Tahlia gears up for a successful career

Tahlia Mundraby-Holmes is gearing up for a successful career in the automotive and mobile plant industry by getting a jump on her trade with a school-based apprenticeship.

With a passion for heavy machinery, a willingness to get her hands dirty and a determination to challenge stereotypes, Tahlia was crowned the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards.

Tahlia was selected for her achievements as a young apprentice, her commitment to her studies and workplace and the example she sets for other young women considering a trade career.

A Mandingalbay Yidinji woman born and raised in Cairns, Tahlia attends FNQ Vocational Academy while completing a school-based apprenticeship with BDS Mechanical Repairs, training through MTA Institute and working towards a Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology.

Tahlia’s passion for vehicles started at a young age, watching and working alongside her grandfather as he repaired cars and machinery. Her Year 11 work experience placement confirmed this was the career for her, sparking her ambition to become a heavy machinery.

Now Tahlia is proving that the automotive and mobile plant industries are not exclusively for men.

At 16-years-old and the only female in her workshop, she found it daunting to start her apprenticeship. But as she became more familiar with the workshop, her tools and her team, she built confidence and grew into a leader in the classroom.

From learning the basics of mechanical systems and repairs, Tahlia is building the practical skills and intuition that will drive her future career – one she knows she can succeed in just as much as any man.

Tahlia’s determination extends well beyond the workshop. A competitive boxer, she won a Queensland Under 19 State Championship at 16 and now supports other boxers with their techniques.

After completing Year 12, she plans to transition into a full-time apprenticeship and continue building her career in the mobile plant and automotive industry.

Tahlia said winning the 2026 Queensland Training Award School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year was an honour and a recognition of how far she had come.

“I’m just really, really happy and really, really honoured to be recognised with this award,” Talia said

“Vocational training gives kids like me an opportunity to look into different pathways. Before I found this opportunity, I was going down the wrong path, and then I found vocational training and it changed my life for the better.

“People think it’s the girls versus the boys, but in reality, it’s just you versus your mind.

“My biggest lesson on this journey so far is never doubt yourself. Doubt is the thing that hurts you. You’ve just got to say, ‘Stop it and do it’,” she said.

Tahlia will now progress to the Australian Training Awards to be held in Sydney on 20 November 2026.

Learn more about the Queensland Training Awards.