South East Queensland’s Training Champions Shine Bright

• South East Queensland’s top training talent celebrated at the 2025 regional awards.
• Local stars Jett Davis, Ari Travis, and Twin Rivers Centre among 11 winners.
• Winners now head to Brisbane for the Queensland Training Awards State Final.

South East Queensland’s best and brightest in training and skills have been recognised at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards regional final – with local apprentices, students and employers leading the way in rebuilding the State’s skilled workforce.

Winners came from across industries vital to Queensland’s economy, including construction, health, and community services – as the Crisafulli Government drives forward its commitment to restoring the State’s training and employment systems after a decade of neglect.

Top Winners Include: 

• Jett Davis from Highland Park, named Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year for his leadership and mentoring at Arcs & Sparks Welding and Fabrication, where he completed a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade. 
• Twin Rivers Centre in Eagleby, awarded Medium Employer of the Year for delivering hands-on training in retail, hospitality and business, supporting 35 trainees annually and helping people from diverse backgrounds into lasting jobs. 
• Ari Travis from Logan, named Vocational Student of the Year for turning his lived experience into leadership through a Certificate IV in Youth Work and his advocacy for at-risk youth with Logan-based organisation Everything Suarve. 

The regional awards are part of the broader Queensland Training Awards program, which saw 743 nominations across the State – a clear sign of the talent and ambition thriving under the Crisafulli Government’s renewed focus on skills and opportunity.

After a decade of Labor neglect that left critical industries without a workforce pipeline, the Crisafulli Government is restoring confidence through a $1.6 billion Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Budget – delivering new TAFE Centres of Excellence, free apprenticeships for under 25s, and targeted support to get Queenslanders into real jobs, faster.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, congratulated the 11 winners, saying their achievements reflected the Crisafulli Government’s focus on practical training and real employment outcomes.

“These awards aren’t just about recognition. They’re about celebrating the people who are building Queensland’s future,” Minister Bates said. 

“From apprentices mastering their trades, to employers backing local talent, and educators lighting the path - this is what growing jobs and strengthening communities looks like. 

“After years of Labor putting process before outcomes, we’re focused on results - training that leads to jobs, qualifications that count, and opportunities that are felt in every part of our State.”

The 11 South East winners will now represent the region at the Queensland Training Awards State Final in Brisbane this September. 

To learn more about the Queensland Training Awards and view the full list of regional finalists, visit desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta/winners-and-finalists. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Christian Penny 0439 882 294 

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