Congratulations to the state winners and finalists of the 2024 Queensland Training Awards.
The state final was held on Saturday 7 September 2024 at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Harry Roberts
Qualification: Certificate III in Arboriculture
Training provider: Interlink
Employer: Brisbane City Council
Region: Metropolitan
Harry's passion for the environment has propelled him into a successful career with council's arborist team after completing his certificate 12 months ahead of schedule. He won the Customer Service Award at the 2023 Lord Mayor's Apprentice of the Year awards for providing lifesaving first aid to a member of the public. Harry has engaged in further arboriculture and climbing training to develop his skills further and progressed to leading teams safety through challenging jobs.
Finalists
Terrence Casey-Douglas, Certificate III in Landscape Construction, Tropical North Queensland
Sean Malcolm, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, North Queensland
Tyler Gscheidle, Certificate III in Carpentry, Central Queensland
Caitlin Baxter, Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, Darling Downs South West
Madeline Chamberlin, Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, North Coast
Chloe Halliwell, Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, South East
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Winner: Tessa Wallace OLY
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Flexible Training Solutions
Employer: World Wide Boat Brokers
Region: North Coast
Former Olympic swimmer Tessa was looking for a new career and, inspired by the success of her parents' business, pursued her traineeship to help her workplace to grow. This path enhanced her knowledge, while boat photography and video production skills have boosted the company's marketing efforts. Her leadership, positivity, and communication skills help build team morale. She is an active fundraiser and ambassador for Lyme disease and hopes to use her qualification to build a rewarding career.
Finalists
Georgia Simpson, Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care, Tropical North Queensland
Jennifer Cutler, Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations, North Queensland
Chloe Cameron, Certificate III in Water Industry Operations, Central Queensland
Tania Langton, Certificate III in Water Industry Operations, Darling Downs South West
Daniel Foster, Diploma of Business, Metropolitan
Aimee Wallace, Certificate III in Business, South East
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner: Atong Koot
Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support / Certificate III in Business / Certificate III in Sport and Recreation / Certificate II in Salon Assistance
Training providers: Celtic Training and Consultancy, Binnacle Training
Region:Metropolitan
Atong's inspiring training journey began as a refugee from Sudan, learning to speak English and now completing Year 12 while studying multiple qualifications. She ultimately aims to become a nurse and make her mother proud. Despite facing numerous challenges, Atong has honed her communication, leadership and study skills while juggling school, her work, and being a role model to young African women involved in the cultural dance group at her school.
Finalists
Holly Sullivan, Certificate III in Carpentry, Tropical North Queensland
Candice Fraser, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, North Queensland
Jacqueline Grundy, Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations, Central Queensland
Dallas Sykes, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Darling Downs South West
Alexandra Hayes-Hatten, Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management, North Coast
Madison Collins, Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation, South East
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Winner: Rhonda Woolla
Qualification: Certificate IV in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Response
Training provider: First Response Australia
Employer: Rio Tinto Weipa
Region: Tropical North Queensland
From the remote community of Aurukun, Rhonda completed an 18-month emergency support officer traineeship early, moving into a permanent role with Rio Tinto after 9 months. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic and energy earnt recognition in the 2023 Western Cape Training Awards. Rhonda is a Wik and Wik Waya woman and facilitates cultural awareness inductions for new employees on Glencore's Aurukun lease. She is passionate about community engagement and a role model for her community.
Finalists
Clayton Lavis, Certificate III in Business, North Queensland
Bevin Querro, Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, Central Queensland
Courtney McConville, Certificate III in Business, Darling Downs South West
Charlotte Ellis, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, North Coast
Shelby Barney, Certificate III in Business, Metropolitan
Shaylee Borg, Certificate III in Business, South East
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Winner: Chelsea Bostock
Qualification: Certificate III in Hairdressing
School: St Patrick's College Mackay
Training provider: CQUniversity Australia
Employer: Intuition – The Art of Hair
Region: Central Queensland
Chelsea balanced the last 3 years of her schooling with starting her career in hairdressing. Having completed a Certificate II in Salon Assistant in Year 10, she now dedicates 1 day a week at Intuition – The Art of Hair while excelling academically. Her hands-on training involves providing salon services, learning product knowledge, and team-building exercises. She also completed training in other beauty-based skills to demonstrate her passion and commitment to the industry.
Finalists
Sean Slack, Certificate II in Engineering, Tropical North Queensland
Kash Harrison-Douglas, Certificate III in Business, North Queensland
Jacinta Morice, Certificate III in Carpentry, Darling Downs South West
Charlotte Ellis, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, North Coast
Ryan Wareham, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, Metropolitan
Austin Anthony, Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, South East
Equity Student of the Year
Winner: Leah Garling
Qualification: Certificate I in Workplace Skills
Training provider: Major Training Group
Employer: Centacare FNQ
Region: Tropical North Queensland
Leah saw her training pathway as an opportunity to improve her skills and support her community's development. She had to balance the full-time care for her grandchildren with her studies and working at Park Hub Cairns West Community Centre. After completing her traineeship Leah secured a role as a community connect worker at Manoora Neighbourhood Centre and aspires to further her studies to build a long term, impactful career in the community service sector.
Finalists
Chloe Keep, Certificate III in Hairdressing, North Queensland
Denise Cotter, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Central Queensland
Elizabeth Scott, Certificate II in Animal Care, Darling Downs South West
Jack Lowis, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, North Coast
Liam Santos, Certificate III in Hospitality, Metropolitan
Yasser Mubekwa, Diploma of Community Services, South East
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Winner: Rebecca Hoffensetz
Employer: The Ville Resort–Casino
Region: North Queensland
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
Andrew Boothroyd, Tropical North Queensland
Gareth Hartley, Central Queensland
Rob Hamilton, Darling Downs South West
Tracy Galaud, North Coast
Tanu Jayaswal, Metropolitan
Steven Andrews, South East
Large Training Provider of the Year
Winner: TAFE Queensland
1300 308 233
For over 140 years, TAFE Queensland has provided inclusive, practical and industry-relevant training, offering more than 500 courses from certificates to bachelor degrees. Training 126,000 students annually across 60 locations, more than 86% of graduates find employment or go on to further study. Recognised for innovation, TAFE Queensland has hosted an emerging technologies session at Eagle Farm, an early childhood workforce forum at South Bank and opened a new lab at the Rural Centre of Excellence in Toowoomba.
Finalists
Australian Paramedical College, 1300 377 741
Enterprise & Training Company, 1800 007 400
Small Training Provider of the Year
Winner: On the Job Training
(07) 3807 6061
The Staplyton-based company specialises in high-risk work licenses and civil plant machinery training. Emphasising safety and employment success, their student-centred approach includes flexible schedules, online e-portal resources, and small student-to-trainer ratios, all supporting equity for diverse learners. A fleet of high-risk machinery maximises 'real life' learning and industry partnerships have led to new course development for pre-employment in construction and cadet crane programs.
Finalists
The Institute of Culinary Excellence, 1300 843 423
St James College, (07) 3230 8600
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Winner: Centacare FNQ
Program: UpCyclinc
Region: Tropical North Queensland
UpCyclinc supports vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalised people in Cairns and the wider region. With a focus on inclusivity, it empowers participants to secure jobs and build sustainable careers. More than 400 migrants, refugees, and First Nations job seekers, have been assisted to train and work in sectors such as construction, retail, early childhood and aged care. UpCyclinc's success is evident in its state and national awards and its positive impact on the community.
Finalists
Breakthru College, Community Work Skills, North Queensland
Emerald Neighbourhood Centre, Get Set for Work, Central Queensland
SDIEA (Southern Downs Industry Education Association), Eat, Shop, Stay Local Guide, Darling Downs South West
ECOllaboration, Sunshine Coast Natural Areas Restoration Project, North Coast
SunnyFutures, Sunnybank State High School Parents & Citizens' Association, SunnyFutures Ready for Work, Metropolitan
Carinity Fassifern Community Centre and Horizon 2, Carinity Fassifern Community Employment Pathways Program, South East
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: Riviera Australia
Region: South East
The country's largest luxury motor yacht builder employs over 800 craftspeople at Coomera and offers 140 specialised apprenticeships via its Riviera Academy of Excellence. Certificates from marine craft construction through to upholstery, provide hands-on learning integrated with real-world production. Riviera's Propel Program drives its reputation for quality training and contributes to a 90% employee retention rate, numerous awards and career advancement opportunities for all staff.
Finalists
Quicksilver Group, Tropical North Queensland
The Ville Resort–Casino, North Queensland
Central Highlands Regional Council, Central Queensland
Western Downs Regional Council, Darling Downs South West
White's IGA, North Coast
99 Bikes, Metropolitan
Medium Employer of the Year
Winner: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Region: South East
With a diverse workforce of employees and volunteers, the not-for-profit organisation has developed a robust training culture to enhance professional development, promote equity and develop service excellence. The sanctuary supports VET qualifications related to tourism, hospitality, horticulture, vet sciences, wildlife, and more. It offers training via in-house Emerging Leaders, Rising Stars, First Nations, and Wings of Success Service Excellence Programs that promote life-long learning.
Finalists
Mount Peter Early Learning, Tropical North Queensland
Cowboys Leagues Club, North Queensland
Global Engineering & Construction, Darling Downs South West
Bridgeman, North Coast
WIRED, Metropolitan
Small Employer of the Year
Winner: Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation
Region: Tropical North Queensland
Based in Yarrabah, this registered charity and not-for-profit organisation has grown from one part-time employee in 2016 to 15 people. It's Indigenous ranger program provides meaningful employment with dedicated training and mentoring to grow the community's skills base and empower individuals. Working with TAFE Queensland and other partners, staff and trainee rangers complete a range of qualifications, diver and other training, to care for land and sea country.
Finalists
Johnson's 4WD, Central Queensland
Favier Building Industries, Darling Downs South West
ePlants Trade Nurseries, North Coast
CRA Construction, Metropolitan
Halogen Pools, South East
Premier's Industry Collaboration Award
Winner: Palm Island Digital Service Centre
Partners: TAFE Queensland, Palm Island Community Company (PICC), Telstra Australia, Rainbow Gateway, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, Back to Work, Advance Queensland–Deadly Innovation, Queensland Government Customer + Digital Group, MEGT Australia
This collaboration aims to boost the community's fiscal and social wellbeing through culturally safe training for entry-level call centre roles. Supporting people with limited experience and removing childcare, transport and other barriers, the project promotes career growth while reinvesting profits into the community. The stakeholders support two-way learning and resource sharing, and participants' successes highlight how training and employment pathways can support First Nations people.
Finalists
Anglicare Southern Queensland, Key Assets Australia and Horizon 2, Foster Carer Training Initiative
Riviera Australia and Major Training Group, Riviera Academy of Excellence
Last updated 7 September 2024
