Celebrating trade talent in Townsville

Among the standout winners was Anne-Marie “Annie” Dowling, a 56-year-old cookery apprentice with Eloise Copper Mine, who completed her Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) through TAFE Queensland. Annie’s inspiring journey – from kitchenhand to sous chef – saw her claim not one, but three awards on the night: Female Trade Student of the Year, Cookery Apprentice of the Year, and the evening’s top honour, Outstanding Apprentice of the Year.

“It is such an honour to win these three awards.  I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d achieve this, but it feels fantastic and it’s very unexpected – I think it will really hit me when I get home. At my age, I never thought I’d be able to experience anything like this or to be able to achieve this and I have.”

Her story is one of grit, growth, and pure passion for the trade. From long shifts in the kitchen to excelling in formal training and being recognised as a finalist at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards – North Region, Annie has consistently pushed herself forward.

Along the way, she has inspired her peers, lifted her workplace, and become a leader for women in trades.

When asked what message she would like to share with others, Annie noted, “You’re never too old to learn – just give it a go, try and have fun along the way and ensure you enjoy what you’re doing.”

TAFE Queensland North region Executive Director Corporate Services, Stacey Coburn, said Annie’s success capture what the Trade Excellence Award are all about.

“Annie has embraced every challenge and turned it into an opportunity to grow,” Mrs Coburn said. “She’s shown what can be achieved when skill, passion and hard work come together – and she’s set a benchmark for others coming through the trade.”

More than 160 people attended the awards night at the TAFE Queensland Townsville (Pimlico) campus, celebrating the achievements of local apprentices, students, teachers, and employers.

Over 2,000 apprentices and trade students currently train with TAFE Queensland in Townsville. This year’s awards saw 87 nominations, with 34 finalists selected across a range of trades.

Another award highlight went to Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining) (MEM30219) apprentice Blake Leard, who was named Engineering Apprentice of the Year. Blake’s journey is one of sheer resilience – after a serious health battle, he rebuilt his skills from scratch and came back stronger.

Today, he is thriving at Tuff Manufacturing, mentoring others, contributing to his team, and earning the respect of everyone around him.

“Blake has shown enormous resilience,” Mrs. Coburn said. “His determination to return to training, succeed in his trade, and support others around him is nothing short of remarkable.”

Also honoured was Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) apprentice Daniel Cole from Blanco Building Pty Ltd, who took home the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Trade Student of the Year Award. Daniel has built his reputation on reliability, dedication, and pride in his craft. At TAFE he lifts the classroom by supporting his peers, while on site he sets the standard with his work ethic.

“Daniel is an apprentice that makes those around him better,” Mrs. Coburn said. “He turns up ready, he leads by example, and he shows young people in his community that a trade career can open doors.”

The event also celebrated the future of trades with Patyn Andrews from Ebony Empire, who was named TAFE at School Trade Student of the Year. Patyn has already proven herself one to watch in throughout her Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416), balancing school with her apprenticeship and achieving national recognition through WorldSkills.

“These awards celebrate the incredible pipeline of talent in Townsville,” Mrs. Coburn said. “From apprentices to school-based trainees, these students are the future of local industry.”

The 2025 TAFE Queensland Townsville Trade Excellence Awards were made possible thanks to the generous support of our Gold Sponsor, Global Weld.