Nine finalists in CQ Regional Queensland Training Awards

By Greg Chapman

CQUniversity’s vocational education and training (VET) 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 in the Vocational Student of the Year category: 

• Shane Anderson, Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management 
• Kylie Johnston, Certificate III in Horticulture 

In the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year category, two CQU TAFE-trained apprentices have been named as finalists:

• Georgia Beveridge, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician 
• Aloisa Pacher, Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade 

And two students have been named finalists in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category:

• Shaeli Carty, Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining) 
• Maddison Petrie, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician / Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control

Other CQU TAFE finalists include:

• Amber Stead, Certificate III in Laboratory Skills (Equity Student of the Year category)
•  Chloe Hutchinson, Certificate III in Business (Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year category).

CQU Emerald Metal Fabrication Teacher Andrew Abbas has also been named a finalist 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 - named as finalists 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, 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.