Winners of 2025 Tasmanian Training Awards

Holly Frankcombe

Qualification: Certificate III in ESI Distribution Overhead
Training provider: Tasmanian Networks
Employer: TasNetworks

This award is presented to an individual who is undertaking an apprenticeship and been outstanding in all aspects of their training. The category is sponsored by TasTAFE.

Holly’s journey through her qualification with TasNetworks exemplifies technical mastery, leadership, and resilience. Building on earlier studies in Electrotechnology and Engineering, her apprenticeship allowed her to develop vital skills in emergency response and safety.

Recognised as TasNetworks’ Dual Trade and Overall Apprentice of the Year, Holly has become a role model for women in trades. She contributed to state-wide electrical safety improvements and mentors new female apprentices. Holly’s training has positioned her as a passionate ambassador for VET and the future of Tasmania’s energy industry.

Tiarna Bricknell

Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: NDA Training Tasmania
Employer: McConnell Dowell

This award is presented to an individual who is undertaking a traineeship and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training. The category is sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia.

Tiarna Bricknell’s journey into construction began unexpectedly, as a site cleaner on the New Bridgewater Bridge project. Her potential was recognised early, leading to McConnell Dowell offering Tiarna a traineeship and a Certificate III in Business.

Now a Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Administrator, she’s led school tours for over 800 students, earned an international engagement certificate, and received a scholarship from the National Association for Women in Construction. Tiarna’s training transformed her self-belief and made her a role model for women in construction.

Braydon Gower

Qualification: Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Training Provider: TasTAFE
Employer: Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre at Palawa Kipli

This award recognises the achievement of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who is undertaking an apprenticeship, traineeship or a course of study leading to a national qualification, who has been outstanding in all aspects of their training and demonstrates the importance of lifelong learning for themselves and their community. The category is sponsored by Mas National.

Braydon always dreamed of becoming a chef and completing his Certificate III turned that dream into reality. Despite delays stretching his course to four years, he never gave up. He enjoyed learning the technical skills needed, as well as how to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Today, he proudly works at Palawa Kipli, Tasmania’s only Aboriginal food business, where he brings culture to life through traditional dishes. Braydon’s journey has given him confidence, purpose and a chance to inspire others to follow their passions.

Mikayla Towns

Qualification: Certificate III in School-based Education Support
Training provider: TasTAFE
Employer: Department for Education, Children and Young People at Youngtown Primary School

This award recognises outstanding achievement by a vocational student in a course of study leading to a nationally recognised qualification.

The category is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Deloraine.

Mikayla began working in education without formal training but quickly realised she wanted more skills to support students well. The Certificate III gave her a solid grounding in inclusive practice, literacy and speech support, and trauma-informed education.

Now Mikayla works as both a Teacher Assistant and Speech Aide at Youngtown Primary School, delivering one-on-one programs and inspiring others through her dedication.

Joshua Fielding

School: The Hutchins School
Qualification: Certificate III in Carpentry
Training provider: Tasmanian Building Group Apprenticeship Scheme (TasBGAS)
Employer: TasBGAS GTO hosted by Top Deck Building

This award recognises is presented to a student who is undertaking a Certificate II or above qualification as a school-based apprentice or trainee. The award recognises the student’s commitment to their formal studies at school and in the workplace.

The category is sponsored by MEGT.

Joshua pursued his apprenticeship in carpentry through TasBGAS while completing Year 12 at The Hutchins School. His enthusiasm for building began at age 13, as a labourer during school holidays. Now he’s honing high-level skills on-site with Top Deck Building, working on architectural residential projects.

Joshua has managed to balance his training with academic studies, sports leadership and mentoring younger students about alternate pathways. VET has given him purpose and a future in the trade he loves.

Steve Wiggers

Employer: SCALA The Training Company

This award recognises innovation and excellence by a vocational education and training teacher / trainer providing nationally recognised training to students at or in partnership with an RTO.

The category is sponsored by McConnell Dowell.

Steve wanted to reimagine what’s possible through training, after an early challenge in life reshaped his working life. At SCALA, he built a business with a difference. This included learning that starts with the brain, not the textbook, and empower learners, from entry-level staff to CEOs.

Steve helped design Tasmania’s largest retail career pathway and coaches every trainer who joins the team. What sets him apart is his belief that education should feel like possibility, not pressure. His learners grow not just in skill, but in self-worth – and that’s the change that Steve is proudest of.

Mia Gaffney

School: Rosny College
Qualification: Certificate II in Cookery
Training provider: Department for Education, Children and Young People RTO

This award is presented to a full-time year 10, 11 or 12 student, undertaking an accredited VET course that has a vocational placement component. The award recognises the student’s commitment to their formal studies and their VET course.

The category is sponsored by TasTAFE.

Mia discovered her enthusiasm for hospitality by combining her interests in food and tourism into a clear career pathway. After excelling in Certificate II Tourism, she pursued Certificate II Cookery, gaining real-world skills in a commercial kitchen and leadership experience through roles at Banjo’s Bakery and the Lauderdale Football Club.

Mia’s training gave her the confidence to apply for an apprenticeship, and to take on mentoring and event management at school. VET has empowered her to explore her future with clarity, affirming her ambition to become a chef and opening real opportunities for success.

Nazir Hussain Sultani

Qualification: Certificate III in Carpentry
Training provider: TasTAFE
Employer: Channel Construction

This award is presented to an Apprentice / Trainee who overcomes significant barriers or disadvantage to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship. Applicants describe their VET pathway, the challenges they faced, their motivation to begin, barriers to overcome, support found along the way and the benefits they have experienced.

The category is sponsored by MAS National.

Nazir’s determination to rebuild his life in Australia led him to pursue carpentry—a dream shaped by his father’s trade. Despite language barriers and starting from scratch, he impressed Channel Construction during a work experience placement and earned an apprenticeship.

Now a third-year apprentice, Nazir takes pride in helping build homes for Tasmanians while building a future for himself. His dedication, work ethic, and deep respect for the VET system have shaped not just his career but his identity.

William Dyer

Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
Training provider: Avidity Training and Development
Employer: Grow Disability Support

This award is presented to a vocational student who overcomes significant barriers or disadvantage to undertake a vocational education and training course. Applicants describe their VET pathway, the challenges they faced, their motivation to begin, barriers to overcome, support found along the way and the benefits they have experienced.

The category is sponsored by Work & Training.

William flourished during his placement and transition to employment with Grow Disability Support, where he quickly built trust with clients and colleagues through his reliability and genuine care. His training gave him the confidence to support people in meaningful ways and the communication skills to become an effective advocate.

William is proud to now work in a role where he makes a difference every day, and of the independence and self-belief his VET journey has given him.

Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania

Civil Job Ready Program

This award recognises an exemplary skills development collaboration between at least one employer / industry body and at least one organisation delivering nationally recognised training.

This category is sponsored by Swinburne University of the Technology.

This collaboration between Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania and TasTAFE is transforming lives by providing practical, industry-aligned training that connects people to meaningful work in the civil construction sector.

With a focus on tailored learning, personalised support and real-world placements, the program empowers diverse cohorts – including job seekers and migrants – to gain job-ready skills and confidence. This partnership exemplifies how training and collaboration can drive social and economic inclusion, while addressing workforce needs.

Parties to the collaboration: TasTAFE

The Dental Surgery Newstead

Training delivery:  Partnerships with TasTAFE and Work & Training.

This award recognises businesses with up to 99 full-time equivalent employees, that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to their employees.

This category is sponsored by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Dental Surgery, Newstead sets a benchmark for training in small business. With a clear commitment to lifelong learning, 22% of staff are currently undertaking nationally recognised training, and the practice has supported 33 qualifications since 2011. Their tailored buddy system, in-house mentoring, and investment in a custom learning management system help create confident, capable staff who thrive in real clinical environments.

Recognised as the 2022 Small Employer of the Year, they continue to innovate, with training videos created by staff, hands-on WHS learning, and leadership development that empowers every employee to grow and lead.

TasNetworks

Training delivery:  Enterprise RTO and partnerships with RTOs.

This award recognises businesses and enterprises with 100 or more full-time equivalent employees, that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to their employees.

This category is sponsored by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

TasNetworks is shaping Tasmania’s energy future by putting training at the heart of its operations. From apprenticeships to senior development, training is fully embedded into business planning, with over 11 per cent of staff actively engaged in nationally recognised qualifications. Their in-house RTO and purpose-built training centre offer practical, high-quality learning, aligned with industry needs.

TasNetworks stands out for its investment in psychosocial safety, equity, support and regional delivery, and proudly leads with programs that turn emerging talent into long-term leaders.

SCALA The Training Company

Training delivery:  Accredited qualifications, microcredentials, and industry-specific programs across Tasmania.

This award recognises small Registered Training Organisations, with fewer than 500 students, that offer a range of training products and services, and that demonstrate excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of vocational education and training.

This category is sponsored by BUSY At Work.

SCALA is a powerhouse of innovation in vocational training. With a 77 per cent qualification completion rate, a net promoter score of +73.4 and SCALA proves small RTOs can drive massive results. Their workplace-integrated programs have generated $17 million in measurable improvements for employers.

From AI capability to supervisor mentoring and boardroom leadership, SCALA custom-builds training to match industry needs. Their learners don’t just complete qualifications—they gain pride, promotions and purpose.

This award is presented to organisations or individuals who have made outstanding contributions to vocational education and training over a sustained period.

The 2025 Medal recipient is Damian Peirce.

The medal is named in honour of Trevor Leo who made an enormous contribution to Australia’s education and training sector for over 50 years.

This award is presented to an apprentice or trainee employed in Tasmania under group training arrangements.

The 2025 Lance Barnard Memorial Award recipient is Kayla Clow

The award is specifically given for encouragement and recognition of excellence. It is presented by the Apprenticeship Employment Network Tasmania, in recognition of the Honourable Lance Barnard AO for his commitment to the development of the group training movement in Australia.