Hollie wins BUSY Inspiring Apprentice of the Year

Recognised from a pool of over 12,500 apprentices eligible for the award spanning the construction, utilities, automotive, and engineering industries, the BUSY Inspiring Apprentice of the Year is awarded to a nominee who has achieved excellence across their apprenticeship through significant adversity or has contributed greatly to their community.

Hollie was recognised for her growth as an apprentice while undertaking a Certificate III in Security Equipment (UEE31420), and for her contribution to the community as a valued member of her local State Emergency Service (SES) whom she has been volunteering with for over six years.

Passionate about helping people in need, Hollie completes her volunteer work on top of her full time hours as an apprentice for Ruswin Integrated Security Systems in Townsville. She’s been on hand to assist on a range of local emergencies from land searches, sandbagging, and even weather events.

She is also involved in a range of community cultural events such as disaster awareness days and sporting events. Hollie has also stepped up to provide leadership in team environments guiding volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. She has also more recently assisted in the development of their radio communications course for new SES recruits, and vehicle maintenance.

After being speechless following the award recipient announcement, Hollie said that being awarded the Inspiring Apprentice of the Year was unexpected, but a welcome surprise.

“It was very nice to be recognised for what I do, although I don’t do it for recognition," she said.

"I usually hide in the radio room, so a lot of people don’t usually see me."

With trade-specific awards on offer in 15 categories, two employer awards, and two marquee awards, the 2025 TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech Apprentice Awards, held at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane, was a tribute to high-flying apprentices who are set to become industry leaders in their careers.

Funded by an army of sponsors led by Main Event Sponsor Construction Skills Queensland, the Apprentice Awards promotes celebration of excellence and of trade careers, which industry bodies, suppliers, and leaders jump at the chance to be involved in.

TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech General Manager Stephen Gates says the impact this event has on apprentices and how they and others view their careers is incalculable, having seen hundreds of proud and heartfelt reactions from winners and finalists over the years.

“When I was a coach and motor body building apprentice in the 90s, and even when I first started teaching my trade at the Eagle Farm campus in 2011, there was nothing anywhere close to this night to celebrate high