Women have dominated the 62nd Queensland Training Awards in the Central Queensland region, claiming all seven individual awards. This year's winners include outstanding apprentices, trainees, and vocational teachers. The regional winners will now advance to the State Final in September, with the chance to compete for national titles at the prestigious Australian Training Awards in November.
Among the recipients is Caitlyn Barnes, who secured the coveted Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year award. Caitlyn has spent the past four years working at Goonyella Riverside Mine, where she completed an electrical apprenticeship and an Advanced Diploma of Applied Electrical Engineering. Her on-the-job training involved working on electric trucks and draglines, and she also actively participates in a mentoring program for girls.
Abby-Rose Bowman, a student at Holy Spirit College Mackay, was named the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year. She is currently pursuing a Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology and has already secured a job with NQ Autosparks. Abby-Rose aspires to inspire future generations, particularly young women, to enter the industry.
The announcement of the regional winners took place at the local Queensland Training Awards event held at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Saturday, July 1, 2023. The event celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of the region's skilled workforce.
Minister for Training and Skills Development, Di Farmer, commended the winners, stating, "The Queensland Training Awards highlight the region’s top achievers in training and showcase the power of skills.
“To have women taking out all seven individual awards is a significant achievement,” she added.
“Women play a critical role in the Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Workforce Strategy, and there are many programs in our strategy that aim to increase their participation in the workforce, particularly in traditionally male-dominated trades."
Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, expressed her pleasure at seeing the awards recognise high-achievers from across the region. She congratulated Abby-Rose Bowman on her victory and acknowledged McCarthy Panel Works in Mackay, which received the Small Employer of the Year award.
Mrs Gilbert also commended the Emerald Neighbourhood Centre for winning the Community Training Initiative of the Year with their impactful Get Set for Work program, which provides employment assistance to locals.
“In more than 40 years of operation the centre has had a mission to support and strengthen the social well-being of the local community. The centre welcomes everyone, builds connections with isolated and vulnerable people, and collaborates with other organisations to meet community needs,” she said.
“I wish our winners from Central Queensland all the best at the Queensland Training Awards state finals in September.”
The Queensland Training Awards received an impressive increase of over 40 per cent in statewide nominations compared to last year, resulting in more than 210 regional finalists being selected from over 800 nominations. Notably, Jennah Halley from Cairns, last year's Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year winner, went on to be named Australia's top apprentice.
Individual award categories
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year – Caitlyn Barnes, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, Moranbah
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year – Tennelle Bird, Certificate IV in Human Resources Management, Moranbah
Vocational Student of the Year – Stacey Mason, Diploma of Nursing, Gracemere, Rockhampton region
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Tayah Womal, Certificate III in Business, Moranbah
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Abby-Rose Bowman, Holy Spirit College Mackay and NQ Sparks, Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, Mt Ossa, Mackay region
Equity Student of the Year – Sharon Atkinson, Certificate III in Work Health and Safety, Blackwater
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year – Trudy Berry, Sarina State High School, Koumala, Mackay region
Organisation award categories
Community Training Initiative of the Year – Emerald Neighbourhood Centre: Get Set for Work program, Emerald
Large Employer of the Year – NFR Holdings operating five McDonald’s stores, Northern Beaches, East Mackay, North Mackay, Andergrove and Food Court Canelands
Medium Employer of the Year – RGM Maintenance Rockhampton
Small Employer of the Year – McCarthy Panel Works, Mackay
Caitlyn Barnes
Tenelle Bird
Abby-Rose Bowman
Trudy Berry
McCarthy Panel Works
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