Tec-NQ’s much anticipated Apprentice of the Year Awards Gala was held on Friday night at The Ville Pavilion, being by far the biggest and most spectacular gala held so far.
From early beginnings in the ballroom at the Ville, then known as Jupiters, through various other locations, Tec-NQ has proudly acknowledged over 300 finalists since 2013, 91 crowned Apprentice of the Year.
Tec-NQ Executive RTO Manager Jennifer Trybula said this year’s event celebrated 33 of North Queensland’s best and brightest apprentices, across 11 categories, all of whom have excelled in their dedication to their chosen trade and truly value the opportunity they’ve been afforded within industry.
“An ‘Apprentice of the Year’ was chosen for each of the 11 categories and scholarships provided to further their nationally-accredited careers in the construction, electrical, automotive and engineering sectors,” Jennifer said.
“All of our 33 finalists are passionate about their chosen trades, showing genuine willingness to join the workforce and grow their skills, so our judges had their work cut out for them,” she added.
Tec-NQ is a registered training organisation (RTO), independent senior secondary school and accredited boarding school that partners with industry to deliver trade-based career opportunities for North Queensland students.
“We offer something different to a typical training environment, growing the next generation of tradespeople through real-world skills development and offering exceptional support to our vast network of local employers,” Jennifer said.
Support for the gala continues to grow, with record sponsorship and industry engagement. We’re seeing enrolments climb with a growing number of local businesses keen to engage our work-ready apprentices.
Congratulations to the 2024 Tec-NQ Apprentice of the Year category winners and their employers:
- Light Vehicle Apprentice of the Year – Charlie Callan from OSMAC Apprenticeships (Hosted by NQ Auto Group)
- Heavy Vehicle Apprentice of the Year – Samantha Icely from Ventia Australia
- Mobile Plant Apprentice of the Year – Jaden Bishop from Twine Machinery
- Engineering Fabrication Apprentice of the Year – Hayden Dowdell from JS Welding Services
- Engineering Mechanical Apprentice of the Year – Tyree Robertson from Jude Wheeler Hydraulics
- Engineering Mobile and Fixed Plant Apprentice of the Year – Jade Herschfield from G & M Diesel Services
- Carpentry Apprentice of the Year – Tallis Ruha from WR Interior Linings
- Plumbing Apprentice of the Year – Jake Edwards from Hilditch Plumbings
- Electrical Apprentice of the Year Townsville – Paul Driehuis from GTL Electrical
- Electrical Apprentice of the Year Mackay – Alex Reid from Dunbar Electrical
- Electrical Apprentice of the Year Cairns – Bryce Cummings from Jason Cummings Electrical
Tec-NQ provides senior schooling, full-time apprentice training, short courses, pre-employment programs and school-based learning programs to students hailing from Thursday Island to Longreach and all communities in-between.
