A builder has been named as North Coast’s top apprentice of the year after turning his life around and focussing on his chosen career.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said Samuel Liddle from Nambour took home the title of Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year as one of the 11 winners at the regional final of the 58th Queensland Training Awards.
“Samuel describes his apprenticeship as the lifeline he needed to turn his life around,” Ms Fentiman said.
“Through his training and employment with Gateway Constructions he has found a passion for his trade, as well as skills and experience that he can use to give back to his community.
“Samuel completed his Certificate III in Carpentry in 2019 and is working towards obtaining his builder’s license.
“Samuel will now join the winners from six other regional Queensland Training Awards to become finalists in the state Queensland Training Awards with winners announced in September.
“All of our high calibre regional winners represent a wide range of industries and occupations, from dental, electricians, metal fabrication specialists and hairdressing salons, to disability support organisations and big businesses.
“Being selected as a regional winner recognises their outstanding contribution to the state’s growth and economy and they should be proud of their achievements so far.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting training and skills development for all Queenslanders.”
The Queensland Training Awards highlights the excellence in the state’s training sector and supports the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to skilling Queenslanders, especially for the high-demand industries of the future.
The 11 regional award categories are Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year; Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year; Vocational Student of the Year; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year; School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year; VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year; Equity VET Student of the Year; Community Training Initiative of the Year; and Small, Medium and Large Employer of the Year.
The Queensland Training Awards State Gala Dinner will be held in Brisbane on 14 September. The awards are run by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training,with the support of regional and state sponsors.
North Coast regional winners:
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Samuel Liddle – Nambour
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Cardiah Stanley – Aroona
Vocational Student of the Year
Yolandie Weir – Bokarina
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Noa Fletcher – Thabeban
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
James Carroll – Narangbah
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Raymond Wallbank – Cooroibah
Equity VET Student of the Year
Adam McKillop – Pialba
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Deception Bay Community Youth Programs – Deception Bay
Small Employer of the Year
Accelerate Auto Electrics and Air Conditioning – Maroochydore
Medium Employer of the Year
Cavalier Engineering – Gympie
Large Employer of the Year
Gympie Regional Council – Gympie
