Top apprentices crowned at 10th Annual Tec-NQ Industry Awards Gala
Tec-NQ’s much anticipated 10th Annual Apprentice of the Year Awards Gala held on Friday night in Townsville, was by far the biggest and most spectacular gala held so far.
From early beginnings in the ballroom at the Ville, then known as Jupiters, through various other locations and even a covid affected digital event. Tec-NQ has proudly acknowledged over 300 finalists since 2013, 90 crowned Apprentice of the Year.
Tec-NQ Executive RTO Manager Jennifer Trybula said this year’s event celebrated 30 of North Queensland’s best and brightest apprentices, across 10 categories, all of whom have excelled in their dedication to their chosen trade and truly value the opportunity they’ve been afforded within industry.
“An ‘Apprentice of the Year’ was chosen for each of the ten categories and scholarships provided to further their nationally-accredited careers in the construction, electrical, automotive and engineering sectors,” Jennifer said.
“All of our 30 finalists are passionate about their chosen trades, showing genuine willingness to join the workforce and grow their skills, so our judges had their work cut out for them,” she added.
Tec-NQ is a registered training organisation (RTO), independent senior secondary school and accredited boarding school that partners with industry to deliver trade-based career opportunities for North Queensland students.
“We offer something different to a typical training environment, growing the next generation of tradespeople through real-world skills development and offering exceptional support to our vast network of local employers,” Jennifer said.
Support for the gala continues to grow, with record sponsorship and industry engagement. We’re seeing enrolments climb with a growing number of local businesses keen to engage our work-ready apprentices.
Congratulations to the 2023 Tec-NQ Apprentice of the Year category winners and their employers:
- Light Vehicle Apprentice of the Year – Callum Bowman from Ian’s Service & Repairs
- Heavy Vehicle Apprentice of the Year – Daniel Rinaldo from Rinaldo Mobile Mechanical
- Engineering Fabrication Apprentice of the Year – Christian Scutter from Baker Sheetmetal
- Engineering Mechanical Apprentice of the Year – Brenton Emmerson-Blanchard from Manutech Engineering and Maintenance
- Engineering Diesel Fitting Apprentice of the Year – Steven Mackay from RP Contracting Services
- Carpentry Apprentice of the Year – Matthew Leigh from Acato Constructions
- Plumbing Apprentice of the Year – Bradley Dulac from Smedley Plumbing and Drainage
- Electrical Apprentice of the Year Townsville – Chris Heagney from GTL Electrical
- Electrical Apprentice of the Year Mackay – Mitchell Cain from Amp Control
- Electrical Apprentice of the Year Cairns – Dan Whitchurch from Pasma
Tec-NQ provides senior schooling, full-time apprentice training, short courses, pre-employment programs and school-based learning programs to students hailing from Thursday Island to Longreach and all communities in-between.