Congratulations to the state winners and finalists of the 2022 Queensland Training Awards. Learn more about the state final and winner announcements.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Jennah Halley
Qualification: Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Messina Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Jennah Halley's training journey started when her brother, also a refrigeration technician, asked her to help out a few hours a week.
From there, Jennah grew a keen interest in the industry and, with the completion of her Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration in 2021, she is believed to be the only qualified female refrigeration technician in Cairns – a statistic she's hoping to help change.
Finalists
James Christensen, Certificate III in Electrotechnology / Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control, Darling Downs South West
Evan Crisafulli, Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade, North Queensland
Adam Doughty, Certificate III in Carpentry, Metropolitan
Joshua Frampton, Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, North Coast
Gabrielle Inwood, Certificate III in Cake and Pastry, South East
Madonna Nelson-Bamford, Certificate III in Parks and Gardens, Central Queensland
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Winner: Tony Karamatic
Qualification: Diploma of Project Management
Training provider: Civil Contractors Federation
Employer: Albem Operations
Over more than 17 years with Albem Constructions, Tony Karamatic has continued to upskill and engage in professional development opportunities that have improved both his work and the business.
In his current role as safety and systems manager, Tony chose to undertake a Diploma of Project Management to ensure he had the required skillset to manage complex civil construction projects from planning to completion.
Finalists
Peta Jessica Burridge, Certificate IV in Youth Work, Central Queensland
Millie Hauff, Certificate III in Community Services, Darling Downs South West
Adriaan Moorcroft, Certificate IV in Information Technology, North Coast
Natalie Samuel, Certificate III in Business Administration, Tropical North Queensland
Holly Sherman, Certificate III in Business, North Queensland
Emily Shmith, Certificate III in Business, Metropolitan
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner: Courtney Evans
Qualification: Diploma of Nursing
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
After a long career in the hospitality industry, an accident on a ski trip became the catalyst for a career change for Courtney Evans.
Courtney's dedication to her Diploma of Nursing resulted in a number of training accolades, as well as employment as an enrolled nurse in January 2022.
Courtney has now been accepted to complete a Bachelor of Nursing and aims to become a registered nurse.
Finalists
Riley Donovan, Certificate II in Engineering Pathways, Central Queensland
Ellice Hellmuth, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Tropical North Queensland
Nissa Lalor, Certificate IV in Hospitality, North Queensland
Jaimee Radke, Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation, Darling Downs South West
Jarrad Rogers, Certificate IV in Cyber Security, North Coast
Leila Vincent, Certificate III in Fitness, Metropolitan
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Winner: Atahnee Simpson
Qualification: Certificate III in Business Administration
Training provider: Work Skills
Employer: Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
Group training organisation: Indigenous Apprenticeship and Traineeship Network
Atahnee Simpson is a proud Wakka Wakka and Jinibara woman. She recently completed a Certificate III in Business Administration while employed at the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.
Atahnee chose a traineeship pathway because it allowed her to return to work and gain a nationally accredited qualification, with paid employment that would help her to support her young family.
Finalists
Kirstie Baggow, Certificate III in Individual Support, North Coast
E'Kayla Clarris, Certificate III in Work Health and Safety, Darling Downs South West
Dominic Cloma, Diploma of Nursing, South East
Jessy Edwards, Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade, Central Queensland
Phillip Jose, Certificate III in Community Services, Tropical North Queensland
Myika Martin-Colliss, Diploma of Hospitality Management, North Queensland
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Winner: Matthew Siver
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Training provider: SWC Training
Host employer: Metro North Health
Group training organisation: Australian Training Company
School: St Columban's College (Caboolture)
Matthew Siver is currently completing a school-based traineeship with Metro North Health that will result in a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.
Undertaking this training pathway has ignited a passion for the health care sector for Matthew, and he plans to continue his studies in the field after he graduates from high school. Matthew's ultimate career goal is to become a paramedic.
Finalists
Caleb Baker, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, North Queensland
Evelyn Cordell, Certificate III in Individual Support, South East
Martine David, Certificate III in Sport and Recreation, Central Queensland
Cody Graham, Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal), Tropical North Queensland
Chloe Hatton, Certificate III in Education Support, Darling Downs South West
Cooper Mitchell, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, Metropolitan
Equity VET Student of the Year
Winner: Shona Laverty
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Look Now Training
Employer: Five Bridges
As a mature age trainee, Shona Laverty feels that her vocational training experience has helped her to break a generational cycle of underemployment.
She chose to undertake a Certificate III in Business qualification to gain new skills and develop new employment opportunities. While completing her traineeship, Shona was offered employment with her host employer Five Bridges, allowing her to work as she studied.
Finalists
Jemaika Coles, Certificate III in Community Services, South East
Michael Dibdin, Certificate III in Individual Support, Central Queensland
Cardell Jones, Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation, Metropolitan
Sadiki Kimba, Certificate III in Business, Darling Downs South West
Billy Motton, Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management, Tropical North Queensland
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
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.
Finalists
Patrick Bailey, Major Training Group, South East
Sven Blanke, MiHaven Training, Tropical North Queensland
Anthony Hill, St James College, Metropolitan
Ann Nitschke, Akadia Training, Darling Downs South West
Leah Pollock-Grant, Australian Trade College North Brisbane, North Coast
Gregory Pullen, Marist College Emerald, Central Queensland
Ronelle Sheehan, TAFE Queensland, North Queensland
Large Training Provider of the Year
Winner: TAFE Queensland
www.tafeqld.edu.au
1300 308 233
TAFE Queensland's vision is to be the leading provider of vocational education and training, delivering quality courses that enable the careers of its students and the development of the industries and communities it serves.
In a challenging year, where students faced lockdowns, quarantine and social distancing, TAFE Queensland was able to maintain its focus on quality training and saw enrolments increase by 13%.
Finalists
Asset College, www.asset.edu.au, 1300 731 602
Australian Child Care Career Options, www.accco.com.au, 1300 139 406
Small Training Provider of the Year
Winner: Harness Energy
harnessenergy.com.au
1800 427 637
Harness Energy is a cross-sector organisation providing training and labour supply to businesses throughout Queensland.
Its innovative approach includes online learning and virtual reality to enhance student experience, which is reflected in a 97% completion rate for the qualifications it delivers. The Harness vision is to consistently supply its clients with well-trained and safe employees, reducing associated costs to individuals, families and businesses.
Finalists
Everthought Education, everthought.edu.au, 1300 656 498
MiHaven Training, www.mihaven.com.au, (07) 4041 0407
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Winner: Dalby Welcoming Community
Program: Building Connections to Employment through Dalby's Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival
www.facebook.com/dalbywelcomingcommunityinc
0419 645 671
Dalby Welcoming Community (DWC) is a volunteer community group focused on building pride in the community.
Through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, DWC supports people from culturally diverse backgrounds, focused on Dalby's Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival. The participants engage in community building and social inclusion activities, while completing a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways.
Finalists
Emerald Neighbourhood Centre, Central Queensland
Envite Environment, South East
Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre, Tropical North Queensland
Sandgate and Bracken Ridge Action Group, Metropolitan
Seed Foundation Australia, North Queensland
The Youth Development Foundation, North Coast
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: CaPTA Group
www.capta.com.au
07 4035 3555
CaPTA Group is a tourism operator providing a number of attractions and activities across the Cairns area.
Through its dedicated RTO, Careers Training Centre, CaPTA Group provides training opportunities to its employees to support the development of skills and experience that will see them succeed in their career.
Currently, over a quarter of its 219 full-time and part-time employees are engaged in nationally accredited training.
Finalists
Central Highlands Regional Council, Central Queensland
Frizelle Sunshine Automotive, South East
Hastings Deering, Metropolitan
Sesame Lane Childcare, North Coast
Townsville City Council, North Queensland
Western Downs Regional Council, Darling Downs South West
Medium Employer of the Year
Winner: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
www.currumbinsanctuary.com.au
(07) 5534 0879
Owned and operated by National Trust Australia (Queensland), Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) is an iconic Gold Coast attraction.
CWS designs its own extensive, individualised training programs to suit a workforce spread across multiple industries.
Training is an essential part of the culture and all staff are actively encouraged to complete ongoing professional development. Currently CWS has 7 school-based trainees and 91 active vocational students.
Finalists
Joe Wagner Group, Darling Downs South West
The Kellam Group, Metropolitan
Mendi Group, North Queensland
Noosa and District Landcare Group, North Coast
Robinson Civil Group, Tropical North Queensland
Taylored Automotive Services, Central Queensland
Small Employer of the Year
Winner: Clarke Diesel
www.clarkediesel.com.au
07 4031 9000
Clarke Diesel has operated in Cairns for more than 36 years and has developed specialised skill sets in mechanical, auto-electrical and marine trades to facilitate servicing and repairs to passenger, commercial and marine vessels.
All trades are given opportunities to achieve multiple certifications. This structure provides a pathway to three accredited qualifications through employment, ensuring the business continues to develop and invest in a highly qualified and specialised skillset to meet the growing needs of their client base.
Finalists
99 Design, North Coast
Ambrose Design and Construct, Metropolitan
Edison Hair Collective, Central Queensland
Minx Contemporary Hair Boutique, Darling Downs South West
R.H.D. Classic Supplies and Services, North Queensland
Southeast Auto Mechanical, South East
Premier's Industry Collaboration Award
Winner: BHP Mitsubishi Alliance with CQUniversity Australia and TAFE Queensland
Program: Queensland Future Skills Partnership
Launched in August 2019, the Queensland Future Skills Partnership is led by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance and includes TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity Australia as its education partners.
The partnership is designed to fund and facilitate the fast-tracked development and delivery of accredited training in automated technology. It has led to advanced skill sets and vocational qualifications, ensuring the sustainability of open-cut mining operations in Queensland.
Finalists
Dalby State High School and Queensland Manufacturing Institute, Gateway to Industry School Program for Advanced Manufacturing
East Coast Apprenticeships and partners, Enhanced Pathways Program
Last updated 17 September 2022
