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Winners and finalists

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Central Queensland regional winners and finalists

Congratulations to the winners and finalists from the Central Queensland region.

Winners were announced at the regional final:

When
Saturday 15 July 2017

Where
Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre

View the Central Queensland regional final dinner program (PDF, 1MB​)​.​

For information about the 2018 awards ceremony, visit the Central Queensland Regional Final page.

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year

Proudly sponsored by Gladstone Area Group Apprentices and Trainees

 
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Regional winner: Stewart Dorante

Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Training provider: Tec-NQ Limited
Employer: Ergon Energy

Switching careers from his previous trade in diesel fitting, Stewart Dorante undertook an electrotechnology apprenticeship so he could follow his passion for analysing how things worked. A mature-age apprentice, Stewart also studied an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering while completing his apprenticeship. A respected member of the Torres Strait Islander community, Stewart continues to help others believe they can achieve anything with focus and commitment.

Regional finalists

Nicole Bourne
Qualification: Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical
Training provider: MTA Institute
Employer: Mackay Regional Council

Dallas Brown
Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Training provider: CQUniversity
Employer: NRG Gladstone Power Station

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

Proudly sponsored by BUSY At Work

 
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Regional winner: Katie Emmert

Qualification: Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
Training provider: National College Australia
Employer: Mater Misericordiae Hospital Rockhampton

Completing a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance prepared Katie Emmert for her transition from Year 12 into a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. A dedicated and hard-working student, Katie also completed other recognised qualifications while undertaking her school-based allied health traineeship. This opportunity to obtain practical experience and become familiar with several different industries helped her choose her next career move with greater confidence.

Regional finalists

Natalie Eather
Qualification: Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Training provider: Animal Industries Resource Centre
Employer: Biloela Veterinary Clinic

Helene Schmidt
Qualification: Certificate IV in Business Administration​
Training provider: CQUniversity
Group training organisation: GAGAL
Host employer: CS Energy

Vocational Student of the Year

Proudly sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited

 
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Regional winner: Krysta Greer

Qualification: Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting
Training provider: TAFE Queensland SkillsTech
Employer: Gladstone Ports Corporation

Having completed her first VET qualification six months early, Krysta Greer embraced the opportunity to study a Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting. After thoroughly enjoying drawing and supervising work-experience students during her course, Krysta was inspired to pursue a career path that allows her to combine these two passions. She is now studying to become a secondary teacher, majoring in maths and graphics.

Regional finalists

Jade Crawley
Qualification: Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
Training provider: First Choice Training
Employer: Mackay Regional Council

Kylie Medlin
Qualification: Diploma of Beauty Therapy
Training provider: Diploma of Beauty Therapy

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Proudly sponsored by SKILLSTRAIN

 
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Regional winner: Stewart Dorante

Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Training provider: Tec-NQ Limited
Employer: Ergon Energy

Switching careers to become a mature-age electrotechnology apprentice was not a choice Stewart Dorante took lightly. However, with his wife's support, he followed his passion and interest in the industry, undertaking his apprenticeship and simultaneously studying an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. A proud Torres Strait Islander, Stewart is a role model in his community and an example of the importance of lifelong learning.

Regional finalists

Leshae Beck
Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
Training provider: TAFE Queensland East Coast
Employer: Karinya Diesel Services
School: Biloela State High School​

Chelsea Bligh
Qualification: Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
Training provider: Health Industry Training Queensland
Employer: Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

Proudly sponsored by MEGT Australia

 
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Regional winner: Mackenzie Roberts

Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Training provider: Health Industry Training Queensland
Employer: Sonic HealthPlus
School: Moranbah State High School

Mackenzie Roberts was drawn to the health industry by the opportunity to help others and enjoy a challenging and rewarding career. Her school-based traineeship gave Mackenzie a greater understanding of industry policies and procedures, as well as a nationally recognised health qualification. Studying her Certificate III has also helped Mackenzie to prepare to attend university and achieve her goal to become a midwife.

Regional finalists

Courtney Barclay
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Work Skills
Group training organisation: MRAEL
Host employer: Moranbah District and Support Services
School: Moranbah State High School

Leshae Beck
Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
Training provider: TAFE Queensland East Coast
Employer: Karinya Diesel Services
School: Biloela State High School

Equity VET Student of the Year

 
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Regional winner: David Ostrofski

Qualification: Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
Training provider: Horticultural Training
Employer: Gladstone Regional Council

David Ostrofski was excited to turn his passion for gardening into a recognised qualification, but initially struggled in his studies due to poor literacy, the tyranny of distance and lack of confidence. Persevering despite these challenges, David was supports to believe in himself and achieve his goal. Completing his qualification gave him valuable knowledge and helped improve his self-esteem, self-worth, self-reliance and sense of empowerment.

Regional finalists

Samantha Baartz
Program: Ready for Work - NJL Work Skills Program - Rockhampton
Training provider: National Joblink

Hamish Ross
Qualification: Certificate II in Kitchen Operations​
Training provider: CQUniversity
School: Glenmore State High School

VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year

 
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Regional winner: Richard Lane

Employer: CQUniversity

Blending on-site, off-site and online delivery, Richard Lane ensures the carpentry and construction training he provides is relevant, interesting and engaging. Richard tailors his delivery to suit students' preferred learning styles, so even students who struggle with traditional teaching are engaged. Through ongoing support in person and online, he encourages students to become both first-class tradespeople and the best version of themselves they can be.​​

Regional finalists

Tamra Costello
Employer: Tannum Sands State High School

Brian Fisher
Employer: Yeppoon State High School

Community Training Initiative of the Year

 
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Regional winner: Gladstone Engineering Alliance

Program: GEA - Community Work Skills program
www.gea.asn.au
(07) 4972 9060

Not-for-profit organisation Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) developed the GEA - Community Work Skills program to provide employment and training to local, long-term unemployed people. Participants undertook a traineeship in business or conservation and land management. With a focus on gaining a qualification, developing job readiness skills, completing work in the community and assisting participants with their job search, the program resulted in a 100 per cent completion rate.

Regional finalists

Energy Skills Queensland
Program: Queensland Workforce Skilling Strategy - CR Rail Employment Project
www.energyskillsqld.com.au
(07) 3721 8800

Jobs Queensland Limited
Program: Jobs Queensland Limited
(07) 4921 3024

Large Employer of the Year

Proudly sponsored by CQUniversity

 
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Regional winner: Mackay Regional Council

www.mackay.qld.gov.au
1300 622 529

With a culture emphasising lifelong learning and improvement, Mackay Regional Council is committed to increasing the percentage of staff with qualifications. The council works closely with training providers to offer 35 accredited qualifications, several short courses, and dozens of non-accredited programs. Apprenticeship hosting and trainee rotation ensure employees receive more rounded training to develop essential skills for their current roles and into the future.

Regional finalists

Queensland Alumina Limited
www.qal.com.au
(07) 4976 2211

WorkPac Group
www.workpac.com
1300 967 572

Medium Employer of the Year

 
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Regional winner: NFR Holdings Pty Ltd (McDonald's East Mackay, Mackay Northern Beaches, Canelands Foodcourt)

www.mcdonalds.com.au
(07) 4953 5533

NFR Holdings Pty Ltd is passionate about seeing staff thrive in their roles; training is a key way to achieve this. Staff at the business' three McDonald's restaurants study Certificate II and III qualifications and are supported in their training with time rostered for practical and theoretical learning. Many staff who have completed these qualifications now work in management roles and are completing further study.

Regional finalist

Keppel Bay Sailing Club
www.kbsc.com.au
(07) 4939 9585

Small Employer of the Year

Proudly sponsored by RAPAD Skilling

 
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Regional winner: TNC Cranes

www.tnccranes.com.au
(07) 4982 0402

TNC Cranes supports all staff in gaining qualifications in their chosen field. The business employs two electrical apprentices and a team of crane technician​s who constantly update their numerous certifications to stay current. Non-trade staff are also supported to complete VET and other short courses. This commitment to training has resulted in a safer and more productive work environment, benefiting both the business and staff.

Regional finalists

Capcoast Glass
www.capcoastglass.com.au
(07) 4939 4033

Pumped Juice Bar & Cafe
0423 901 379

Licence
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/ )
Last updated
18 January 2018