Congratulations to the 2018 winners and finalists of the South East region.
Winners were announced at the regional final:
When
Friday 20 July 2018
Where
Movie World
View the South East regional final dinner program (PDF, 2MB).
The South East region thanks their sponsors.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Gold Coast School of Construction
Regional winner: Alexander Easterby
Qualification: Certificate III in Carpentry
Training provider: Blue Dog Training
Employer: Solent Building and Carpentry
Alexander Easterby knew early on that he wanted to work in a trade. Visiting his uncle's cabinet making workshop, he would find scrap timber and build whatever he could from it. Supported by his school's VET program, he sought out a school-based apprenticeship as soon as he reached Year 10. He is now a fully qualified carpenter, and as passionate about building as ever.
Regional finalists
Maddison Follers
Qualification: Certificate III in Hairdressing
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Fancy Hair Studio
Carl Sullivan
Qualification: Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Surfers City Holden
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Proudly sponsored by BUSY At Work
Regional winner: Georgia Handley
Qualification: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Training provider: Australian Hospitality Skills Recognition
Employer: Aussie Adventures Childcare Centres
Georgia Handley's passion for early childhood education developed from an interest in the developmental stages of the brain in childhood. And while this could have taken her down a number of different career paths, Georgia's completion of her Certificate III has confirmed her desire to continue her training as an educator, supporting kids in their earliest stages of development and learning.
Regional finalists
Tahlya Anderson
Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Group training organisation: The Maxima Group Incorporated
Host employer: Logan Hospital
Oliver Lee
Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Group training organisation: The Maxima Group Incorporated
Host employer: Logan Hospital
Vocational Student of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Multilink Community Services
Regional winner: Odin Lowsley
Qualification: Diploma of Graphic Design
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
After completing a Certificate III in Multimedia in Year 10, Odin Lowsley went on to study a full-time Diploma of Graphic Design at TAFE Queensland, rather than continue to Year 11. Odin graduated top of his class, with work experience and awards under his belt. Using his VET qualification as a stepping stone, he was accepted to study a dual degree at Griffith University at just 16.
Regional finalists
Nixon Brass
Qualification: Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Training provider: Brisbane Business & Hospitality Training
Employer: National Trust Australia (Queensland) - Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Michelle Gee
Qualification: Diploma of Legal Services
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Queensland Ambulance Service
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Australian Industry Trade College
Regional winner: Tatyana King-Smith
Qualification: Certificate III in Fitness / Certificate IV in Fitness
Training provider: Fit Education
Tatyana King-Smith completed her Certificate III and IV in Fitness while still at school, which helped her gain acceptance to Bond University's Diploma and Bachelor of Sport Management. Before commencing her studies in 2018, she returned to her home town of Weipa to use her newly acquired knowledge and skills to develop a program addressing critical health and fitness issues in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Regional finalists
Aaryn Dejong
Qualification: Certificate III in Hospitality
Training provider: Prestige Service Training
Principal employer organisation: Prestige Service Training
Host employer: Coffee Club Jimboomba
School: Parklands Christian College
Bellah Lattenstein
Qualification: Certificate III in Hospitality
Training provider: Prestige Service Training
Principal employer organisation: Prestige Service Training
Host employer: Presto's Cafe
School: Southport State High School
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Proudly sponsored by TAFE Queensland
Regional winner: Matthew Gardiner
Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Riviera Australia Pty Ltd
School: Varsity College
With a lifelong love of the water, Matthew Gardiner knew that his career path lay in the marine industry. For Matthew, each training qualification he completed presented a new opportunity, and he was thrilled when he learnt that Riviera would be offering school-based apprenticeships in 2018. After undertaking a period of work experience, applications and interviews, Matthew was accepted as a marine diesel fitting apprentice.
Regional finalists
Connie Bourne
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Prestige Service Training
Principal employer organisation: Prestige Service Training
Host employer: Wholesale Toners Australia
School: Robina State High School
Ashlyn Shoesmith
Qualification: Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Tamborine Mountain Optometrists
School: Australian Industry Trade College
Equity VET Student of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Redland City Council
Regional winner: Corina Macpherson
Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
Training provider: FSG Australia
Employer: FSG Australia
Corina Macpherson was inspired to gain her qualification by her experience as a carer for her daughter, who had epilepsy. Corina is a passionate advocate for the VET system and the positive effect it has had on her life. She believes her Certificate III in Individual Support training has provided her with the skills and knowledge to support not only her clients, but also her fellow carers.
Regional finalists
Cabrini Dougherty
Qualification: Certificate II in Hospitality
Training provider: Quality Training and Hospitality College
Employer: Youth Connections Group
Host employer: Paradise Resort Surfers Paradise
School: Southport State High School
Jessica Wilson
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Orion Training
Employer: Youth Connections Group
Host employer: EyeBiz, Upper Coomera
School: Southport State High School
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Proudly sponsored by The Star Entertainment Group
Regional winner: Sara Charleson
Employer: Aurora Training Institute
Sara Charleson's ability to empathise with her students is part of what makes her such an excellent VET trainer, and a trusted mentor for those who have come back from similarly challenging backgrounds. She injects humour and real-world examples into every class, drawing on her vast experience in hospitality and business operations. Sara believes that a strong VET industry invariably leads to better outcomes for students.
Regional finalists
Michelle Ninness
Employer: FSG Australia
Peter Whitehouse
Employer: Helensvale State High School
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Proudly sponsored by MRAEL
Regional winner: Running Wild.. Youth Conservation Culture Inc
Program: Macleay Island Campground
www.runningwild.org.au
0407 555 878
Running Wild is an organisation promoting social cohesion and positive employment outcomes for the local people of the Southern Moreton Bay islands. The Macleay Island Campground project, funded through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, provides a chance for disadvantaged jobseekers to engage in meaningful community contributions and gain valuable knowledge and skills in a realistic work environment, so that they can find local employment opportunities.
Regional finalists
The Migrant Centre Organisation (TMC) Inc
Program: Migrants Matter
www.migrantcentre.org
(07) 5591 7261
Twin Rivers Centre
Program: Launch into Hospitality
www.twinrivers.org.au
(07) 3382 4000
Large Employer of the Year
Proudly sponsored by MEGT (Australia) Ltd
Regional winner: City of Gold Coast
www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au
1300 GOLDCOAST (1300 465 326)
City of Gold Coast employs more than 3,600 staff and is dedicated to supporting each and every one of them to be successful in their role. The City recognises the importance of investing in people, and is committed to providing accredited training to staff across the business - a commitment which has lead to improved business performance, customer service and staff retention rates.
Regional finalists
Dreamworld
www.dreamworld.com.au
(07) 5588 1111
Frizelle Sunshine Automotive
www.jamesfrizelles.com.au/
1300 663 937
Medium Employer of the Year
Proudly sponsored by All Trades Training
Regional winner: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
www.currumbinsanctuary.com.au
(07) 5534 1266
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary prides itself on having a genuine training culture in place across the business - starting from recruitment. It is focused on recruiting people that are passionate, productive and flexible, seeking the right attitude first, and providing the right skills through training. Training at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is firmly embedded in its culture, with all team members engaged in regular on- and off-the-job learning and training.
Regional finalists
Clark's Logan City Bus Service
(07) 3200 6754
Protest Engineering
www.protestengineering.com
(07) 5568 0180
Small Employer of the Year
Proudly sponsored by OSMAC Apprenticeships
Regional winner: Thom and Ann's Restaurant Deli Pty Ltd
www.thomandanns.com.au
(07) 5677 0828
Thom and Ann's Restaurant Deli is a thriving business in Yarrabilba. It has 10 staff members, with a number currently undertaking training qualifications, including a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and Certificate III in Hospitality. Traineeships are vital to Thom and Ann's, allowing owners Scott and Fiona to impart their knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry, while also successfully growing their business through skilled, well-trained staff members.
Regional finalists
6729 Bakery
www.facebook.com/6729Bakery
0416 056 729
Rob Milla Electrical Pty Ltd
www.millaelectrical.com.au
(07) 5597 0932
Last updated 10 January 2019
