Strengths and successes on show at TAFE Careers Expos
By Greg Chapman
As the year draws to a close, CQUniversity is looking back at the vocational education and training (VET) successes it has achieved in 2025 – milestones it will proudly espouse at the TAFE Careers Expo in January.
The proof of CQU TAFE’s success lies in the achievements of students like Portia Lanyon – a Diploma of Nursing graduate who is now a nurse in the cancer inpatient unit at the Rockhampton Hospital.
“I feel good knowing that I can make a difference to people when they’re facing some really hard things. I think a lot of people seek that sense of fulfillment from their work,” she said.
“I loved the residential schools, practicing our skills in the laboratory space was really cool and we had a lot of fun. All the teachers were very invested in us, and they really made sure that we were supported in whatever ways we needed to be.”
CQU’s reputation as a leader in VET has never been stronger, with the University’s TAFE delivery, staff, and students receiving significant recognition across the state in 2025.
This year CQU TAFE won the two major categories at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards State Final including Large Training Provider of the Year and VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year.
Metal Fabrication Teacher Andrew Abbas was named VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year, acknowledging his 20 years’ experience as a VET educator, leading apprenticeship programs and VET in Schools courses in Central Queensland.
Further highlighting the successes of CQU’s TAFE training, apprentices Layth McGee and Ashley Cassar were awarded medals of excellence at the 2025 WorldSkills Nationals competition in Brisbane.
Layth, of Reed Plumbing in Mackay received a medallion of excellence in the category of Plumbing & Heating.
“I want to give a big appreciation to my trainers for going out of their way to help me prepare,” Layth said.
Ashley of Gladstone Ports Corporation was awarded the medallion of excellence in the Electrical Control category.
“Winning a medallion of excellence really makes me feel like everyone’s support paid off and I couldn’t be happier to bring it home to my family and workplace,” he said.
The achievements of CQU’s VET staff in 2025 also included Deputy Dean of Vocational Education & Training for the School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences and School of Access Education Tammy Murray, who was inducted as an ‘AUSTAFE Queensland Legend’ at the recent AUSTAFE Awards.
Tammy has championed vocational education and training in Central Queensland for more than 18 years and she was one of nine recognised in the category.
Another student, Shaun Govaars, 17, has found a passion through CQU’s Start TAFE Now Program, securing an apprenticeship with Isuzu Trucks.
“I believe every young person that is offered the opportunity to take part in any TAFE program should take it as a great way to find out what you want to do with your future whilst learning valuable life skills that you will carry with you forever,” he said.
CQUniversity's Deputy Vice-President of VET Operations Peter Heilbuth, said the quality of CQU TAFE’s VET training is evident in the milestones the University – and importantly -its students have made throughout the year.
“Central Queenslanders can rest assured that CQU TAFE is dedicated to delivering the most up-to-date, industry-relevant training to the region,” Mr Heilbuth said.
CQU’s TAFE offerings include everything from short courses through to Certificate I, II, III and IV accreditations, apprenticeships and TAFE diplomas.
Study areas range from Allied Health, Community Services, Project Management, Information Technology, Nursing, Fitness, Education and Childcare, Hair and Beauty and Hospitality to name only a few.
There are currently more than 11,000 students enrolled in a TAFE qualification at CQU, representing about one-third of the University’s total student population.
The TAFE Careers Expos will be held simultaneously across CQUniversity’s Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton North campuses on 21 January 2026 from 2pm-5pm.
To register or learn more about the TAFE Careers Expo, visit the events page.
