Congratulations to the 11 winners and all the finalists of the North Coast region.
Thank you to everyone who attended the regional final held on 28 July 2023 at The Events Centre, Caloundra.
Winners will now represent the regional at the state final on 9 September 2023 in Brisbane.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Jackson McIvor
Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Training provider: Australian Trade Training College
Employer: Complex Electrical Group
Jackson McIvor started his Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician apprenticeship early on but put it on hold until his family and financial situation improved. Resuming as an adult apprentice in 2019, Jackson's work ethic has helped him contribute to the fly-in fly-out mining team with Complex Electrical. Where his work roster allows, he volunteers at his son's school to talk about the value of education and training, and to be a positive role model.
Regional finalists
Joshua Bennett, Certificate III in Cabinet Making
Quinn Vels, Certificate III in Carpentry
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Winner: Taylar Rameka
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Axiom College
Employer: PeopleIN
Taylar Rameka pursued her traineeship to add a recognised qualification to her career experience while working as a training field officer with PeopleIN. Taylar oversees training contracts for hundreds of people and supports others to complete their training, including those looking to gain permanent residency, and pre-employment programs for long-term unemployed people. This gives Taylar real appreciation for how training pathways improve people's lives.
Regional finalists
Luke White, Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)
Erin Wooldridge, Certificate III in Business
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner: Dana Whiston
Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
Training provider: STEPS Education and Training
Employer: Caloundra Community Centre
Dana Whiston completed her Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) at STEPS Education and Training, Caloundra, choosing this path after the loss of her mother. She appreciates the benefits of providing culturally sensitive care and support to Indigenous patients and her dedication and passion led her to a role with a First Nations company where she supports Indigenous women and children.
Regional finalists
Shelly Cvorak, Certificate IV in Human Resource Management
Elsie Green, Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Winner: Dana Whiston
Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
Training provider: STEPS Education and Training
Employer: Caloundra Community Centre
Dana Whiston, a proud Gooreng Gooreng women from Bundaberg, decided to pursue training in aged and disability care after the loss of her mother. She relishes the reciprocal cultural healing of providing care and support to Indigenous patients. Dana's dedication and passion led her to work with a First Nations company supporting Indigenous women and children. She also engages with the community, organising events like Deadly Coffee and leading a Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group.
Regional finalists
Isobel Currie, Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Taytum Wiggs, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Winner: Temika Sturgess
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Training provider: SWC Training
Group training organisation: Australian Training Company
Host employer: Metro North Health—Caboolture Hospital
School: Burpengary State Secondary College
Temika Sturgess is completing a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance with Metro North Health—Caboolture Hospital through SWC Training and Year 12 at Burpengary State Secondary College. She wanted to gain insight into the medical field before pursuing a double degree in nursing and paramedicine and is also volunteering in a local dementia ward for more experience. Temika aims to build her career in medicine, including to improve healthcare systems in developing countries.
Regional finalists
Dustin Anderson, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Bailey Atkins, Certificate III in Sport and Recreation
Equity Student of the Year
Winner: Lachlan Dorrell
Qualification: Certificate I in Construction
Training provider: Major Training Group
Employer: The Youth Development Foundation
Lachlan Dorrell completed a Certificate I in Construction traineeship through The Youth Development Foundation (YDF) and Major Training. With YDF, his mentor Wayne, and others supporting him, Lachlan overcame transport barriers, improved his self-confidence and secured a carpentry apprenticeship. Now sharing his story to support other YDF participants who are dealing with mental health issues and other barriers, Lachlan aims to complete his trade and continue in the construction industry.
Regional finalists
Oliver Langford, Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways / Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
Bree-Anna Reeve, Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Winner: David Bradford
Employer: Bradford Institute of Advanced Education
David Bradford 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.
Regional finalists
Kimberley Kerby, Simmonds & Bristow
Jenny Nichols, TAFE Queensland
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Winner: Teens Take Control
Program: Teens Take Control Career Pathways Program
www.teenstakecontrol.org
1300 273 273
Teens Take Control is a community-based organisation providing early intervention activities, with a focus on education, employment and life skills, for at-risk youth on the Sunshine Coast. The Teens Take Control Career Pathways Program offers specialised training and support to participants. With collaborating local businesses, schools, and organisations it provides wrap-around services that lead to life-changing outcomes for participants and positives for the wider community.
Regional finalists
Gidarjil Development Corporation – Workskills Traineeships
Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association (PCYC Hervey Bay) – Get Set for Work program
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: White's IGA
www.whitesgrocers.com.au
(07) 5479 4727
White's IGA is a family-owned supermarket that has been actively involved in the Sunshine Coast for 30 years. The company owners prioritise training for their approximately 500 employees and helped develop a training platform that now supports more than 1,400 stores. It engages with local schools to attract team members and supports apprenticeships and other training pathways. By connecting local producers and customers it supports a vibrant and diverse community and economy.
Regional finalists
Sesame Lane Childcare
Shadforth
Medium Employer of the Year
Winner: ECOllaboration
www.ecollaboration.org.au
(07) 5476 4777
ECOllaboration has 30 years' experience providing environmental project management, education and other services. It facilitates community engagement and delivers peer-to-peer and on-the-job training, adult learning, and school-based traineeships. It believes training is an integral component of the business that assists in building more resilient communities. Their business plan includes staff upskilling including drone operation, enabling it to offer unique environmental monitoring services.
Regional finalists
Bendpro
Bridgeman
Small Employer of the Year
Winner: ePlants Nurseries
www.eplants.com.au
(07) 5449 1997
ePlants began in 1990 and has grown into a leading plant nursery on 30 acres in Noosa with 15 employees supplying plants and gardening products for domestic and industry needs. It is dedicated to training Queenslanders, offering school-based traineeships, work experience and apprenticeships to support its community. ePlants Nurseries is an environmentally friendly, family-run business whose qualified team of horticulturists have a genuine passion for plants and the environment.
Regional finalists
Buzz Superfood Bar, Bundaberg
Sunshine Coast Art and Framing Gallery
Last updated 29 July 2023
