NEW!! Breaking Barriers Apprentice of the Year
New for 2026, this award recognises an apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional resilience in overcoming personal adversity, such as navigating disability, gender bias, or other significant life challenges while actively engaging in their training and employment. Helping to broaden diversity and representation across Queensland’s apprenticeship pathways. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These awards recognise organisations that foster leading workplaces, develop their people, and maximise the potential of their workforce through apprenticeship training at TAFE Queensland.

Small Employer of the Year
Large Employer of the Year
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nominees are measured on their training, career, and study achievements, as well as their communication and leadership skills. 
School-based Apprentice of the Year
Carpentry Apprentice of the Year
Furnishing Trades Apprentice of the Year
Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year
Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year
Construction Apprentice of the Year
Plumbing and Gas Fitting Apprentice of the Year
Electrical Apprentice of the Year
Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Apprentice of the Year
Renewable Industries Apprentice of the Year
Instrumentation Apprentice of the Year
Light Automotive Apprentice of the Year
Heavy Commercial Industries Apprentice of the Year
Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year
Recreational Vehicle Apprentice of the Year
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspiring Apprentice of the Year
All category finalists are eligible for this award, which recognises an apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional achievement despite adversity during their apprenticeship or has made a significant contribution to their community.

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year
All nominees are considered for this award, which goes to the overall most outstanding apprentice on the night.

TradeTools Carpentry Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Travis Pick - Red Rock Homes
Finalists: Travis Pick, Zackary Smith, Harrison Steptoe.

Milwaulkee Furnishing Trades Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Mitchell Gaudry - Woodland Fitouts
Finalists: Mitchell Gaudry, Chad Hayward, Jacob Henningsen.

Bailey Ladders Construction Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Harrison Griffin - Heritage Stone QLD
Finalists: Irene Baldelli, Harrison Griffin, Rebekah Swindells.

Dulux Trade Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Xanda Kerss – McNab
Finalists: Brayden Chambers, Jacqueline Forbes, Xanda Kerss.

Brick and Block Careers Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Ethan McStravick - Alpha Brick and Block
Finalists: Tyson Baldwin, Ethan Mcstravick, Amy Stubbs.

Reece Plumbing and Gas Fitting Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Matthew Lynn - D&S Plumbing Group
Finalists: Jacob Ford, Matthew Lynn, Bayley Witbrock.

MEGT Electrical Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Tasman Henry - G Lec Services
Finalists: Tasman Henry, Hollie McIntosh, Timothy Muller.

Fluke Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Izac Hull - CoolTimes Services
Finalists: Reece Hughes, Izac Hull, Daniel Sangster.

Cangoee Renewable Industries Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Graham Dell - Automall Aspley
Finalists: Graham Dell, Connor Gordon, Bruce Warnett.

Training Systems Australia Light Automotive Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Hassan Brown - Mike Carney Toyota
Finalists: Hassan Brown, Mitchel Day, Cara Domin.

HVIA Heavy Commercial Industries Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Kaden Morgan - Drake Trailers
Finalists: Liam Jeejeebhoy, Kaden Morgan, Lachlan Wright.

Weld Australia Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Kirra-Lea Harvey-Barden - Programmed Skilled Workforce
Finalists: Clinton Aldous, Kirra-Lea Harvey-Barden, Harrison Wessling.

CTIAQ Recreational Vehicle Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Logan Benham - Apollo Manufacturing
Finalists: Logan Benham, Ashley Hine, Dean Paul.

Microhire Instrumentation Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Boyd Sandeman – Santos
Finalists: Ariellah Daniel, Izaak Dudley, Boyd Sanderman.

Mas National School-based Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Zander Downie - FCF Fire and Electrical, Padua College
Finalists: Mason Baker, Zander Downie, Ari Jorgensen.

BUSY At Work Inspiring Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Hollie McIntosh - Ruswin

CSQ Outstanding Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Xanda Kerss – McNab

AEN Small Employer of the Year
Winner: Kel Stanton Mobile Diesel Services
Finalists: Iceman Group Australia, Ideal Group Australia, J.R Stephens and Co, Kel Stanton's Mobile Diesel Service.

Promotion Products Large Employer of the Year
Winner: Drake Trailers
Finalists: Drake Trailers, J&P Richardson Industries, McNab, Mader Queensland, Mike Carney Toyota, Woodland Fitouts.