2025 Award Winners
2025 Apprentice of the Year - Winner
Thomas Otero
Employed by Roly’s Automotive Services
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
RTO: TAFE SA
Thomas values the learning, personal growth and network expansion that he has gained through his Apprenticeship. His employer knew from the first day that he was enthusiastic passionate, had a strong desire to learn new skills and a drive that has not diminished time. Going forward Thomas wants to further his passion for customer and performance work.
2025 Apprentice of the Year - Runner Up
Jaden Isaacs
Employed by Vinarchy Australia
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
RTO: TAFE SA
Jaden has a long-term goal of giving back and looks forward to owning his own business one day and offering new Apprentices the opportunity he has been afforded. He is keen to offer affordable options to fruit growers through automation and given his passion it is likely he will succeed. Jaden’s lecturer comments that Jaden is not only a high achiever academically, but also an exceptional leader, whilst being a quiet achiever.
2025 Trainee of the Year - Winner
Emily Boucher
Employed by Berri Regional Child Care Centre
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
RTO: Australian Child Care Career Options – ACCCO
Emily has followed her heart in her career as always wanting to assist children with their development. She is a great advocate for VET and says given her time again, she would not change anything. Her employer speaks of her great enthusiasm and that she is an outstanding Trainee with her remarkable ability to connect with children. Emily practices reflective conversations with educators and mentors demonstrating maturity and strong commitment to her professional growth and has a bright future in early childhood education.
2025 Trainee of the Year - Runner Up
Evan McAllister
Employed by Renmark High School
Certificate III in Sports, Aquatic and Recreation
RTO: AFL Sports Ready
Evans employer recognise Evan as a student that was always heavily involved in school/community sport along with being committed to doing his personal best and helping others. Evan thrived once he became familiar with the school’s processes and procedures and not only supported his primary area of HPE & School Sport but also supported the staff and school. Evan credits his Traineeship with assisting him to figure out his future whilst earning and learning.
2025 Industry Winner - Automotive
Thomas Otero
Employed by Roly’s Automotive Services
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
RTO: TAFE SA
Thomas values the learning, personal growth and network expansion that he has gained through his Apprenticeship. His employer knew from the first day that he was enthusiastic passionate, had a strong desire to learn new skills and a drive that has not diminished time. Going forward Thomas wants to further his passion for customer and performance work.
2025 Industry Winner - CITB Building & Construction
Darcy Thiele
Employed by Centofanti Design & Construct Pty Ltd
Certificate III in Carpentry
RTO: NEVC
Darcy has become a favourite with many of their customers with his quick-witted personality and his good manners. Darcy says his apprenticeship has been so rewarding and he would choose it again without thinking twice. He is often first on site and last off site such is his dedication to his role. Further down the track Darcy wants to hold a General Builder’s license with a goal of becoming completely comprehensive in his trade.
2025 Industry Winner - Civil Construction
Cody Milich
Employed by Statewide Apprenticeships, hosted by Berri Barmera Council
Certificate III in Civil Construction
RTO: Civil Train
Cody always noticed the Council workers fixing the road, spraying weeds and setting up for community events, and he decided that was what he wanted to do, so undertook a Cert II in Civil Construction Pathways at School which made him even more keen. He is now with the Berri Barmera Council and passionate about his job. His employer says he has shown he can perform confidently and independently to work alone and can take initiative with new responsibilities.
2025 Industry Winner - Electrical
Jaden Isaacs
Employed by Vinarchy Australia
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
RTO: TAFE SA
Jaden has a long-term goal of giving back and looks forward to owning his own business one day and offering new Apprentices the opportunity he has been afforded. He is keen to offer affordable options to fruit growers through automation and given his passion it is likely he will succeed. Jaden’s lecturer comments that Jaden is not only a high achiever academically, but also an exceptional leader, whilst being a quiet achiever.
2025 Industry Winner - Engineering
Declan Kershaw
Employed by SMGT hosted by Scotty’s Welding & Fabrication
Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
RTO: TAFE SA
Declan started his career in his apprenticeship with a shed builder, but soon realised that was not his passion. Moving across to Scotty’s welding he found his place and is thriving on the variety of work jobs he has been able to tackle. His employer says Declan has exceeded their expectations all aspects and he thinks about his work, and the steps involved to achieve a high standard.
2025 Industry Winner - Hairdressing
Maiya Rice
Employed by Jarahs Hair
Certificate III in Hairdressing
RTO – Clip Joint Education
Maiya is recognised by her employer as a natural talent and quickly advances her skills, her strong ability to learn new skills and adapt in a fast-paced salon. Maiya has 1 year, 2 year and 5 year and beyond goals with her goal of being an award-winning salon owner and educator. She hopes to move to London and collaborate with leading salons, direct hair at Australian Fashion Week and take her work to the global stage at Paris Fashion Week.
2025 School Based Apprentice of the Year - Winner
Angelina Chliaris
Berri Regional Secondary College
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Employer: Monash Club
RTO: TAFE SA
Angelina showed exceptional dedication to her School-Based Apprenticeship in Commercial Cookery through Berri Regional Secondary College, developing strong technical and organisational skills while gaining hands-on experience at the Monash Club and the Berri Hotel. Her transition into her current role with George’s on Waymouth demonstrates her ambition and readiness for the demands of elite hospitality settings. Angelina has excelled in prestigious competitions including the Nestlé Golden Chefs Awards and the Fine Food Festival, where her creativity and discipline were highly commended.
2025 School Based Apprentice of the Year - Runner Up
Zahlee Steele
Renmark High School
Certificate III in Hairdressing
Employer: Honey Honey Salon
RTO: Clip Joint Education
Zahlee has demonstrated impressive talent and enthusiasm through her apprenticeship at Honey Honey Salon, supported by her studies at Renmark High School and training through her RTO, Clip Joint Education. She has developed strong technical skills and performed exceptionally well in WorldSkills competitions, placing fifth nationally. Zahlee’s initiative, maturity, and passion for hairdressing make her a standout apprentice.
2025 School Based Trainee of the Year - Winner
Ayla Gilgen
Berri Regional Secondary College
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Employer: Loxton Preschool Centre
RTO: EQUALS International
Ayla has excelled in her Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship through Loxton Preschool Centre, EQUALS International, and Berri Regional Secondary College. She demonstrates strong initiative, exceptional communication skills, and a genuine passion for supporting children’s learning and development. Ayla’s commitment to both her practical training and academic study sets a strong foundation for her future career in education.
2025 School Based Trainee of the Year - Runner Up
Kiana Rundell
Rivergum Christian College
Certificate III in School Based Education Support
Employer: MTE SA hosted by Rivergum Christian College
RTO: TAFE SA
Kiana has demonstrated impressive capability throughout her traineeship at Rivergum Christian College, training through TAFE SA while completing her studies at Rivergum. She brings maturity, empathy, and strong organisational skills to her role, consistently supporting students with patience and care. Kiana’s initiative, communication skills, and ability to build positive relationships made her a valued member of the classroom environment.
2025 Vocational Educational Student of the Year - Winner
Maria Catalano
Renmark High School
Certificate III Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
RTO: SA Learning Centre (MINDA)
Maria has shown outstanding dedication to her Certificate III in Individual Support, undertaking her training through SA Learning Centre while studying at Renmark High School. She has completed over two years of industry experience at the Renmark Paringa District Hospital, demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and strong communication skills. Maria’s passion for helping others and her commitment to high-quality care set her apart as a remarkable young person entering the health sector.
2025 Vocational Educational Student of the Year - Runner Up
Angus Leesue
Renmark High School
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
RTO: EQUALS International
Angus has demonstrated maturity, initiative, and strong capability throughout his Allied Health Assistance studies at EQUALS International, supported by Renmark High School. Through his placement at the Riverland Lymphoedema Clinic, he has developed practical skills, confidence in clinical environments, and a compassionate approach to supporting clients. Angus’s work ethic and genuine interest in health make him a standout VET student.
