South East regional final

For outstanding achievement in VET by a Queensland business with 99 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.

Winner

ONGC Systems

ONGC Systems

Operating in the fast-moving technology sector, ONGC Systems provides employees with opportunities to build expertise in cybersecurity, cloud solutions and managed IT services. Practical workplace experience is complemented by structured learning pathways that encourage ongoing professional development. By investing in technical capability, ONGC Systems is helping develop the digital workforce of the future.

Finalists

ARB Capalaba	Hair Candy
ARB Capalaba recognises that expertise is key to delivering quality 4WD solutions. Team members participate in ongoing product education, technical training and installation development programs that keep pace with evolving technologies. By fostering specialist knowledge across the business, ARB Capalaba continues to deliver trusted advice and service to customers.	Hair Candy has made education a defining feature of its salon culture. Team members are encouraged to expand their expertise through advanced training in colouring, extensions and client experience while staying connected to emerging industry trends. This commitment to continuous improvement supports both career growth and exceptional salon standards.

For outstanding achievement in VET by a Queensland business with 100 or more full-time equivalent employees.

Winner

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary provides unique training opportunities across tourism, conservation, wildlife care and hospitality. Employees gain practical experience while developing specialised skills that contribute to both visitor experiences and wildlife conservation outcomes. Learning remains central to the sanctuary's mission of inspiring and educating future generations.

Finalists

Brown and Hurley	Golden Cockerel
For more than 75 years, Brown and Hurley has developed highly skilled professionals across the transport and heavy vehicle industries. Apprenticeships, technical training and leadership development opportunities ensure employees are equipped to meet changing industry demands. This long-standing commitment to workforce development continues to support the future of Australia's transport sector.	Golden Cockerel has built a workforce development model that supports career growth across food production, manufacturing and operations. Employees are encouraged to expand their skills through workplace learning, leadership development and technical training opportunities. This investment in people continues to strengthen capability across the organisation and the broader industry.

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.

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.

Winner

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Program: N.E.S.T Eco-conservation Skills Traineeship

At National Trust of Australia (Queensland) operating at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the N.E.S.T Eco-conservation Skills Traineeship delivers hands-on training in conservation and land management. Through accredited learning with Axiom College and immersive work across sanctuary and reserve sites, participants build practical ecological and employability skills. The program combines mentoring, individual training plans and wrap-around support to guide disadvantaged job seekers into sustainable careers in conservation, tourism and environmental management.

Finalists

Five Bridges Program: Standing Strong – Security for Your Future	Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast (MCCGC) Program: Employment and Training Hub
Five Bridges delivers the Standing Strong – Security for Your Future program, providing a culturally safe training pathway into Certificate II in Security Operations. The program blends accredited training with practical foundation learning focused on communication, incident response, report writing and professional conduct. Participants build skills through real-world security scenarios, supported by experienced mentors with industry backgrounds. Training includes licensing support, interview preparation and personalised employability coaching. Employer partnerships connect participants to job opportunities while mentoring supports confidence, workplace readiness and career development in security.	MCCGC Employment and Training Hub delivers a culturally safe training and employment pathway supporting migrants, refugees and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse jobseekers into sustainable work. The program combines personalised mentoring, job readiness workshops and accredited Certificate III in Individual Support training. Participants develop communication skills, workplace confidence and digital literacy while receiving tailored support to overcome settlement and employment barriers. Strong employer partnerships and work placements connect learners to real roles in aged care, community services and other growth industries. Wrap-around support continues from entry to employment.

For outstanding achievement by a teacher or trainer providing nationally recognised training to students at, or in partnership with, a training provider.

Winner

Erin Pender
Loganlea State High School

Erin was a Head Chef before becoming a teacher, and it shows in every opportunity she creates for her students. From Family Function Night, the annual Showcase Excellence Dinner to the Farm to Fork masterclass with Matt Golinski and the Tangalooma Island Resort immersion program, she brings industry to life. Since 2019, her STAR Hospitality Excellence Program at Loganlea State High School has produced graduates entering the Australian Defence Force, Teys Australia and hospitality careers. Her enduring partnership with Mantle Hospitality reflects the calibre of students she develops.

Finalists

Dr Steven Andrews Envirotech Education	Ricky Naicker Australian Institute of Learning
At Envirotech, Steven leads the world's only accredited VET qualifications in Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration and every unit involves real conservation work: oyster reef rehabilitation with OzFish Unlimited, coral transplantation inside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Bali, cultural site assessment with Quandamooka Custodians, and a biosecurity simulation with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. Through his innovative approach, Steven is equipping the next generation of environmental professionals to create lasting impact for communities, ecosystems and future generations.	Ricky’s journey started in Apartheid South Africa studying by candlelight before he founded the Australian Institute of Learning in 2008. His programs maintain a 97% on-time completion rate with learners aged 15 to 18 years — many presenting with dyslexia, ADHD and anxiety. The program is successfully supported through AI-powered video avatars, podcast-based delivery, video evidence assessments, and a 24/7 AI student support agent he designed and built himself. His motto: Lives Changed, People Empowered.

Sponsor

Gimbal Training helps tradespeople turn their experience into nationally recognised qualifications through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), skills assessments and apprenticeship pathways. Delivering construction and engineering training across Australia, Gimbal equips individuals with the qualifications, practical skills and industry recognition needed to advance their careers and seize new opportunities.

For outstanding achievement in overcoming a significant barrier or disadvantage to effectively participate in VET.

Winner

Madeleine Kelton
Qualification: Certificate I in Construction
Registered Training Organisation: Construction Skills Training Centre
Employer: Twin Rivers Centre

Living with a physical disability and an intellectual impairment, Madeleine applied for a Certificate I in Construction traineeship not expecting to be accepted and was surprised to discover what she was capable of. Working harder than most, Madeleine is now in the final weeks of her qualification and attending job interviews with Bunnings and carpentry employers. In a remarkable parallel achievement, Madeleine recently won the Grow for Gold award. A $70,000 pathway grant toward the Paralympics in basketball. She is, in every sense, just getting started.

Finalists

Ricardo Nuno Palma dos Santos Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support Registered Training Organisation: TESS – Training Employment Support Service	Desiree Teycheney Qualification: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care Registered Training Organisation: TAFE Queensland Employer: The Young Ones Early Learning Centre
Arriving in Australia from Portugal, Ricardo navigated considerable personal and logistical challenges to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support. With every skill learned applied directly in real-life care, the training became far more than a pathway to employment, it was a source of stability, purpose and renewed confidence. Now employed and rebuilding a stable future, Ricardo is already mentoring the next BASE trainee at RAILS and volunteering to support others from similar backgrounds finding their own way forward.	A single mother of 2 young sons making a deliberate career change, Desiree completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE Queensland while working full-time and dedicating weekends to study. Named TAFE Queensland Gold Coast's Student of the Year in Education from a cohort of 152, Desiree was offered a job at her placement centre within the first week. With plans for inclusion support specialisation and a future home-schooling cooperative, Desiree's journey is proof that access to training combined with determination genuinely changes lives.

Sponsor

Blueprint Career Development is a Logan-based training organisation delivering practical, industry-connected education across schools, workplaces and communities. Specialising in hospitality, sport coaching, business, personal development, and training and assessment, Blueprint supports diverse learners to build skills, confidence and meaningful career pathways while promoting inclusion and opportunity for all.

For outstanding achievement by a Queensland school-based apprentice or trainee.

Winner

Grace Hope
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
School: Trinity College Beenleigh
Registered Training Organisation: Australian Academy of Dental Assisting
Employer: Infinite Aged Care Cornubia

Grace first approached the coordinator at Trinity College in Year 10 to enquire about an aged care traineeship. Too young at the time, she kept checking in until she became eligible and then embraced the opportunity. Now employed at Infinite Aged Care Cornubia and recently entrusted with acting team leader responsibilities for a full shift, Grace demonstrates that quality care extends beyond clinical support. She takes time to connect with non-verbal residents, often sitting with them and watching videos together. Her coordinator says Grace's wisdom and compassion are far beyond her years. The residents would agree.

Finalists

Fayth Johnson Qualification: Certificate III in Commercial Cookery School: Ormeau Woods State High School Registered Training Organisation: TAFE Queensland Employer: The Star Training Company	Amelia Lewis Qualification: Certificate III in Hospitality School: Wellington Point State High School Registered Training Organisation: Training Unlimited Employer: Hungry Jack’s Alexandra Hills
Fayth scored 96 out of 100 at the WorldSkills VETiS Regional Commercial Cookery Competition, then competed at the national WorldSkills Championships in Brisbane in front of hundreds of industry professionals, while managing Year 12 exams and a school-based apprenticeship at the Star Casino Gold Coast. A quiet passion for cooking, sparked by YouTube videos and a high school hospitality class, has become a structured and impressive career trajectory. Fayth was named TAFE Queensland Gold Coast School-Based Apprentice of the Year 2025.	Amelia started at Hungry Jack's at 15, finished her Certificate III in Hospitality a year later, and is already completing a Certificate II in Electrotechnology with plans to become an electrician. A former Primary School Captain, competitive AFL player and internally recognised as the store's "Make a Wish Ambassador" after going all-in on a charity campaign. Amelia's willingness to embrace new opportunities and tackle unfamiliar challenges has become one of her defining strengths.

Sponsor

Marine Jobs, a key initiative of the Boating Industry Association, supports Queensland’s marine industry through promotion, engagement and advocacy. By connecting with schools, jobseekers and industry stakeholders through events and outreach activities, Marine Jobs helps inspire future talent and encourages more young Queenslanders to pursue rewarding marine careers.

For outstanding achievement by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student within the Queensland VET sector.

Winner

Locklyn O'Loughlin
Qualification: Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
Registered Training Organisation: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Metro South Health - Redland Hospital

Locklyn was school captain at The BUSY School Cleveland in 2025, founded an Indigenous dance group, received the QATSIF Young Indigenous Leader Award, and is now a Primary Health Care Worker at Redland Hospital, all while completing a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care. The first person to connect many Torres Strait clients with culturally safe chronic disease support, Locklyn's cultural fluency is not a soft skill. In healthcare, it changes outcomes.

Finalist

Caitlin Rankin Qualification: Certificate III in Health Service Assistance School: The BUSY School Shailer Park Registered Training Organisation: Connect N Grow Employer: Gold Coast University Hospital

During a traineeship in the Surgical and Critical Care unit at Gold Coast University Hospital, Caitlin lost her uncle to cancer. Rather than stepping away, the experience deepened the resolve to pursue neurosurgery. She is Vice Chair of the Student Representative Council at The BUSY School and mentor’s younger Aboriginal students whilst remaining a steady presence on the ward. Caitlin turned grief into purpose, strengthening her commitment to helping others. Her resilience and compassion are the qualities our communities need in a future surgeon.

Sponsor

Enterprise and Training Company (ETC) is a leading not-for-profit provider of employment, training and business support services. Since 1989, ETC has helped individuals build skills, confidence and pathways to sustainable work through personalised, community-focused support and nationally recognised training. ETC also delivers culturally responsive services to First Nations customers, helping people, businesses and communities thrive.

For outstanding achievement by a student who has recently completed or is due to complete a VET qualification in Queensland.

Winner

Jarrod Carter
Qualification: Certificate III in Fitness
Registered Training Organisation: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Wellness Australia Group

After a decade running a photography business, Jarrod made a bold pivot, first into disability support, then into formal fitness training to do that work better. The 2025 TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Excellence Award winner (from a pool of more than 3,750 eligible students) brings evidence-based fitness knowledge to clients across the NDIS, including a tenpin bowler and a staff member training for a 48-hour endurance event. Jarrod's clients don't just get a support worker, they get a coach.

Finalists

Saini Loughlin Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support Registered Training Organisation: TESS - Training Employment Support Service Employer: Gess Education Services	Emanuel Pedroza Qualification: Certificate IV in Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration, Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management Registered Training Organisation: Envirotech Education Employer: Envirotech Education
At 62, Saini enrolled in aged care training with a clear and uncommon goal: to become a multicultural end-of-life doula. Having led COVID-19 community engagement initiatives across 150 industry partners and 65 multicultural communities, Saini brings exceptional stakeholder experience to the most human of roles. Currently on placement, Saini has already proposed safety signage improvements and represented peers in discussions with facility leadership. Leadership, at any age, is unmistakable.	Originally from Argentina, Emanuel has farmed King Island, managed aquaculture in Tasmania, dived commercially in Darwin and transplanted coral fragments inside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Bali — all while earning a Southern Cross University Academic Excellence Award and completing 3 concurrent qualifications. Every credential in Emanuel's extensive portfolio points toward one goal, a sustainable seaweed aquaculture enterprise on King Island. Purposeful, methodical and internationally credentialed, Emanuel is redefining what excellence in VET can achieve.

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.

For outstanding achievement by a trainee who has recently completed or is due to complete a traineeship in Queensland.

Winner

Conor Stevenson
Qualification: Certificate III in Civil Construction
Registered Training Organisation: Construction Skills Training Centre
Employer: City of Gold Coast

At 24, Conor walked away from a completed baking trade to start over and the gamble paid off. Completing a Certificate III in Civil Construction with the City of Gold Coast, Conor contributed to footpath upgrades, reservoir restoration and cyclone recovery clean-up efforts, finding genuine purpose in work that serves the community. Now mentoring incoming trainee cohorts and featuring in organisational social media campaigns, Conor is a compelling voice for career changers who believe it's never too late to choose a more meaningful path.

Finalists

Kihiva Pome'e Qualification: Certificate II in Horticulture Registered Training Organisation: Construction Skills Training Centre Employer: yourtown	Joseph Pouniu Qualification: Certificate III in Business Registered Training Organisation: Aurora Training Institute Employer: Titans Rugby League
Once labelled disruptive and nearly expelled, Kihiva's story is one of remarkable change and growth. After drifting through short-term jobs with no clear direction, he stepped into yourtown's construction program and completed a qualification in horticulture which unlocked something entirely different in him — purpose. Given more responsibilities as he gained competence, he took this on with confidence. Kihiva is now completing a Civil Construction apprenticeship with Envate, with long-term goals to start a business and mentor young people who once reminded him of himself.	Following a spinal cord injury, Joseph didn't step away from professional rugby league, instead he found a new way in. Completing a Certificate III in Business with the Gold Coast Titans, Joseph strengthened expertise in data analysis, video performance review and stakeholder communication at NRL level. The impact reached beyond the club, the New Zealand Wheelies wheelchair rugby league team sought Joseph out independently to support their program. Most remarkably, Joseph designed the 2026 Titans Pasifika jersey, sketching much of the artwork using his mouth.

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.

For outstanding achievement by an apprentice who has recently completed or is due to complete an apprenticeship in Queensland.

Winner

Narissa Campbell
Qualification: Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Registered Training Organisation: TAFE Queensland
Employer: City of Gold Coast

Narissa serviced her first car as a teenager alongside her father and has never stopped asking questions about how vehicles work. Completing her apprenticeship with the City of Gold Coast, she has since enrolled in heavy vehicle training and undertaken EV courses, bringing a ‘no limits’ philosophy to everything. Featured in Busy Sister Organisation promotional content and selected to represent the City's Employee Value Proposition, Narissa has also discovered an unexpected strength along the way as the only woman in the workshop, the role naturally became one of championing every colleague, not just the women.

Finalists

Lillian Emson Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician Registered Training Organisation: Esitrain Employer: Energy Queensland	Jack Gilmour Qualification: Certificate III in Carpentry Registered Training Organisation: TAFE Queensland Employer: Tomkins Constructions
Lillian was named Runner-up National ETU Apprentice of the Year and contributed to an Energy Queensland recruitment campaign that generated a 29% increase in female applicants. Currently studying an Advanced Diploma of Applied Electrical Engineering, Lillian serves as a Union State Council representative, delivers regular Union Updates to apprentice cohorts and has spoken at the ALP National Conference on apprenticeships and the renewable energy transition. A proposal Lillian submitted to the RTO to address capstone preparation gaps has since been implemented, improving outcomes for every cohort that follows.	Jack already held a Diploma of Building and Construction and had worked as a Site Supervisor before making a deliberate decision to go back to the tools and do the Certificate III in Carpentry properly. That humility proved transformative. Named TAFE Queensland Gold Coast's Apprentice of the Year and Outstanding Apprentice of the Year in 2025, Jack completed the carpentry qualification alongside an Advanced Diploma and has since commenced a Bachelor of Construction Management. His story is one of dedication, passion and leadership.

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.