National TAFE Day symbolises achievement and commitment

By Greg Chapman

Today marks National TAFE Day and CQUniversity is celebrating the successes of its staff and students, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting Central Queensland’s employers and communities.

As Queensland’s only dual sector university, CQU is the sole provider of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the region – a vital cog in the delivery of work-ready skills.

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp said CQU’s VET staff were at the very heart of that skills delivery, and they had cause to celebrate on National TAFE Day.

“Every day, they respond to the needs of industry and communities, helping to prepare students for meaningful careers and ensuring employers have access to the skilled workers they need,” Prof Klomp said. 

“From training nurses and electricians to supporting trades, hospitality, aged care and countless other industries - their work is critical to meeting the workforce demands of our nation. 

The proof in the quality of CQU’s TAFE training can be seen in the achievements and dedication of its staff and students.

Next week, on 13 September, four CQU representatives will take on the state’s best at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards State Final in Brisbane.

Emerald-based Metal Fabrication teacher Andrew Abbas will vie for the VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year Award. 

Three CQU TAFE-trained students will also compete, including Chloe Hutchinson, who is a finalist in the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year Award, Maddison Petrie, finalist in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award, and Kylie Johnston, finalist in the Vocational Student of the Year category.

Earlier in June CQU represented the region at the WorldSkills National competition in Brisbane, with CQU TAFE-trained apprentices Layth McGee and Ashley Cassar receiving Medals of Excellence for their efforts in the Plumbing and Electrical Control categories of the event.

CQUniversity's Deputy Vice-President of VET Operations Peter Heilbuth said the achievements of the staff and students come from the relationships that have been built with industry over many years.

He highlighted CQU’s partnership with Glencore, which continues to have its apprentices trained by CQU TAFE, even going so far as to donate vital equipment for its apprentices to use at CQU’s Emerald campus.

Another partnership includes the BHP Future Fit Academy -  BHP's innovative approach to training with a pathway to a career in maintenance with 'fit for purpose' training programs in dedicated learning centres in Perth, Western Australia and Mackay, Queensland.

Successful graduate Trinnity McKeiver is the latest in a long line of McKeiver family members to join the ranks of BHP. 

“I have a few family members currently working with BHP.  Both my dad and grandfather have employment history with BHP.  My dad currently works at Saraji mine near Dysart.

“My great-grandfather was a boilermaker at BHP and a member of the Queensland Mines Rescue in Blackwater, so to be given this opportunity to follow in my dad’s footsteps is great.”

Employed as a Trainee Maintenance Associate, Trinnity said she was ecstatic to finally complete the Certificate II in Engineering Technology as part of the BHP FFA program.

“CQUniversity prides itself on the training it delivers to serve the community, including in areas like fitness, hairdressing and art,” Mr Heilbuth said.

“Anyone can change their path with CQU TAFE and it’s never too late to pursue that dream.”

One such student, Pat Handley, recently completed a Certificate II in Visual Arts – at 82 – after almost a decade of study. She held her first jewellery exhibition in Rockhampton earlier this year. Fellow Visual Arts student and First Nations woman Darleen Oliver was able to reconnect with Country and hopes to help other Indigenous peoples do the same.

Trey Sturgess is now employed by a gymnasium in Mackay after completing a Certificate II in Sport and Recreation and Certificate III in Fitness. He took up study to “help people get to where they want to be in life and try help them as much as I can”.

Prof Klomp congratulated all the staff responsible for helping these students achieve their best.

“I want to acknowledge and thank all our TAFE colleagues for the passion, commitment, and expertise that you bring to your teaching and training. Your contribution is central to CQU’s dual-sector mission and makes an enormous difference in the lives of students and the communities we serve,” he said. 

“On National TAFE Day, we celebrate your impact and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening skills delivery for a stronger, more resilient Australia.”