Kayla Gagai named Queensland’s Trainee of the Year

Kayla recently took home the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year award at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards state finals in Brisbane. It’s a moment she describes as both surreal and deeply affirming.

“I went into the night just proud to be on the stage with the other finalists,” Kayla said.

“To actually win – that was a huge honour. For me, it is a testimony of all the hard work I’ve put into my training and my career. It’s proof for my younger siblings – and for young people thinking about training – that there are so many good outcomes from doing a traineeship.”

Like many young people, Kayla started out in retail and hospitality jobs after finishing school, unsure where her career would take her. That changed when she connected with Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young people through key life transitions.

Initially, Kayla joined VPG as a participant, receiving help with her resume and landing a job. A few years later, she returned a trainee in business administration. That role sparked something bigger.

“I realised pretty quickly how much I enjoyed working with young people,” she said. “When the opportunity came up to step into youth work, I knew that’s where I belonged. From the first time I picked up that role, I just loved it.”

Kayla enrolled in a Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40421) with TAFE Queensland while completing her traineeship with VPG. The qualification – combined with hands-on experience – gave her the confidence to take on new responsibilities and opportunities she never imagined.

“This job challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve always been a quiet achiever, but through this traineeship I’ve run programs in schools, delivered workshops, and presented in front of large cohorts. I never thought I’d be able to do that. Now I know I can.”

Operations Manager at VPG, Emma Takai, has watched Kayla’s journey from trainee to award-winning youth worker.

“When Kayla was doing admin, it was clear that she had a natural gift for connecting with young people,” Emma said.

“On the days she worked with them, her presence made a noticeable difference – it was clear the young people valued her support. That’s when we encouraged her to move into a youth worker role. Since then, her skills have grown enormously. She takes initiative, leads with empathy, and really inspires the young people she supports.

Today, Kayla is an integral part of VPG’s First Nations Leadership Team, where she helps organise cultural events, provides guidance to colleagues working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, and delivers cultural awareness training.

“I am Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – my mum is Yirrganydji and my dad is from Badu Island and Mabuiag in the Torres Straits,” Kayla said.

“Representation matters. When young people walk into VPG, or a classroom and [ET1] see someone who looks like them, it makes them feel welcome and safe. That’s how I felt when I first came here, and now I can be that person for others.”

Completing her studies online allowed Kayla to juggle work and training. She says the flexibility and support provided by both TAFE Queensland and VPG made all the difference.

“I had dedicated study days each week, and my trainer was always there if I needed help. Studying online meant I could fit my learning around my work commitments, which kept me on track.”

That dedication has paid off – not just in her award wins, but in the impact she’s having on young people. At VPG, Kayla works across programs like Respect Me, a school-based respectful relationship education program, and Ready for Work, helping young people build skills, gain confidence, and transition successfully into employment or further training.

“I want to show young people that their voice matters, that they can create change in their communities. If I can play even a small part in empowering them, then I’m doing my job.”

Emma says Kayla’s story shows the true value of traineeships – for both the individual and the organisation.

“A traineeship is an investment – in young people, in your business, and in the community,” Emma said.

“For us, it meant we could support emerging talent and help Kayla develop the skills she needed while contributing to our programs. Through a combination of on-the-job experiences and formal training, she built a strong foundation and learned to apply an advantage thinking approach in her work. Today, she brings that mindset to everything she does – a testament to her commitment and the opportunities a traineeship provides.”

Later this year, Kayla will represent Queensland at the Australian Training Awards in Darwin. While she admits there may be nerves on the night, her focus is on the bigger picture.

“I’m excited to meet people from all around the country and hear about their journeys,” she said.

“Whether I win or not, just making it this far is an achievement. It’s about the experience, the exposure, and being able to celebrate my journey.”

When asked what her advice would be for other young people, particularly First Nations students, Kayla is clear.

“Be open to it. A traineeship might just show you something you’re passionate about. It can open doors you never imagined and give you the extra support to reach your goals. If you’ve got the drive, just go for it.”

With her award-winning traineeship complete, Kayla is now focussing on continuing her work with VPG and inspiring the next generation.

“I wake up excited to go to work every day. That’s how I know I’m in the right place. Youth work is more than a job for me – it’s my passion, my purpose, and my way of giving back.”