Personalise my view
Utilities industry’s bright sparks recognised
The 2024 TAFE Queensland - SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards saw bright sparks from the utilities industry presented awards for their excellence.
The best and brightest utilities apprentices were recognised at the 2024 TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards on Thursday 10 October at the Royal International Convention Centre in Bowen Hills, Brisbane in a night to remember for attendees.
Drawing a crowd of 350 attendees made up mostly of apprentices, their employers, and guests, with industry sponsors and TAFE Queensland staff also in attendance, the event showcased the nation’s top training provider’s very best apprentices across 14 trade categories along with two employer categories.
Apprentices were treated to a spectacular celebration of their excellence.
Utilities industry categories on the night included the Reece Australia Plumbing and Gas Fitting Apprentice of the Year, MEGT Electrical Apprentice of the Year, Fluke Australia Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year, and Yokogawa Instrumentation Apprentice of the Year.
Benjamin Kenny from Theuerkauf Plumbing Services was crowned the Reece Australia Plumbing and Gas Fitting Apprentice of the Year thanks to the set of leadership and communication skills that lift him above his peers with similarly refined technical skills.
Benjamin Kenny celebrates with sponsors Reece Australia.
Meanwhile, Tayler Raisbeck from Alfa Air & Electrical claimed the win in the MEGT Electrical Apprentice of the Year category, awarded for his determination to constantly improve – a virtue that sees him already eying off a second apprenticeship in air conditioning and refrigeration after earning his electrical trade.
Tayler Raisbeck received his trophy from sponsor MEGT.
In the Fluke Australia Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year it was Woolworths Format Development apprentice Amy-Lee Murray who took home the trophy, with the single mother of two later also winning the marquee prize of the night – the CSQ Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – awarded to the overall highest regarded apprentice.
Amy-Lee Murray presented her award and additional prize by sponsor Fluke Australia.
Finally, the Yokogawa Instrumentation Apprentice of the Year was in 2024 awarded to Timmothy Dean from SEQ Water, who has shown his merit to his employer and teachers in what is his second trade as he strives to be deeply involved in Queensland’s transition to renewable energy solutions.
Timmothy Dean with fellow finalists after receiving his award.
TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech General Manager Stephen Gates said the 2024 TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards was, above all else, an opportunity to encourage reflection on the achievements of Queensland’s future industry leaders.
“Every year, this event gives us the opportunity to promote rewarding excellence and engage the employers who train apprentices with us to think about what their apprentices’ best assets are,” Mr Gates said.
“I was lucky enough to be involved in the judging process and it was remarkable to hear about the achievements of our apprentices and their individual stories. There is no one pathway to success in a trade career and that was exemplified by our winners in 2024.”
“We had Apprentices of the Year that were male, female, under 18, over 45, from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, North Queensland, starting their first career, extending with a second trade, or changing careers completely. That in itself was inspiring.”
TAFE Queensland - SkillsTech General Manager Stephen Gates addresses the crowd at the 2024 TAFE Queensland - SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards.
“TAFE Queensland is so thankful to the raft of industry sponsors that make this event possible, led by Main Event Sponsor CSQ, and enable us to create a fantastic memory for our apprentices as they move towards a high-flying career,” Mr Gates said.