TasTAFE learners shine brightly at Tasmanian Training Awards

2025 Tasmanian Training Awards individual winners (L–R): Tiarna Bricknell, Trainee of the Year; Mikayla Towns, Vocational Student of the Year; Mia Gaffney, VET in Schools Student of the Year; Joshua Fielding, School-based Apprentice of the Year; Steve Wiggers, VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year; Holly Frankcombe, Apprentice of the Year; Braydon Gower, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year. Photo: Alastair Bett

Twenty-two TasTAFE learners progressed through a rigorous selection process to be finalists in 9 of the 13 categories of the Skills Tasmania 2025 Tasmanian Training Awards, held in Hobart recently.

The Tasmanian Training Awards is an annual event recognising, rewarding and celebrating outstanding achievements in the vocational education and training sector by apprentices, trainees and vocational students – as well as the teachers, trainers, training providers and employers who support them.

The Gala Presentation Dinner began with a sincere Welcome to Country by Aunty Jan Langridge, TasTAFE Aboriginal Support Officer.

“Congratulations finalists. Your commitment has earned you this moment in the spotlight. But let us also acknowledge every nominee, every student who showed up with determination; every educator who offered guidance; every training organisation that laid the groundwork; and every employer and family member who stood behind the scenes offering support. You are all part of this story.

“And, how fortunate we are to live in Lutruwita, a place rich not only in natural beauty but in extraordinary talent across every industry.  The depth and diversity of ability across our State is something truly worth celebrating,” said Aunty Jan.

This year’s Team Tasmania who competed at the WorldSkills Australia Championships in Brisbane earlier this year were formally recognised on stage for displaying excellence in vocational education and training. The 13-strong Tasmanian contingent, all of whom are TasTAFE learners, brought home 3 gold medals, 2 silver medals, 1 bronze medal and 2 medallions for excellence.

Minister for Skills and Jobs, Felix Ellis, attended the Awards and said this year’s Tasmanian Training Awards finalists “represent the very best of what our training system can achieve.”

“Tonight, we honour the learners, trainers and organisations shaping Tasmania’s future through skills, innovation and dedication. These awards are more than a celebration – they are a powerful reminder of how vocational education and training can open doors, change lives and strengthen communities.

“To everyone here tonight – whether you are a student, apprentice, trainee, mentor or employer – thank you for your contribution to Tasmania’s training success.”

Congratulations to this year’s winners and finalists! Winners (in aligned categories) can compete with other states and territories to be named the best in Australia at the Australian Training Awards in Darwin on 5 December 2025.

TasTAFE winners in this year’s Tasmanian Training Awards

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year:
Braydon Gower, Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Vocational Student of the Year:
Mikayla Towns, Certificate III in School-based Education Support

Equity Apprentice / Trainee of the Year:
Nazir Hussain Sultani, Certificate III in Carpentry

Industry Collaboration Award:
Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania Civil Job Ready Program in partnership with TasTAFE

Winners of TasTAFE-sponsored awards

TasTAFE Apprentice of the Year:
Holly Frankcombe, Certificate III in ESI – Distribution Overhead, TasNetworks

TasTAFE VET in School Student of the Year:
Mia Gaffney, Certificate III in Cookery, Rosny College

TasTAFE finalists this year

Industry Collaboration Award:
The Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport

Equity Vocational Student of the Year Award:
Nicole Bassett, Certificate III in Early Childhood and Education

Equity Apprentice/Trainee of the Year:
Toni Brandis, Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
Will Banks, Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling

VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year:
Kylie Attard

School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year:
Eli Grant, Certificate III in Hospitality, Launceston College
Elisha Nettle, Certificate III in Agriculture, Rosny College

Vocational Student of the Year:
Tony Brown, Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
Eloise Collins, Certificate III in School-based Education Support
Alice Loone, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year:
Aneeka Dickinson, Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy

Trainee of the Year:
Thomas Croft, Certificate III in Information Technology
Alison Ferry, Certificate IV in Information Technology

Apprentice of the Year:
Arna Carter, Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Connor Tiernan, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Luke Sherrin, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Thomas Lee, Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
Bianca Eberle, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.

2025 Tasmania Training Awards business winner: Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania (CCFT) won the Industry Collaboration Award with partner TasTAFE. Pictured at the Awards (L–R): TasTAFE's Matt Dance and CCFT’s Andrew Winch.