Breaking barriers and building futures at the 2026 TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards

Now in its ninth year, the awards recognised outstanding achievement across 18 apprentice categories and two employer awards, celebrating the apprentices and industry leaders helping shape Queensland's future.

Hosted by TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech (RTO 0275) and proudly supported by Main Event Sponsor Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), the annual awards showcase excellence in training, leadership, career development, and workplace performance, while recognising the important role employers play in supporting apprentices to succeed. The event brought together apprentices from across Queensland's trade industries like construction, electrotechnology, automotive, engineering and manufacturing, refrigeration, and furnishing industries to celebrate their achievements.

As Queensland continues to need skilled people across a range of industries, the awards highlighted the importance of investing in people with skills, building strong industry partnerships, and creating opportunities for apprentices to succeed.

Stephen Gates, General Manager of TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech, said the awards celebrated the apprentices and employers helping build Queensland's future.

"These people here tonight are the future of our industries, and tonight is about recognising the hard work, commitment, and determination they've shown to get here. Every finalist should be incredibly proud of what they've achieved," Mr Gates said.

"Apprentices don't succeed on their own. Behind every great apprentice is an employer, mentor, teacher, or family member who has backed them along the way. Tonight is a chance to recognise those people too."

Among the major winners on the night was Nicholas Harrison, who took home both the MEGT Electrical Apprentice of the Year and the prestigious CSQ Outstanding Apprentice of the Year awards.

Rhys Martin from Nicholas's employer CV Infrastructure Services said the team was thrilled to see Nicholas recognised.

"Nicholas has worked incredibly hard throughout his apprenticeship and has always been willing to learn, take on challenges, and give his best every day."

"To see him win two major awards is something we're very proud of. It's a great reward for the effort he's put into his trade and a credit to the person he is."

Award winner Nicholas Harrison said the recognition was a proud moment.

"It's an unreal feeling and something I wasn't expecting. There are so many talented apprentices here tonight, so I'm really grateful to be recognised."

"This award isn't just for me. It's thanks to the support of my employer, my teachers, my family, and everyone who's helped me along the way."

Adam Rutherford saw winning the 2026 MAS National Inspiring Apprentice of the Year as a testament to the ability to keep showing up and overcoming challenges varying from self-doubt to managing the detrimental impacts of ADHD and other major personal events.

"This award means everything and more to me," Adam said.

“I always felt like I wasn’t good at anything and would be told as an Aboriginal man doing farming that it is impossible. But to be able to take this back to the community and show what is possible will be a full-circle moment. I hope I can inspire someone to pursue their dreams and have as good of a time doing it like I have on my journey.”

The awards also saw the presentation of the inaugural BUSY At Work Breaking Barriers Apprentice of the Year Award, won by Hayley Campbell.

Jasmine Rowe, State Manager at BUSY At Work, said they are proud to sponsor the new category.

"We're proud to support an award that recognises people who have overcome challenges and kept pushing towards their goals, despite their difficult setbacks."

"Hayley's story is a great example of what's possible when determination meets opportunity. We're delighted to see her recognised and hope her journey inspires others thinking about starting an apprenticeship."

Selected from thousands of apprentices undertaking training with TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech, finalists demonstrated outstanding technical skill, leadership, professionalism, and commitment to their trade. Their achievements reflect the power of apprentices, employers, teachers, and industry working together to build a strong pipeline of skilled workers for Queensland.

Congratulations to all finalists, winners, employers, sponsors, and industry partners who contributed to another successful year of the TAFE Queensland - SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards. Together, they are helping invest in skills, strengthen industry, support communities, and build Queensland's future workforce.

The winners and finalists recognised on the night represent the next generation of skilled tradespeople whose work will help deliver homes, infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and the industries that keep Queensland moving for years to come.

2026 Employer Category Winners

Apprentice Employment Network Small Employer of the Year
Cassidys Brick and Block Laying

Queensland Trade Apprentices Large Employer of the Year
Automall Aspley

2026 Category Winners

TradeTools Carpentry Apprentice of the Year
Lachlan Bailey – Bridgeport Building and Maintenance

Laminex Furnishing Trades Apprentice of the Year
Helen Wilson – Spoke Joinery

Bailey Ladders Construction Apprentice of the Year
Blake Rasborsek – QBuild (Brisbane)

Dulux Trade Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year
Mei Yip – QBuild (Brisbane)

CBUS Super Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year
Zachary Reus – Evolve Masonry

Reece Australia Plumbing and Gas Fitting Apprentice of the Year
Jayden Lynch – Cornerstone Plumbing & Gas Services

MEGT Electrical Apprentice of the Year
Nicholas Harrison – CV Infrastructure Services

Fluke Australia Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year
Mikayla Reinke – AIR BOAR

Milwaukee Renewable Industries Apprentice of the Year
Marlie Crozier – MG Wind

Training Systems Australia Light Automotive Apprentice of the Year
Jack Skjellerup-Knight – Automall Aspley  

Milwaukee Heavy Commercial Industries Apprentice of the Year
Robyn Medley - Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia)

Weld Australia Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year
Edward Palmer - Hydraulic Components

CTIAQ Recreational Vehicle Apprentice of the Year
Jemima Castillo - Brisbane Camperland

HVIA Instrumentation Apprentice of the Year
Ryan Edwards - MIGAS  

Apprenticeship Support Australia School-Based Apprentice of the Year
Charlee (Charlotte) Heron - McNab NQ - Chisholm Catholic College

MAS National Inspiring Apprentice of the Year
Adam Rutherford – Sencova Steel Fabricators 

BUSY At Work Breaking Barriers Apprentice of the Year
Hayley Campbell – MRAEL

CSQ Outstanding Apprentice of the Year
Nicholas Harrison – CV Infrastructure Services

We also want to say a huge thank you to our other event sponsors who helped bring the event to life.

East Coast Apprenticeships - VIP Activation Sponsor

Red Bull - Event Closing Sponsor

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners - Photo Booth Sponsor

AWIC - Awesome Women in Construction - Event Sponsor

Future Lady Tradies - Event Sponsor

TradeMutt - Event Sponsor

TIACS - Event Sponsor