General News
14 October, 2022
Spotlight shines on top tradies
A SPOTLIGHT shone on dozens of exceptional students at the TAFE Queensland 2022 Cairns Trade Excellence Awards on Thursday, October 6, 2022.
On the night, 62 finalists were recognised for their dedication to their trade and training across 16 award categories.
Kohan Hanby was the night’s big winner, taking home two trophies.
He was named Engineering Apprentice of the Year and claimed the event’s top accolade, the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Award.
Unfortunately, illness kept Mr Hanby, 18, from attending the event and his dad collected his prizes on his behalf.
“I’m over the moon because I didn’t really think I had a shot at winning, but all my hard work has paid off,” Mr Hanby said.
For Mr Hanby, who works at the family business Hanby Welding and Engineering, fabrication is in his blood.
“When I turned 15, I left school and started my apprenticeship full-time the next day,” he said.
“My trade has turned my life around, and it’s opened up so many doors.
“I’ve travelled around Australia doing jobs at interesting sites like military bases and gas plants.
“My apprenticeship opened my eyes to the different kinds of work opportunities available, and I’m very thankful to have my trade skills,” he said.
Mr Hanby said he was fortunate to learn his trade under the guidance of his father and experienced trade teachers at TAFE Queensland.
“To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect when I started my training at TAFE Queensland, but it’s been really good, and my teachers have been great and supportive,” Mr Hanby said.
“I’ve been to facilities around Australia, and the training equipment in Cairns is some of the best I’ve seen,” he said.
Several 2022 Cairns Trade Excellence Award finalists travelled from across Queensland to attend the event, with some coming from Mount Isa, Weipa, Atherton Tablelands, Mossman and Whitsundays.
Hairdressing and Barbering Apprentice of the Year Justin Van Dyk from Belle n Beau Hair in Mossman said finding a new career path in his 40s had been incredibly rewarding.
“It’s all a bit unexpected; I didn’t think I’d win,” Mr Van Dyk said.
“I started later in life with my apprenticeship and I managed to finish my training in a year and a half.
“I’m loving my role as a barber in my community; it’s been a really nice change from my old profession of 20 years in IT.
“Walking into a classroom as the old fella with all the young ones was pretty daunting, but the TAFE Queensland staff and teachers were so accommodating, pushing me out of my comfort zone; it’s been a very positive experience,” he said.
Tom Toohey travelled from Hamilton Island to train at the Cairns campus and collected the Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year Award.
“It’s a privilege to live on Hamilton Island, and I really enjoy the freedom of my work,” Mr Toohey said.
“I love that my job is hands-on, it’s really satisfying to be able to fix things, and the science behind my trade is also fascinating to learn.
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“I’ve enjoyed every bit of my training. My teacher has been great and taught me a lot, and the classroom environment has been really collaborative, so all of the apprentices learn from each other.”
TAFE Queensland Director of Trades (north region) Mark Patterson said the Cairns Trade Excellence Awards was now in its sixth year.
“Our annual awards night is a great opportunity to celebrate the dedication and success of the next generation of local tradespeople, and I’d like to congratulate all of the finalists,” Mr Patterson said.
“More than 1,200 apprentices from across the state currently attend the Cairns campus for training, and 62 of those students were selected as finalists for the 2022 Cairns Trade Excellence Awards.
“Kohan Hanby is a deserving winner of the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Award.
“Kohan lives and breathes his trade; he is a mentor to other apprentices and is well-respected by his peers, teachers and colleagues,” he said.
TAFE Queensland 2022 Cairns Trades Excellence Awards Winners
On the night, the following awards were handed out:
1. Outstanding Apprentice of the Year and Engineering Apprentice of the Year - Kohan Hanby, Hanby Welding and Engineering
2. Automotive and Diesel Fitting Apprentice of the Year - Tristan Quabba, Edmonton Tyre and Mechanical Services
3. Hairdressing and Barbering Apprentice of the Year - Justin Van Dyk, Belle n Beau Hair
4. Building and Construction Apprentice of the Year - Nathan Davis, Ball Brick and Block Laying
5. Cookery Apprentice of the Year - Zakiya Harrington, Woolshed Chargrill and Saloon Bar
6. Electrical and Instrumentation Apprentice of the Year - Lewis Ederveen, i-LEC Solutions
7. Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year - Tom Toohey, Hamilton Island Enterprises Ltd
8. Plumbing Apprentice of the Year - Jesse Collins, Wanders Water and Waste
9. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Trade Student of the Year - Morgan Walker, MRAEL Group
10. Female Trade Student of the Year - Leah O’Connor, Mareeba Electrical Services
11. TAFE at School Automotive Trade Student of the Year - Monorom Krich, Trinity Bay High School
12. TAFE at School Building and Construction Trade Student of the Year - Nickolai Marpoondin, Trinity Bay High School
13. TAFE at School Engineering Trade Student of the Year - Lachlan Costa, Mareeba State High School
14. TAFE at School Electrical Trade Student of the Year - Jade Musgrove, Redlynch State College
15. TAFE at School Plumbing Trade Student of the Year - Nicholas Stone, Good Counsel College in Innisfail
