Vocational education and training is changing the lives of many Queenslanders who are following lifelong dreams, making career changes after discovering new passions, and getting a career headstart while still at school.
They are also learning and earning with the best of both traditional and technological worlds, combining hands-on training with the latest technology and cutting-edge tools.
TAFE Queensland teacher Brian Siebert says the future-focused characteristics of vocational education and training (VET) ensures students gain the skills employers and industries need now, while still acknowledging that every student learns differently.
“We’re trying to bring trades into the 21st century,” he says.
“That means embracing new tools, new technology and helping students see how all of these skills connect.
“Some (students) need visuals, some need to get hands-on straight away.
“I work with each person to find what clicks.
“When it does, you can see their whole outlook change.”
The Townsville Trade Training Centre (Bohle) engineering teacher was named VET Teacher of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards North Queensland final because of his innovation, industry knowledge and commitment to training that bridges the gap between traditional trades and new technologies.
READ MORE: How to get started in an apprenticeship or traineeship in Queensland
He says he loves to watch his students build something, fix something or solve a problem themselves for the first time, whether they are still at school, in workplaces doing apprenticeships, or making a career change.
“If someone needs help designing something, I don’t just fix it for them,” he says.
“We do it together because that’s how we both learn.
“I think that’s the best part of working in VET – everyone’s here to grow.”
Whether it is engineering or any of the following career paths, Queenslanders who are exploring all their options through VET are thriving.
MAKING A CAREER CHANGE – JESSICA, JETT & MICK
The COVID pandemic compelled both Jessica Bichsel and Mick Lacey to reconsider their career options, while Jett Davis went in search of a more fulfilling job.
All three Queenslanders have successfully made career changes through VET.
Jessica gained a new perspective on life after digging holes and jackhammering sandstone with her father on a backyard landscaping project.
She had been working in tourism when the pandemic caused her to move back in with family and reassess her options.
Within five years, she has retrained to be a qualified carpenter and was named the 2025 Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards Metropolitan final.
“I have never looked back,” she says.
“Being in the construction industry has taught me a new type of intelligence, opened up new opportunities and engaged me with a community of like-minded individuals.
“I want women to know that wearing hi-vis and a tool belt does not mean giving up who they
are, or what they aspire to be.
“We are whatever version of ourselves we want to be, and I want to show women in construction that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
Jessica says she is also more confident and gains a sense of accomplishment from her work that she never imagined possible.
It includes being an ambassador for Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), while she is also a co-host of the Let’s Talk Tradies podcast to inspire more people into trades.
Mick, meanwhile, was working in sales when the pandemic hit.
He pivoted into healthcare, and is obtaining a Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care while working as an indigenous liaison officer at Toowoomba Hospital.
“I really love that I am able to help people in my community and help to improve the health of
my mob,” he says.
“Sometimes I see people on what is the worst day of their lives and it feels good to be there
for them and to be able to help them through that.”
He praises the supportive and flexible nature of his VET teachers, which enables him to successfully juggle study and work.
His move has been so successful he plans to explore his options through VET in the healthcare industry even further, by studying business and management.
READ MORE: Connect with Skills for Queensland on Facebook
Jett, however, initially completed a Bachelor of Finance but discovered his first career choice was not what he thought it would be.
“I worked in financial planning for a year but found it unfulfilling,” he says.
He turned to trades, first becoming a fitter/machinist, which sparked a deeper interest in steelwork, so he then took on another trade, training to become a boilermaker.
“This decision has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to develop the skills I have long
aspired to learn,” he says.
“Each learning pathway (higher education and VET) offers unique experiences, but I have found trade training to be the most effective and rewarding for me.
“Trade training provides a hands-on, immersive experience which has allowed me to learn in
a way that feels natural and effective, ultimately making me a better tradesperson.”
The Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards South East final is now mentoring apprentices in his workshop to help them get the most out of their training.
“Not only has this journey enriched my professional growth, but it has brought me a deep
sense of fulfillment and purpose,” he says.
“I’m excited to be part of an industry that allows me to grow, learn, and contribute to
something meaningful. I look forward to using my experiences to encourage others to
explore the same path.”
LIVING A LIFELONG DREAM – CHRIS, ENGY & HARRY
Harry Roberts, Chris Reppel and Engy Abdalla Gamar are pursuing careers and tasks that they have always wanted to do, with VET giving them the skills to get there.
Engy is captain of St James College in Brisbane and has started her healthcare career while still at school, completing a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance as part of her high school certificate.
“One of my earliest memories of being drawn to health was when I was just eight years old,” she says.
“At my primary school’s Spring Fair, I won a health kit and I still remember the excitement I felt.
“I have spent many hours in hospital hallways, supporting my parents through their illnesses (stroke and kidney) as well as my little brother (epilepsy).
“Seeing the impact that healthcare professionals had on my family during those difficult times made me realise just how important their role is.
“It inspired me to want to be that person for someone else – to provide care, comfort and
support to those in need.”
Engy was named the Vocational Student of the Year as well as the Equity Student of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards Metropolitan final.
“The training I have completed has been instrumental in shaping my skills and preparing me
for future opportunities,” she says.
“Through hands-on training, I have learned about patient care, communication techniques and the importance of empathy in healthcare settings.
“This practical experience has not only boosted my confidence but also reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in healthcare.”
READ MORE: Stay up to date with the Queensland Training Awards
Chris, meanwhile, initially worked in sales but finally decided to pursue what would truly make him happy.
“Ever since I left school, I wanted to be a carpenter,” he says.
“It wasn’t until I was doing some reno work at our townhouse that I realised this is what I
need to do.
“It made me feel focused and fulfilled.”
Even though he had a young family and a mortgage, he embarked on a carpentry apprenticeship.
“I got fitter, sorted out my mental health, and I look forward to Mondays again,” he says.
The Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards Tropical North Queensland final is sharing his story through his YouTube channel, Midlifecarpentry, in the hope of inspiring others to take the leap and do what they always wanted to do.
READ MORE: Free opportunities that are Skilling Queenslanders for Work
Harry, however, wasn’t exactly sure of the job that he wanted to do – he just knew exactly the type of work that he wanted to do.
After finishing school, he originally applied to do a bachelor degree in sports science but did not receive the university entrance score required.
So he took off overseas and worked in tourism until the COVID pandemic brought him home.
He decided to get a qualification that would ensure he was better placed to pick up a new job the next time the unexpected happens; and he knew he wanted to work outside, in a job that enabled him to work at heights, and be part of a team.
The Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 Queensland Training Awards searched an online jobs board for that criteria and discovered a Certificate III in Arboriculture traineeship to be an arborist.
“I didn’t really understand the job until I got into it fully, to be honest,” he says.
“I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to be a mature-age apprentice but I had nothing to lose, so I gave it a crack.
“All of a sudden – it’s my dream job. I love it every day.”
He says higher education is not for everyone and there are so many jobs possible through vocational education and training that often are not commonly known, that can be easily uncovered through a little bit of research.
“There’s way more opportunities than you think – masonry, aviation, boilermaker – the list is endless of all the options,” he says.
DISCOVERING VOCATIONAL CAREERS AT SCHOOL – FELICITY & LILLY
Felicity Wadsworth and Lilly Lenoy both explored their career options while still at school and have pursued vocational careers because of their experiences.
Felicity knew that when she finished school, she wanted a job where she could be active, work outdoors and do something hands-on but didn’t really know what civil construction was when it was suggested to her.
She first completed a school-based traineeship, then after finishing Year 12, went on to be a full-time civil trainee.
“Beginning as a school-based trainee gave me the right amount of exposure and skills to really decide that this was absolutely my pathway post high school,” she says.
The Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards North Coast final has already become a leading hand on her work site, while she also mentors female trainees and apprentices and hosts a podcast Hard Hats and Heels.
“I wanted to show other women that they can step into roles traditionally seen as ‘men’s work’ and absolutely thrive,” she says.
“I have experienced incredible personal growth and can say that civil construction has
shaped me into a stronger, confident and more resilient young woman.”
READ MORE: Find the right course for you through the Queensland Skills Gateway
Lilly, meanwhile, completed her school-based traineeship as part of the Deadly Start Education2Employment program.
“Growing up, there was a feeling of shame surrounding opportunities,” she says.
“However, I witnessed firsthand how my best friend became the first in their family to graduate.
“What seemed like a challenge at first ultimately became an inspiring story for me.”
Lilly completed her Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance at Townsville University Hospital, where a visit to the renal unit confirmed that healthcare was the career path for her.
She had noticed all the patients in the unit were First Nations people and she realised there was an urgent need for increased education about the health challenges they face.
The Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for the 2025 Queensland Training Awards North Queensland final is now working full time as a physiotherapy assistant in the Physiotherapy Unit.
She is a passionate advocate for better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
“I want to have a voice and be the change,” she says.
“I want to be a role model and help other kids.”
When making a career decision, be sure to Explore All The Options
Cara Jenkin is a freelance journalist with more than 20 years’ experience working in the print, digital and television media. It included 10 years as the editor of NewsCorp’s Careers employment section, covering topics ranging from education and training to workplace career advice.