Join us to celebrate 65 years of excellence at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards – North Coast Regional Final.
Recognise the outstanding achievements of this year’s finalists — apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, trainers, employers, and organisations — who are shaping the future of Queensland’s workforce.
Enjoy a memorable afternoon of celebration, connection and inspiration as we honour the people and organisations driving skills, opportunity and success across our regions.
Celebrate the stories, applaud the achievements, and be inspired by what’s possible!
Event details
When: Friday 31 July 2026, 11.30am – 2.15pm
Where: Maroochy RSL, 105 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Cost: $50
Dress: Smart casual
Contact
Jo-Ann Bass
Regional Coordinator
Phone: 0436 676 670
Email: admin.northcoast@dtet.qld.gov.au
Finalists
Small Employer of the Year
For outstanding achievement in VET by a Queensland business with 99 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
Sponsor
Shadforth is one of Queensland’s largest family-owned civil construction companies, employing over 1,300 professionals and operating more than 1,200 items of heavy plant and vehicles. With a strong focus on local employment and suppliers, they deliver residential, commercial, roads and bridges projects across Queensland and New South Wales with excellence.
Finalists
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| Bridgeman | Bundaberg Motor Group | ECOllaboration |
| Bridgeman is a proud Supply Nation certified Indigenous company with 29 years of experience delivering high-quality metal manufacturing and construction services across Queensland and nationally. Their approach to workforce development extends beyond technical skills. Alongside apprenticeships and trade training, employees have access to leadership opportunities and cultural mentoring programs that support personal and professional growth. For almost three decades, this people-first philosophy has helped develop a capable and diverse workforce across manufacturing and construction. | As automotive technology continues to evolve, Bundaberg Motor Group (BMG) is ensuring its workforce evolves alongside it. Apprentices and employees receive training in emerging vehicle technologies, diagnostics and customer service, helping them stay ahead of industry change. BMG places strong emphasis on workforce capability, investing significantly in training, development, and career progression. This commitment to lifelong learning supports both workforce capability and exceptional customer outcomes. | ECOllaboration has spent more than three decades developing environmental professionals who are passionate about creating positive change. Through field-based learning, mentoring and project experience, employees gain practical skills across environmental management, conservation and community engagement. A strong culture of learning continues to support the organisation's impact across Queensland. Through integrated training, employment and community impact, ECOllaboration is shaping the next generation of environmental leaders. |
Large Employer of the Year
For outstanding achievement in VET by a Queensland business with 100 or more full-time equivalent employees.
Sponsor
Mas National, part of the IntoWork Group, has delivered employment and apprenticeship support services across Australia for over 25 years. As a trusted Apprentice Connect Provider, Mas partners with stakeholders nationwide to facilitate sign-ups, mentoring, and workforce participation, offering personalised support to job seekers, employers, businesses, and community organisations.
Finalists
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| Allweld Manufacturing | McDermott Aviation | Shadforth |
Allweld Manufacturing is a proud Indigenous-owned regional business, building the next generation of manufacturing professionals through apprenticeships, trade training and practical workplace learning. Allweld is recognised as a comprehensive turnkey manufacturing specialist supporting sectors including emergency and specialised vehicles, rolling stock, utilities, defence, aerospace and renewable energy. Employees gain hands-on experience across fabrication, welding and engineering projects while developing specialist technical skills. This focus on capability development is helping strengthen Queensland's manufacturing workforce. | Operating in one of Australia's most specialised aviation sectors, McDermott Aviation invests heavily in developing technical expertise across its workforce. With bases in Australia, the USA and Canada, McDermott Aviation deliver specialised aviation services across aerial firefighting, agricultural application, aerial survey, lifting and construction support, search and rescue operations. Each year, crews are deployed to Greece to assist with wildfire management. Employees receive advanced training and real-world experience in aviation operations, engineering and emergency response services. This dedication to professional development supports excellence across a highly skilled industry. | Shadforth is a leading civil construction company delivering large-scale urban development and infrastructure projects across Southeast and Central Queensland, and Northern New South Wales. Shadforth has created a workplace where learning is embedded into every stage of a career. From apprenticeships and graduate programs to leadership development initiatives, employees are supported to build expertise across civil construction and infrastructure projects. This commitment to developing talent continues to drive growth across the North Coast region. |
Community Training Initiative of the Year
For outstanding assistance to Queenslanders to gain the skills, experience and VET qualifications required to enter and stay in the workplace, by a community-based not-for-profit organisation.
Sponsor
STEPS empowers individuals and communities through inclusive training, employment, and support services. As a national not-for-profit organisation, STEPS is dedicated to breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and building a sense of belonging, ensuring everyone has the chance to achieve their full potential.
Finalists
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| Chatsworth Park Ranch Program: ForgeAhead Program | ECOllaboration Program: Sunshine Coast Natural Areas Restoration Project | Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Program: Work Skills Pathways Our Way Academy for Mob project |
| Chatsworth Park Ranch delivers the ForgeAhead Program in the Gympie region, providing flexible, hands-on blacksmithing and metalwork training for disengaged youth aged 12 – 17. Highly skilled mentors, including a two-time World Champion creative blacksmith, provide trade exposure and mentorship, building employability skills, trade awareness and workplace behaviours in a safe rural environment. Strong referral networks and employer engagement support pathways into apprenticeships, training and employment, improving long-term outcomes for vulnerable young people in regional communities. | ECOllaboration delivers long-running environmental traineeships on the Sunshine Coast, supporting disadvantaged job seekers to build skills and pathways into conservation careers. With over 30 years of community impact, the program combines accredited training with hands-on restoration work in bush regeneration, biosecurity and citizen science. Strong industry partnerships and tailored wrap-around support enable participants to achieve high completion and employment outcomes, transitioning into further study or sustainable work in the growing green jobs sector. | Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s Pathways Our Way Academy delivers the Work Skills for Mob program, an Indigenous-led traineeship creating culturally safe employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Participants complete a paid Certificate I in Workplace Skills alongside practical experience in health and community services, supported by mentoring and wrap-around care across the North Coast region. |
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
For outstanding achievement by a teacher or trainer providing nationally recognised training to students at, or in partnership with, a training provider.
Sponsor
Regional Development Australia Wide Bay Burnett works across Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Gympie, South Burnett, North Burnett and Cherbourg to strengthen regional economic and community outcomes. Partnering with government, industry and community, RDAWBB supports investment attraction, workforce development, planning and capacity building to create a resilient, connected and future-ready region.
Finalists
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| David Bradford Horizon 2 and Bradford Institute of Advanced Education | Sharon Neish Allens Training | Natasha Rumble TAFE Queensland |
| David is a national leader in workforce development with 33 years’ experience in the community, justice, VET and tertiary sectors. David delivers innovative training and workforce development solutions, including designing VET pathways for child protection officers and youth workers. He has also collaborated to design bespoke training and flexible assessment strategies for Indigenous Elders. | Sharon is a health, fitness and emergency care educator with over 20 years’ experience and is also currently completing a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology. Working closely with first responders and healthcare professionals highlighted the need for trauma-informed facilitation when discussing crisis and mental health scenarios, led Sharon to introduce the use of structured reflective practice and facilitated debriefing in a Course in Mental Health Support for First Responders. Sharon is also the owner of an online Yoga school – Yoga Flow. | Over 14 years in adult literacy and a Bachelor of Science (Major in Psychology) Natasha has seen that the barriers are rarely what they first appear: a student who seems disengaged might be food insecure; one who struggles with digital tasks might never have had access. Natasha initiated a campus fruit program, brokered a partnership with a community charity providing frozen meals, and launched a monthly peer debrief forum for SEE educators working in isolation. Sharon sees her role as both a teacher and advocate for her students. |
Equity Student of the Year
For outstanding achievement in overcoming a significant barrier or disadvantage to effectively participate in VET.
Sponsor
SkillCentred Queensland is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation that has supported disadvantaged Queenslanders into employment for more than 35 years. As a Registered Training Organisation and long-term Skilling Queenslanders for Work provider, SkillCentred delivers training, community projects and employment support across regional Queensland, helping individuals build skills, confidence and pathways to work.
Finalists
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Taylor Goodwin | Kat Moloney | Kara Sweetman |
| Navigating complex health challenges herself, Taylor completed a Certificate II in Health Support Services and a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, the care she has received inspired her to want to give back the same level of support and comfort to others who face health challenges. The experience confirmed a calling shaped by the compassionate care received from nurses throughout that journey. Taylor was offered an aged care role upon completion but chose to finish school first, with plans for a Bachelor of Nursing, paediatrics and ultimately, international nursing. | Beginning her Certificate III in Hospitality at 14, while navigating the challenges of adolescence and personal change, Kat found a sense of belonging and purpose at Hungry Jack's that school hadn't always provided. Now in Year 11 on an ATAR pathway with aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon, Kat is a peer mentor at school, a volunteer in aged care and a committed team member at work. Determined, compassionate and always willing to support others, Kat's journey is a reminder that the right environment and the right encouragement can change everything. | After a period of significant personal difficulty that had previously interrupted earlier study attempts, Kara made a deliberate choice to re-engage with the world through face-to-face training. Completing a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), Kara was named Support Worker of the Month shortly after joining Community Care Foundation and has since attended the Empower Her event celebrating women with disability. Transformed from a period of isolation into a career defined by a sense of dignity, growth and finding a valued place in her community. |
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
For outstanding achievement by a Queensland school-based apprentice or trainee.
Sponsor
Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast is a not-for-profit organisation that supports sustainable economic growth across the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions. Funded by the Australian Government, RDAMBSC drives regional innovation, workforce development, investment attraction and strategic partnerships, helping create local opportunities and strengthen long-term regional resilience.
Finalists
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Genevieve Jimmy | Harmony Lakatos | Carys Leota |
| Genevieve moved to Australia from Papua New Guinea at 5 years old following the loss of both parents. Growing up watching family members go without healthcare access shaped a career goal that has never wavered. Now completing a traineeship at Caboolture Hospital in Year 12, Genevieve has transformed from someone who struggled with confidence in conversation to a student who freely asks questions of nurses, doctors and specialists, and actively encourages younger peers to apply for the same program. A nursing and midwifery degree awaits. | 10 years of competitive gymnastics and repeated rehabilitation shaped the way Harmony sees healthcare, not as a system, but as a collection of human moments. Now School Captain at Caboolture State High School and completing a nursing traineeship at Caboolture Hospital, Harmony has moved through uncertainty and family challenges without stepping back from a single shift commitment. Staff welcomed Harmony as a team member from day one, and Harmony has brought exactly that energy to every ward since. | Carys is the 2026 College Captain at St Columban’s and is proud to be a high achiever who chose a vocational pathway over a traditional ATAR pathway. The first in her family to undertake a school-based traineeship, Carys coordinates TAS fixtures, adapts activities for students with diverse needs and has confirmed her desire to pursue a Bachelor of Sports Studies after graduation. A recipient of The Spirit of ANZAC Award, The ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award, Carys is proof that VET and ambition belong together. |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
For outstanding achievement by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student within the Queensland VET sector.
Sponsor
Manngoor Dja Aboriginal Health Services is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation supporting more than 15,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie regions. Through culturally safe healthcare, wellbeing support and community-led programs, Manngoor Dja strengthens health, connection and opportunity for individuals, families and communities.
Finalists
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Mahaliah Aniston | Russell Comber | Taylah Gela |
| Mahaliah discovered a passion for mechanics underneath a Toyota HiAce, on the first day of her apprenticeship she felt excited after removing the sump and covered in grease, she knew this was the career path she was looking for. When her employer, Terry, was diagnosed with cancer, Mahaliah took initiative, supported the business and deepened her working relationship built on mutual trust. A proud First Nations woman, Mahaliah has since assisted a vulnerable community member whose vehicle left her stranded and found in that moment exactly the kind of mechanic she wants to be. | Through the Signposts Program with Indigenous Workstars, Russell gained First Aid, emergency life support and driving qualifications. Now employed as a truck driver, he also facilitates a men's support group on his property and works with Elders to reconnect with family and Country. Russell’s vision: therapeutic programs for young men in the justice system. His goal is to join the Police Force where he has been shortlisted for the Queensland Police Service Counter-Terrorism Unit. For Russell, training is just the beginning. | Taylah travels 4 hours return each week to complete a traineeship at Caboolture Hospital, living in Gympie, studying at Beerwah State High School, and mentoring a friend who followed the same path after hearing Taylah describe the experience. A proud Torres Strait Islander, 2026 Senior Dance Captain, Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation scholarship recipient and a valued role model in her family, Taylah sees every long commute as a small price for the career and life she is building for herself and her community. |
Vocational Student of the Year
For outstanding achievement by a student who has recently completed or is due to complete a VET qualification in Queensland.
Sponsor
For over 140 years, TAFE Queensland has delivered practical, industry-relevant training, equipping over 139,000 students annually, including 29,700 apprentices, with skills for rewarding careers. As Queensland’s largest training provider, TAFE Queensland offers 400+ qualifications across 60+ locations, empowering people to achieve their greatness now and into the future.
Finalists
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Russell Comber | Ashley King | Layla Youngberry |
| Through the Signposts Program with Indigenous Workstars, Russell Comber gained First Aid, emergency life support and driving qualifications. Now employed as a truck driver on the Sunshine Coast, Russell also facilitates a men's support group on his property and works with Elders to reconnect with family and Country. Russell’s vision: therapeutic programs for young men in the justice system. His goal is to join the Police Force where he has been shortlisted for the Queensland Police Service Counter-Terrorism Unit. Training, for Russell, is only the start. | Ashley King studied conservation course work between overnight shifts at News Corp, completed fieldwork on days off, and earned a Cultural Fire Management Accreditation on Nywaigi Country. Now a Project Officer with Gulf Savannah NRM coordinating Indigenous-led landscape restoration across remote Far North Queensland, Ashley's career spans chef, logistics leader, bush regenerator and NRM practitioner. Ashley doesn't advocate for vocational education — Ashley is the evidence of what it produces. | Starting as an apprentice auto electrician in 2019 with a dream of fixing drag cars, Layla Youngberry has become Business Development Manager at Allweld Manufacturing, progressing through Team Leader, QFES project lead and Quality Assurance Officer along the way. A 2024 Regional TAFE Apprentice of the Year, Women in Manufacturing panellist and school ambassador, Layla is passionate about bringing more women into trades and proving that the workshop is just the beginning. |
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
For outstanding achievement by a trainee who has recently completed or is due to complete a traineeship in Queensland.
Sponsor
MEGT is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting employers, apprentices, trainees and job seekers for 40 years. Established in 1982, MEGT's flexible, low-risk labour solutions and expertise in sourcing, screening, and employing high-quality apprentices and trainees ensures we place the right people in the right jobs to fill skills gaps and future-proof our Australian workforce.
Finalists
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Samuel Dowd | Jireh King | Bay Sonter |
| Samuel discovered conservation as a career pathway only after entering the workforce and hasn't looked back since. Completing a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Samuel worked across large-scale revegetation and koala habitat restoration projects in South-East Queensland, rapidly progressing from crew member to Project Manager. So passionate about the field, Samuel has already commenced a Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management, driven by a belief that restoring Australia's landscapes is not just a job, but a responsibility. | Returning to Australia after 6 years in New Zealand, Jireh used a Certificate I in Workplace Skills traineeship to rebuild confidence and carve a clear path forward. Thriving in a purpose-driven environment at The Youth Development Foundation, Jireh coordinated community events, presented to over 250 people at the Youth Summit 2025 and served as MC for a major fundraising event, all while completing formal training. The determination paid off: Jireh secured a full-time position as Administration Officer and Receptionist before the traineeship had even concluded. | Balancing a full ATAR workload, 15 hours of work per week, and a Certificate III in Hospitality all while supporting a brother with complex care needs, Bay’s story is one of quite remarkable determination. Starting at Hungry Jack's at just 16, Bay earned a place on the store's Health and Safety Team, won Trainee of the Year for the district, and has since enrolled in a Diploma of Business. A Rotary Leo Leader and consistent academic award recipient, Bay is proof that vocational and academic pathways are strongest when combined. |
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
For outstanding achievement by an apprentice who has recently completed or is due to complete an apprenticeship in Queensland.
Sponsor
Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) supports apprentices, workers, and employers by funding essential training and work tickets through partnered RTOs. Collaborating with industry statewide, CSQ delivers tailored training solutions to meet local needs, helping individuals and businesses stay competitive, secure new opportunities, and adapt to the evolving construction industry.
Finalists
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Bryce Bayfield | Dylan Martin | Tiarna Warren |
| Bryce came to boilermaking through a passion for speedway racing repairing and building race cars before the trade made it official. Completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking/Welding) at Allweld Manufacturing, Bryce progressed rapidly from apprentice to Team Leader, completing Lean Manufacturing and leadership development programs along the way. Named Trade and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year by TAFE Queensland, Bryce now mentors incoming apprentices on the workshop floor and volunteers on the Maryborough Speedway Committee, sponsoring race cars and supporting drivers with welding repairs in the same community where the trade began. | Dylan's path to becoming a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer began the first time he held the controls of a glider. Completing a Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) before securing an apprenticeship with McDermott Aviation, to complete the required experience to become a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Dylan has since spent months supporting aerial firefighting operations in Greece, Western Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales. Awarded the Boeing Australia Sponsorship Award for exceptional academic performance and selected to deliver the students' address at graduation, Dylan now returns annually to his old school's careers program to show Year 10 students that alternative training pathways can lead somewhere extraordinary. | 17 years of dance and cheerleading and 7 years of coaching at national and international level saw Tiarna develop a passion for hairdressing whilst helping her team create hairstyles for competitions, building confidence for the dancers. Completing a Certificate III in Hairdressing while continuing to compete internationally, Tiarna has developed strong time management, resilience and the ability to focus under pressure. A volunteer with Hair Aid, cutting hair for people experiencing homelessness. Tiarna's journey is a vivid demonstration that determination and dual passions are not in conflict; they sharpen each other. |
Sponsors
Event sponsor
| Community Solutions supports people across Queensland to achieve their goals in employment, education, wellbeing and independence. For more than 25 years, they have connected job seekers with meaningful work, apprenticeships and training pathways while also supporting employers to find the right talent. Focused on long-term outcomes, Community Solutions helps create opportunities that lead to sustainable employment and brighter futures. |
Regional supporter
| Apprentice Employment Network (AEN) is the peak industry body representing Group Training Organisations, supporting the largest network of employers of apprentices and trainees. Its members help over 5,000 apprentices and trainees across Queensland and the Northern Territory, from cities to remote communities. AEN connects apprentices, trainees and employers, provides industry leadership and support, while celebrating achievement and workforce development. |
| Blue Dog Training is a Queensland-born Registered Training Organisation delivering nationally recognised training since 2004. Built by tradies for tradies, it supports apprentices, employers and schools across the state with practical training from White Cards and First Aid through to apprenticeships and builder licences. Blue Dog partners with schools and industry to deliver real skills and outcomes. |
| Allens Training Pty Ltd is a nationally recognised Registered Training Organisation delivering first aid, mental health and safety training across Australia. Working with a network of local partners, it supports more than 40,000 students each month to build practical, life-saving skills. Focused on strengthening communities, Allens Training helps create safer workplaces and better-prepared responders. |
Individual Student Prize Sponsor
| Australian Trade Training College is a not-for-profit provider of accredited, nationally recognised vocational training, supporting skilled careers since 2006. Specialising in trades, apprenticeships, traineeships and VET in Schools, it delivers practical, job-ready skills through industry-aligned training. Working with employers and communities across Queensland, it also offers short courses and high-risk work training to support workforce readiness. |
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Last updated 29 June 2026
