Queensland training stars shine bright at state final

Queensland’s brightest training stars have been celebrated at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards State Final in Brisbane overnight.

From more than 740 nominations across Queensland and seven regional finals, 14 winners were honoured at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, showcasing the strength and reach of skills and training across the State.

​Among the standout winners was Ipswich carpenter and construction ambassador, Jessica Bichsel (pictured, below), crowned Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year, after swapping a tourism career for carpentry and making her mark building sets for theatre, film and television. 

Cairns youth worker, Kayla Gagai, took out the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year award, recognised for turning her passion for helping young people into a career supporting First Nations youth across Far North Queensland. 

Other winners included Emerald’s, Andrew Abbas, named VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year, CQUniversity Australia as Large Training Provider of the Year, and Bowen aged care provider, Murroona Gardens, as Medium Employer of the Year. 

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates said the Awards captured the heart of Queensland’s training story.

​“The Queensland Training Awards shine a light on the people who’ve taken bold steps, overcome challenges and forged new careers,” Minister Bates said. 

“This year, most of our winners come from outside the south-east corner – showing that training and skills are creating opportunities right across Queensland.

“From Jessica breaking ground in construction to Therese Stanton returning to healthcare at 62 after recovering from a stroke – these are stories of resilience and inspiration.

​“Our 14 winners are not only role models in their communities – they are shaping the skilled workforce Queensland needs for the future.”

State winners in nationally aligned categories will now represent Queensland at the 2025 Australian Training Awards in Darwin on 5 December. 

​Full list of statewide winners:

Individual award categories 

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year – Jessica Bichsel, Certificate III in Carpentry, Ipswich

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year – Kayla Gagai, Certificate IV in Youth Work

Cairns ​Vocational Student of the Year – Cameron Flack, Diploma of Work Health and Safety, lives in Moorooka, employer is based in Kingaroy 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Dion Sands, Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management,

Yarrabah ​School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Hamish Genrich, Certificate III in Agriculture, Crows Nest 

Equity Student of the Year – Therese Stanton, Certificate III in Sterilisation Services, Goomeri 

VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year – Andrew Abbas, CQUniversity, Emerald 

Organisation award categories 

Community Training Initiative of the Year – BASE Services Hospitality Traineeships program

Toowoomba ​Large Employer of the Year – The Ville Precinct

Townsville ​Medium Employer of the Year – Murroona Gardens

Bowen ​Small Employer of the Year – Intuition The Art of Hair

Mackay ​Large Training Provider of the Year – CQUniversity Australia 

Small Training Provider of the Year – Hastings Deering (Australia) 

Premier’s Industry Collaboration Award – Energy Queensland Cadetship Program – Energy Queensland and TAFE Queensland.