Congratulations to North Queensland's 2024 regional winners and finalists.
The regional final was held on 20 July 2024 at Rydges Southbank, Townsville.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Sean Malcolm
Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Townsville City Council
Influenced by his electrician father, Sean chose a hands-on career in the electrical industry over going to university. Interested by the ongoing professional development needed in this field, he gained extensive knowledge working with Townsville City Council and working with different trades on projects improved his teamwork and communication skills. Sean has taken on the Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control to expand his skillset and is excited by the options to build his career.
Finalists
Callum James, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Devon Van Der Watt, Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Winner: Jennifer Cutler
Qualification: Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations
Training provider: Major Training
Employer: Hillery Group
Jennifer started with Hillery Group as a casual labourer and enjoyed the work so much that she was offered a full-time job. During her traineeship in Hillery Group's quarrying department, she learned to operate various machinery and the crushing plant. Excelling in a traditionally male sector, she has gathered extensive knowledge and applied safety principles while thriving in the heat and dust. Her achievements have led to her appointment as Trainee Supervisor, where she now supports others.
Finalists
Liam Brand, Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
Cynthia Hammond, Certificate I in Workplace Skills
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner: Candice Fraser
Qualification: Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Candice, who now holds 7 vocational qualifications, deeply values training, which has been instrumental in her role as the Coordinator of Learning and Development at Townsville City Council. While also raising 4 children and managing a small business she was often studying around sporting fields and music recitals. Her commitment supported her work guiding council's 1,700 employees, her own career progression and demonstrates her commitment to lifelong learning.
Finalists
Leigh Brown, Certificate IV in Disability
Kelly Vidler, Diploma of Hospitality Management
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Winner: Clayton Lavis
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Aurora Training Institute
Group training organisation: Community Solutions
Host employer: Pacific Rim Technical Services
Feeling unfulfilled at university, Clayton completed a civil construction traineeship before deciding his future lay in an office environment. Securing a traineeship at Pacific Rim Technical Services, his enjoyment of expanding his business skills was increased because of the complex work he was supporting. Having bounced between different careers, he has started a full-time position with his employer and shares with his younger siblings and peers how traineeships helped him find the right path.
Finalists
Tina Newman, Certificate III in Business Administration
Breeanna Parker, Certificate III in Rural Operations
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Winner: Kash Harrison-Douglas
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
School: Cloncurry State School P–12
Training provider: Martyr Training Services
Employer: Jomera
While working at Cloncurry Airport, Kash transitioned his part-time job into a school-based traineeship that included aviation electives. This training enhances his skills in ground-handling activities and customer service, which supports his goal to become a commercial pilot. Kash manages his time and commitments, even taking on a second part-time job to finance his flying lesson. His initiative and leadership have earnt him recognition, through Landline on the ABC and an Australia Day Award.
Finalists
Ella Lipscomb, Certificate III in Hospitality
Rio Withyman, Certificate III in Maritime Operations
Equity Student of the Year
Winner: Chloe Keep
Qualification: Certificate III in Hairdressing
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Fringe Hair
Chloe started her hairdressing apprenticeship at 16 years old but was interrupted by salon closures, motherhood and moving with her husband's military career. Returning to her passion after 15 years, Chloe again faced challenges, including a broken finger and family responsibilities, but when her employer wanted to sell the salon she was able to purchase the business. Now qualified and a salon owner, she aims to support training for others to give back to the industry.
Finalists
Artemis Nash, Certificate I in Workplace Skills
Teresa Torcelino, Certificate IV in Hospitality
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Winner: Rebecca Hoffensetz
Employer: The Ville Resort–Casino
After a first taste of training as a teenager working at McDonald's, Rebecca is now Learning and Development Coordinator at The Ville Resort–Casino. She mentors staff from induction to leadership roles and implemented a development strategy and Leadership Excellence Program while coordinating work placements, community and VET collaborations, and a school-based traineeship initiative. A dedication to her own professional learning has led to success in the hospitality sector.
Finalists
Sandra Guy, TAFE Queensland
Ann Hurst, Breakthru College
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Winner: Breakthru College
Program name: Community Work Skills
The national not-for-profit college empowers people through programs that address mental health, unemployment, disability, and homelessness. Focusing on those most in need, their Empowering Disability program, saw 30 Townsville participants undertake accredited training. The Skilling Queenslanders for Work program achieved high completion and employment rates. Breakthru College collaborates with various organisations offering job opportunities or further study pathways.
Finalists
North Queensland Cowboys – Cowboys Dream, Believe, Achieve
PCYC Whitsundays – Get Set for Work Program
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: The Ville Resort–Casino
North Queensland's largest private employer with more than 1,000 employees invests heavily in training and development. Its partnership with CTA Training Specialists provides short certifications in areas including first aid, high-risk licences, table games and negotiating conflict. The Ville fosters an inclusive workforce and environment and is committed to community engagement and leadership development to ensure continuous workforce improvement.
Finalist
Townsville City Council
Medium Employer of the Year
Winner: Cowboys Leagues Club
The Cowboys Leagues Club supports the Cowboys Rugby League Football Club and the broader Townsville community through its operations and community engagement. It fosters a skilled and dedicated workforce via school-based traineeships, apprenticeships and further training including the Diploma of Leadership and Management, which was added in 2024. The club is committed to equity in training, supporting under-represented groups, and creating a supportive workplace culture.
Finalists
Brothers Leagues Club Townsville
Pacific Marine Group
Last updated 20 July 2024
