Congratulations to South East's 2025 regional winners and finalists.
The regional final was held on 11 July 2025 at The Glasshouse, The Island Gold Coast.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Jett Davis
Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
Training provider: Gimbal Training
Employer: Arcs and Sparks Welding and Fabrication
Jett built on his Engineering – Mechanical Trade qualification to complete his training with Arcs & Sparks Welding and Fabrication. He's gained broad experience in plant construction, structural steel, boat repairs and commercial projects. As a workshop leading hand, he mentors apprentices and champions hands-on training. Jett's passion for fabrication, leadership and vocational education makes him a valuable asset to the industry.
Finalists
Joel Avery, Certificate III in Carpentry
Charlotte Hession, Certificate III in Hairdressing
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Winner: Thomas Unsworth
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Aurora Training
Employer: Thrive Digital
At 17, Thomas built a successful web design business while completing his qualification in business. His entrepreneurial spirit and leadership have been key to his success, including projects such as Shopify store development. He founded a Business Launch Club at school, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Thomas's passion for technology and creativity is shaping his future as an innovative business leader.
Finalists
Ruby Barr, Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Charlotte Stent, Certificate III in Business
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner: Ari Travis
Qualification: Certificate IV in Youth Work
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Everything Suarve Inc
Ari overcame homelessness and trauma to pursue youth work, using his lived experience to mentor at-risk young people at Everything Suarve Inc. His leadership in community programs and advocacy efforts demonstrate resilience and a commitment to positive change. Ari's dedication to empowering others makes him an exceptional role model and advocate for vocational education’s impact on social wellbeing.
Finalists
Blake Foreshew, Diploma of Project Management
Nathan McCoy, Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking/Cloud Engineering)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Winner: Blake Foreshew
Qualification: Diploma of Project Management
Training provider: Trade and Occupational College of Australia (TOC Australia)
A proud Wiradjuri man, Blake is completing his diploma, working towards a career in civil engineering. Overcoming bullying in traditional schooling, he embraced VET pathways and gained early entry to university. Blake balances three part-time jobs and volunteer roles, including coaching the Queensland Under14 Indigenous junior development tennis team. He exemplifies resilience and ambition, inspiring others to pursue different education pathways and achieve their goals.
Finalists
Chris Goodrum, Certificate II in Horticulture
Calandra Hawes, Certificate III in Business
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Winner: Zachariah Smart
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
School: Parklands Christian College
Training provider: CTA Training Specialists
Employer: Greenbank Services Club
After being named Greenbank Services Club's 2024 Trainee of the Year, Zachariah has continued developing his skills in a professional hospitality environment. As 2025 Outreach Captain at Parklands Christian College, he participated in an outreach trip to Cambodia, helping to run a youth soccer camp for 100 children in a local village. This experience strengthened his leadership and teamwork while deepening his appreciation for hospitality and the provision of services in a global context.
Finalists
Luke Harriss, Certificate III in Agriculture
Isabella Randall, Certificate III in Beauty Services
Equity Student of the Year
Winner: Therese Stanton
Qualification: Certificate III in Sterilisation Services
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Various
After a diverse career spanning roles as a jockey, nurse and teacher's aide, Therese suffered a life-altering stroke in 2014 leaving her with speech and mobility challenges. Determined to return to healthcare, last year she completed a Certificate III in Sterilisation Services to leverage her existing knowledge and experience. She was recently awarded TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Health Student of the Year, a testament to her resilience, passion and purpose.
Finalists
Max Dumbrell, Diploma of Community Services
Shania Pack, Certificate III in Hairdressing
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Winner: Jake Buckingham
Employer: City Wide Building and Training Services
Jake combines real-world carpentry skills with innovative teaching, integrating AI tools, digital blueprints and hands-on projects. His tailored approach helps diverse learners overcome challenges and thrive. Jake's mentorship, industry engagement and focus on technology integration ensure apprentices graduate confident and future-ready, making him a standout VET educator.
Finalists
Brent Long, On The Job Training
Matt Nelson, AMPD Academy
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Winner: Youth Enterprise Trust
Program: In-Tent for Change
In-Tent for Change empowers disadvantaged young people through hands-on training in hospitality, construction and environmental services. The program integrates socio-emotional learning and mentoring, helping participants build life skills, resilience and long-term employment pathways while fostering community and environmental engagement.
Finalists
Big Brother Program – Everything Suarve Inc
Build and Breathe – Twin Rivers Centre
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: Gold Coast Health
Gold Coast Health operates across 20 facilities, including three hospitals and two health precincts. It invests in workforce capability through diverse training programs, such as school-based traineeships and Deadly Start initiatives, providing hands-on healthcare experience. Last year, the organisation supported more than 35 trainees in allied health and health services assistance qualifications. A commitment to employee upskilling ensures Gold Coast Health's workforce is ready to meet growing and changing needs of the healthcare sector.
Finalists
City Venue Management
Golden Cockerel
Medium Employer of the Year
Winner: Twin Rivers Centre
Twin Rivers Centre empowers individuals with training and employment pathways through ventures like food outlets and a café. Hosting 35 trainees annually, the Centre provides hands-on experience in retail, hospitality and business. Through tailored programs, mental health support and industry exposure, Twin Rivers helps individuals from diverse backgrounds build confidence and gain long-term employment – transforming lives and strengthening community resilience.
Finalists
Holdfast Management Services
Moonyah Workforce
Small Employer of the Year
Winner: NCHE Carpentry and Construction
Founded in 2022, NCHE Carpentry and Construction focuses on bespoke residential projects with a mentorship-based training approach. Apprentices receive personalised guidance while learning both technical and soft skills. Mental health and wellbeing are central to their ethos, fostering a family-like culture. NCHE invests in people to shape confident tradespeople and raise training standards in the construction industry.
Finalists
Chameleon New Age Salon
Halogen Pools
Last updated 11 July 2025
