Nine nominated in the Central Queensland Regional Queensland Training Awards

By Greg Chapman

CQUniversity TAFE’s vocational education and training has once again been recognised with eight students and a teacher named as finalists in the 2025 Central Queensland Regional Queensland Training Awards.

The milestone finalist list, announced by the Queensland Government’s Department of Trade, Employment and Training, recognises apprentices, trainees and vocational students across several areas, including horticulture, electrotechnology, business, and engineering.

Two CQUniversity TAFE students have been chosen as finalists nominated in the Vocational Student of the Year category: Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management student, Shane Anderson, and Certificate III in Horticulture student, Kylie Johnston.

In the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year category, two CQU TAFE-trained apprentices were named as finalists - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician Georgia Beveridge, and Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade apprentice, Aloisa Pacher.

Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining) student, Shaeli Carty and Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician / Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control student, Maddison Petrie are finalists in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category.

Other CQU TAFE finalists named included Certificate III in Laboratory Skills student, Amber Stead, in the Equity Student of the Year category, and Certificate III in Business student, Chloe Hutchinson for the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year.

CQU Emerald Metal Fabrication Teacher Andrew Abbas was also recognised with a nomination in the VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year category.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for VET and Business Development Peter Heilbuth said the record number of finalists was testament to the quality and relevance of CQU TAFE’s training.

“CQUniversity is proud to see so many of our apprentices, trainees and students - and one of our fantastic trade teachers - nominated in these awards,” he said.

“It’s clear from the sheer number of finalists that our vocational education and training stands out in the region, delivering skilled graduates, but dedicated to their communities.

“I for one will be cheering them all on at the awards ceremony in July!”

The winners of the 2025 Queensland Training Awards Central Queensland Regional Final will be announced at the Rockhampton Leagues Club on 26 July. 

Visit the Queensland Training Awards website for more information.