Queensland’s next generation of trade talent took centre stage at the recent 2026 TAFE Queensland-SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards held at Sofitel Brisbane Central.
Now in its ninth year, the awards recognised outstanding achievement across 18 apprentice categories and two employer awards, celebrating the apprentices and industry leaders helping shape the state’s future.
Hosted by TAFE Queensland-SkillsTech and supported by main event sponsor Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), the annual awards showcase excellence in training, leadership, career development and workplace performance, while recognising the important role employers play in supporting apprentices to succeed.
The event brought together apprentices from across Queensland’s trade industries like construction, electrotechnology, automotive, engineering and manufacturing, refrigeration and furnishing industries to celebrate their achievements.
As Queensland continues to need skilled people across a range of industries, the awards highlighted the importance of investing in people with skills, building strong industry partnerships and creating opportunities for apprentices to succeed.
Stephen Gates, General Manager of TAFE Queensland-SkillsTech, says the awards celebrate the apprentices and employers helping build Queensland’s future.
Among the major winners on the night was Nicholas Harrison, who took home both the MEGT Electrical Apprentice of the Year and the prestigious CSQ Outstanding Apprentice of the Year awards.
Above: The 2026 TAFE Queensland-SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards recognised outstanding achievement across 18 apprentice categories and two employer awards
Rhys Martin from Nicholas’s employer, CV Infrastructure Services, said the team was thrilled to see him recognised.
“Nicholas has worked incredibly hard throughout his apprenticeship and has always been willing to learn, take on challenges and give his best every day,” he said.
“To see him win two major awards is something we’re very proud of. It’s a great reward for the effort he’s put into his trade and a credit to the person he is.”
Nicholas said the recognition was a proud moment. “It’s an unreal feeling and something I wasn’t expecting. There are so many talented apprentices here tonight, so I’m really grateful to be recognised.
“This award isn’t just for me. It’s thanks to the support of my employer, my teachers, my family and everyone who’s helped me along the way.”
Selected from thousands of apprentices undertaking training with TAFE Queensland-SkillsTech, finalists demonstrated outstanding technical skill, leadership, professionalism and commitment to their trade.
Their achievements reflect the power of apprentices, employers, teachers, and industry working together to build a strong pipeline of skilled workers for Queensland.
The winners and finalists recognised on the night represent the next generation of skilled tradespeople whose work will help deliver homes, infrastructure, renewable energy projects and the industries that keep Queensland moving for years to come.
Above: HVIA’s Kay Marco presents Instrumentation Apprentice of Year award to MIGAS’s Ryan Edwards; Top left: Breaking Barriers Apprentice of Year Hayley Campbell from MRAEL; Top right: Painting and Decorating Apprentice of Year Mei Yip from QBuild
2026 Employer Category Winners
>> Apprentice Employment Network Small Employer of the Year: Cassidys Brick and Block Laying
>> Queensland Trade Apprentices Large Employer of the Year: Automall Aspley
2026 Category Winners
>> TradeTools Carpentry Apprentice of the Year: Lachlan Bailey – Bridgeport Building and Maintenance
>> Laminex Furnishing Trades Apprentice of the Year: Helen Wilson – Spoke Joinery
>> Bailey Ladders Construction Apprentice of the Year: Blake Rasborsek – QBuild (Brisbane)
>> Dulux Trade Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year: Mei Yip – QBuild (Brisbane)
>> CBUS Super Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year: Zachary Reus – Evolve Masonry
>> Reece Australia Plumbing and Gas Fitting Apprentice of the Year: Jayden Lynch – Cornerstone Plumbing & Gas Services
>> MEGT Electrical Apprentice of the Year: Nicholas Harrison – CV Infrastructure Services
Above top: School-Based Apprentice of Year: Charlee Heron from McNab NQ/Chisholm College; Bottom left: Heavy Commercial Industries Apprentice of Year Robyn Medley from Hitachi; Bottom right: Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of Year Edward Palmer from Hydraulic Components
>> Fluke Australia Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year” Mikayla Reinke – Air Boar
>> Milwaukee Renewable Industries Apprentice of the Year: Marlie Crozier – MG Wind
>> Training Systems Australia Light Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Jack Skjellerup-Knight – Automall Aspley
>> Milwaukee Heavy Commercial Industries Apprentice of the Year: Robyn Medley – Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia)
>> Weld Australia Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year: Edward Palmer – Hydraulic Components
>> CTIAQ Recreational Vehicle Apprentice of the Year: Jemima Castillo – Brisbane Camperland
>> HVIA Instrumentation Apprentice of the Year: Ryan Edwards – MIGAS
>> Apprenticeship Support Australia School-Based Apprentice of the Year: Charlee (Charlotte) Heron – McNab NQ/Chisholm Catholic College
>> MAS National Inspiring Apprentice of the Year: Adam Rutherford – Sencova Steel Fabricators
>> BUSY At Work Breaking Barriers Apprentice of the Year: Hayley Campbell – MRAEL
>> CSQ Outstanding Apprentice of the Year: Nicholas Harrison – CV Infrastructure Services.