Local apprentices recognised among Queensland's best talent

From construction sites and renewable energy projects to refrigeration and air conditioning systems, local apprentices Blake Rasborsek, Mikayla Reinke and Summa Nicholson are building careers that are helping shape Queensland's future while making their communities proud.

For Capalaba local Mikayla Reinke, taking home the Fluke Australia Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Apprentice of the Year award was an opportunity to reflect on how far her apprenticeship journey has come as a fourth-year apprentice doing their Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32225). Meanwhile, fellow Capalaba resident Blake Rasborsek who is a third-year apprentice based at TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech's (RTO 0275) Alexandra Hills campus was named Bailey Ladders Construction Apprentice of the Year. Redland Bay's very own Summa Nicholson was also recognised as a finalist in the Milwaukee Renewable Industries Apprentice of the Year category as a first-year apprentice doing her Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820).

Their success is a reminder that rewarding careers don't always begin in a lecture theatre. For many apprentices, they start on a job site, learning practical skills, gaining real-world experience, and earning while they train.

Stephen Gates, General Manager of TAFE Queensland - SkillsTech, said the awards recognise not only outstanding apprentices, but the determination and commitment it takes to succeed in the trades.

"Every apprentice has a story. These awards celebrate the hard work, persistence and passion that people like Mikayla, Blake and Summa bring to their trades every day."

"Seeing three apprentices from the Redlands recognised on the same night for such a huge event is a fantastic outcome and something the local community should be incredibly proud of."

"As we continue growing training opportunities in the Redlands through our Alexandra Hills campus, we're creating more opportunities for people to gain the skills they need close to home and build meaningful careers in their own communities."

The recognition comes at an exciting time for the region, with continued investment in local training facilities helping more people access industry-relevant education without having to travel far from home.

Andrew Hocking, Business Manager based at TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech's Alexandra Hills campus, said seeing Redlands apprentices recognised at such a high level sends a powerful message to local school-leavers and career changers considering a future in the trades.

"These apprentices show what's possible when you combine hard work with the right support and training. Their success gives others in our community someone to look up to and learn from."

"The Redlands has incredible talent, and we're proud to see local apprentices achieving great things across a range of industries."

"With exciting developments such as our new Electrotechnology building now open, we're creating more opportunities for local people to train, develop their skills and build careers that make a real difference in their communities."

For Mikayla, the award was about more than a trophy.

"It's an amazing feeling to be recognised. There have been plenty of early starts, challenges and learning opportunities along the way, so it's great to see that hard work pays off."

Blake said the award was a memorable way to celebrate everything he had achieved throughout his apprenticeship.

"It's a great feeling to be recognised alongside so many talented apprentices from across Queensland."

"Bringing an award home to the Redlands makes it even more special because this community has played a big part in my journey."

For Summa, being named a finalist was a proud moment and a chance to showcase the growing opportunities in renewable industries.

"Being recognised as a finalist was something I never expected when I started my apprenticeship, and I'm really proud of what I've achieved so far."

As Queensland's demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow, stories like Mikayla, Blake and Summa's demonstrate the value of vocational education and the opportunities available to people prepared to learn, work hard and back themselves. Through apprenticeships, people are not only investing in their own futures but helping build stronger communities and a stronger Queensland.