TAFE Hervey Bay celebrates first apprentice awards ceremony

The Hervey Bay TAFE campus was aglow with pride and celebration as graduates gathered to be honoured for their outstanding achievements. MEET OUR YOUNG STARS

Beautician Apprentice of the Year Milana Audesho

The Hervey Bay TAFE campus was aglow with pride and celebration on Wednesday night as graduates gathered to be honoured for their outstanding achievements at the inaugural Fraser Coast Apprentice and Trainee Awards.

Nominees and industry professionals including MEGT, a local company helping apprentices and employers connect, gathered to celebrate the awards which took place at the campus’ restaurant, Images.

TAFE Queensland general manager for the East Coast, Mark Reilly said the event celebrated talented emerging employees.

Tiah Clout, Casey White, Sarah Braun and Josh Wiltshire of MEGT, a local company helping apprentices and employers connect.

“We know that apprentices and trainees with the right skills help power Queensland’s economy,” he said.

“This is particularly evident in the Fraser Coast region, with projects like the Queensland Train Manufacturing Project driving employment growth in important industries like manufacturing.

Apprentice of the Year nominee and now qualified electrician, Mason Pavey

“TAFE Queensland is committed to providing that quality, hands-on training that will set our state on course for a strong future, and this event showcased just some of the great people that training is producing, and the contribution they are making to local industry and the community as a whole.”

Trade and manufacturing are not the only skills that can be learned at TAFE, as proven by the winner of the Beautician Apprentice of the Year, Milana Audesho.

Beautician Apprentice of the Year Milana Audesho.

“I’m feeling very proud,” she said.

“It feels nice that they’re still noticing people like this.”

Leaving school in grade 10 and sending herself straight into a TAFE course has left a lasting impact on how she has approached employment post study.

“I love the way I can make my clients feel,” she said.

“People that are wanting to make others feel good and to make people feel change as well, I feel like this is a really good career to be in.”

Another winner on the night, Apprentice of the Year Sam Taylor of Hyne Timber, battled away for years in an electrotechnology apprenticeship for his award.

Apprentice of the Year Sam Taylor.

“After four years of hard work, it feels good to get the accomplishment,” he said.

“Not everyone gets this opportunity, so if there’s one there, take it and hold on for the ride.”

Other award winners who did not attend the ceremony included Electrotechnology Apprentice of the Year Stephen Jackson and Engineering Apprentice of the Year Benjamin Hudson.