Four Bracken Ridge apprentices recognised among Queensland's best

Four apprentices from TAFE Queensland - SkillsTech's Bracken Ridge campus have been recognised among Queensland's top emerging tradespeople, taking home major honours at the 2026 TAFE Queensland - SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards.

Representing engineering, carpentry, refrigeration and automotive, the award winners showcase the talent, determination and industry-ready people with the right skills being developed through apprenticeships across Queensland.

Scott Lewis, Business Manager at TAFE Queensland - SkillsTech's (RTO 0275) Bracken Ridge campus, said seeing four apprentices recognised on one of the state's biggest apprentice stages was a proud moment for students, teachers and employers alike.

"What made the night so special was hearing our award winners talk about the role their teachers played in their journey. It reinforced that we're delivering quality training that helps apprentices succeed."

Among the winners was MAS National Inspiring Apprentice of the Year Adam Rutherford, who is a fourth-year apprentice doing his Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (MEM31925) and working with Sencova Steel Fabricators. A proud Aboriginal tradesman, Adam has overcome personal and educational challenges while building a successful career in engineering and fabrication.

"Getting this qualification has changed my life. If you back yourself and keep turning up, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible."

Third-year carpentry apprentice Lachlan Bailey, who is doing their Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) and working with Bridgeport Building & Maintenance, was recognised in the TradeTools Carpentry Apprentice of the Year category after returning to apprentice life to pursue a long-held passion for construction. After previously working as a painter and running his own business, Lachlan's commitment to learning and quality workmanship helped set him apart.

"I took a chance on something I'd always wanted to do, and it's been worth it. You're never too old to learn a new trade."

Fourth-year air-conditioning and refrigeration apprentice Mikayla Reinke, who is doing their Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32225) and working with AIR BOAR, was recognised in the Fluke Australia Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year category for her resilience, professionalism and commitment to continuous improvement throughout her apprenticeship.

"Every challenge has helped me grow. This award shows that hard work and persistence really do pay off."

TAFE Queensland - SkillsTech General Manager Stephen Gates said the awards recognise apprentices who are helping shape the future of Queensland's trades industries.

"These people have demonstrated what can be achieved when talent, determination and quality training come together during an apprenticeship. We're incredibly proud to see them recognised among Queensland's best."

Completing the Bracken Ridge success story was Jack Skjellerup-Knight, who is a third-year apprentice and the Training Systems Australia Light Automotive Apprentice of the Year who is doing their Certificate III in Automotive Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620) and working with Automall Aspley. Known for his strong work ethic and passion for learning, Jack has already achieved advanced manufacturer training milestones and established himself as a trusted team member in the automotive industry.

"The biggest thing I've learnt is to keep asking questions and never stop learning. That's how you keep improving."

Mr Lewis said the achievements of all four apprentices reflect the strength of training being delivered at Bracken Ridge.

"These apprentices should be incredibly proud of what they've achieved. Awards like these are the result of hard-working apprentices, supportive employers and dedicated teachers all working together."

The recognition comes as Bracken Ridge expands its automotive training capability, now delivering full training in Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120), creating even more opportunities for apprentices to gain industry-relevant skills and build rewarding careers without crossing the bridge to head south.

As demand for skilled people continues to grow in the trades, the success of Adam, Lachlan, Mikayla and Jack highlights the value of vocational education and the opportunities apprenticeships provide to build meaningful careers while helping shape Queensland's future.