Central Queensland talent named in the Queensland Training Awards

Posted: 2nd Sep

The Central Queensland region training award finalists for the 2020 Queensland Training Awards have been announced. These regional finalists represent our region’s best in vocational education and training. From apprentices, trainees and vocational students to teachers and trainers as well as employers and community-based organisations, the regional finalists represent our region’s best. 

Selected from more than 700 nominations across 11 regional categories, our regional finalists are vying to represent Central Queensland ahead of the prestigious 2020 Queensland Training Awards.  

Our region is home to many talented and hardworking students and teachers, successful training companies and fantastic employers. Together they play an important role in developing the skilled workforce needed for jobs now and into the future. 

Congratulations and good luck to all the Central Queensland region finalists. 

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year 

Jake Brown 

Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician 

Training provider: CQUniversity Australia 

Employer: Anglo Coal (Moranbah North Management) Pty Limited 

Riley Stewart 

Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade 

Training provider: Hastings Deering (Australia) Limited 

Employer: Hastings Deering (Australia) Limited 

Kimberley Wallace 

Qualification: Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts – Interpreting) 

Training provider: MTA Institute 

Employer: Morgan Motors 

 

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year 

Taleiyah Minniecon 

Qualification: Certificate III in Business 

Training provider: Australian College of Commerce and Management 

Group training organisation: Maxima Group Training 

Host employer: National Australia Bank, Victoria Street Mackay Branch 

Esther Olney 

Qualification: Certificate III in Local Government (Regulatory Services) 

Training provider: Learning Knowing Achieving Pty Ltd 

Employer: Isaac Regional Council 

Kye O'Reilly 

Qualification: Certificate III in Process Plant Operations 

Training provider: Queensland Alumina Limited 

Employer: Queensland Alumina Limited 

 

Vocational Student of the Year 

Kaitlyn Bellamy 

Qualification: Certificate III in Hospitality 

Training provider: Training Unlimited 

Employer: Hungry Jack's (Rockhampton South) 

Tania Paulson 

Qualification: Certificate IV in Education Support 

Training provider: Fast Track Training Australia 

Employer: Anakie State School 

William Shepherdson 

Qualification: Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot – Visual Line of Sight) 

Training provider: BASAIR Aviation College 

School: Marist College, Emerald 

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 

Shania Evans 

Qualification: Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety 

Training provider: CQUniversity Australia 

Employer: Rockhampton Regional Council 

Taleiyah Minniecon 

Qualification: Certificate III in Business 

Training provider: Australian College of Commerce and Management 

Group training organisation: Maxima Group Training 

Host employer: National Australia Bank, Victoria Street Mackay Branch 

Maddison Petrie 

Qualification: Certificate II in Engineering (Production) 

Training provider: CQUniversity Australia 

Group training organisation: Programmed Skilled Workforce Limited 

Host employer: ShellQGC 

 

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year 

Zaiden Browning 

Qualification: Certificate II in Information, Digital Media and Technology 

Training provider: AXIOM College 

Employer: Longreach State High School P&C 

School: Longreach State High School 

Sophie James 

Qualification: Certificate III in Business 

Training provider: Australian Trade Training College 

Group training organisation: MRAEL Group 

Host employer: Central Highlands Regional Council 

School: Marist College 

Ellisha Pighills 

Qualification: Certificate III in Companion Animal Services 

Training provider: Skills Generation Pty Ltd 

Employer: PURRRFECTION GROOMING 

School: Pioneer State High School 

 

Equity VET Student of the Year 

Helena Kidd 

Qualification: Certificate III in Business 

Training provider: CQUniversity Australia 

Jacob Knight 

Qualification: Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot – Visual Line of Sight) 

Training provider: BASAIR Aviation College 

Tania Paulson 

Qualification: Certificate IV in Education Support 

Training provider: Fast Track Training Australia 

Employer: Anakie State School 

 

VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year 

Hardy Manser 

Employer: The Rockhampton Grammar School 

Kirsty O'Regan 

Employer: CQUniversity Australia 

Debbie Wiggins 

Employer: CQUniversity Australia 

 

Community Training Initiative of the Year 

Multicultural Australia 

Program: Tucker Time 

www.multiculturalaustralia.org.au 

(07) 4921 2222 

 

Large Employer of the Year 

Civeo Pty Ltd 

www.civeo.com 

1300 732 911 

Mackay Regional Council 

www.mackay.qld.gov.au 

1300 622 529 

Mastermyne 

www.mastermyne.com.au 

(07) 4963 0400 

 

Medium Employer of the Year 

NFR Holdings Pty Ltd (McDonald's Northern Beaches, East Mackay and Food Court Canelands) 

www.mcdonalds.com.au 

(07) 4953 5533 

 

Small Employer of the Year 

Gina.T Hair & Beauty Mackay 

www.ginathair.com.au 

(07) 4951 3970 

Jodi's Salon 

www.facebook.com/jodissalons 

(07) 4982 2022 

Taylored Automotive Services 

www.facebook.com/TayloredAutomotive 

(07) 4958 2290 

The 2020 Central Queensland QTA regional final will be held online on Friday 11 September 2020.  Follow event on Facebook. 

The 2020 Queensland Training Awards state final will be held online on Friday 18 September 2020. Follow event on Facebook.