 4728 5041
Seed Foundation Australia is a not for profit organisation providing high quality education and support services for Indigenous students looking to pursue a career in health or social services, to improve the health and wellbeing of Australia's First Peoples.
Its First Peoples Health Program is aimed at building Australia's future Indigenous health workforce, and is delivered through secondary schools in 50 regional and remote communities across Queensland.
Large Employer of the Year
Regional winner: Townsville City Council
www.townsville.qld.gov.au
13 48 10
Townsville City Council is creating a sustainable future for the city it serves.
To ensure its workforce is adequately skilled in performing their jobs for the community, the council has built a training framework that encourages and supports its employees to complete nationally recognised qualifications.
It is dedicated to the continuous development of a compliant and competent workforce that can deliver vital quality services to its residents.
Regional finalists
The Ville Resort – Casino
Whitsunday Regional Council
Medium Employer of the Year
Regional winner: Mendi Group
mendi.com.au
(07) 4774 4175
Mendi Group is a locally owned and operated civil construction business, employing local personnel, labour and operators. It has been building skills through training within the Queensland civil construction industry for more than 60 years.
Mendi Group works in collaboration with training organisations to ensure its experienced and diverse workforce have the training and support they need to meet market demands and its clients' needs.
Regional finalists
Cowboys Leagues Club
Pacific Marine Group
Small Employer of the Year
Regional winner: R.H.D Classic Supplies and Services
www.rhdclassic.com.au
(07) 4779 1340
R.H D. Classic Supplies and Services is a locally owned and operated motorcycle repair business. R.H.D.’s commitment to training comes from its passionate staff members who are focused on providing the best possible service to their customers.
In 2020, R.H.D. brought on its first apprentice and was proud to see him transform through training, from a disengaged teenager to being nominated twice as the apprentice of the month by his trainers at the MTA Institute.
Regional finalist
KP Fitness Centre
Last updated 8 July 2022
