Apprentice and Trainee Talent Shines as 2022 MiScholarship Winners Announced

As part of its National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, MIGAS has announced the recipients of its MiScholarship Program for 2022.

This annual scholarship program is available exclusively for MIGAS-employed apprentices and trainees. Up to 20 scholarships and grants were available totalling $25,000 in financial assistance to help apprentices and trainees advance their careers. 

This year’s awards ceremony included the announcement of recipients from each of the MiScholarship categories of Access and Equity, Top Performer – Apprentice, Top Performer – Trainee, Top Performer – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathways, and Top Performer – Women in Trades, as well as a new recognition category, our Medal of Excellence.

MiScholarship applications were assessed through a multi-stage process that included written applications, supporting statements from MIGAS Field Officers and Host Employers, and video submissions from participants.

Award finalists attended a special online ceremony on Thursday 16 February 2023 with representatives from MIGAS host employers and industry to celebrate their achievements.

Attendees were treated to a special keynote address from rugby league legend, Darius Boyd. The former captain of the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland State of Origin player and representative for Australia at an international level, Darius shared his motivating career journey. He now sits on the Board of TIACS – This is a Conversation Starter – which provides free mental health counselling services to apprentices and blue-collar workers. MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees is a proud Alliance Member of TIACS.

Medals of Excellence

The Medal of Excellence is awarded to an apprentice or trainee nominated by the MIGAS Field Team and recognises their outstanding on-the-job performance. Only one Medal of Excellence is awarded in each of the locations MIGAS operates within nationally.

Congratulations to:

Jack Aislabie, Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprentice hosted by CJD Equipment

Darcy Le Grange, Plant Mechanic Apprentice hosted by Bengalla Mining Company

Joshua Harvey, Mechanical Fitter Apprentice hosted by Fremantle Hydraulics

Bowen Mahon, Retail Trainee hosted by BOC Limited

Jayden Markham, Mechanical Fitter Apprentice hosted by Origin

Luthian Mullin, Fitter and Turner Apprentice hosted by McLean Farms

Christie Nowland, Digital Marketing Trainee hosted by Jaybro

Kai Pais, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Apprentice hosted by A1 Cooling

Access and Equity Scholarship

The Access and Equity Scholarship provides financial support for a MIGAS apprentice or trainee who identifies with one or more of the following: sole parent, significant carer responsibilities, disability or long-term medical condition, Significant hardship, financial challenge or social barriers to training, or non-English speaking background.

Congratulations to:

Samuel Harris, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Apprentice hosted by Johnson Controls

Top Performer – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathways Scholarship

The Top Performer – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathways Scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices and trainees to continue with their employment, learning and study journey.

MIGAS is committed to celebrating and acknowledging the achievements and personal journeys of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices and trainees as stated in our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.

Congratulations to:

Jarius Hoffman, Business Trainee at Technip Australia

Ruby Watson, Mechanical Fitter Apprentice hosted by Shell QGC

Top Performer – Women in Trades Scholarship

Top Performer – Women in Trades Scholarship is designed to support women to continue in their current apprenticeship or traineeship which is vital for improving the representation of women in trades and showing other women that they can become successful tradespeople.

Congratulations to:

Jessica Kent-Lowe, Mechanical Fitter Apprentice hosted by Origin

Haylee Megahey, Boilermaker Apprentice hosted by Bradken

Top Performer – Traineeship Scholarship

The Top Performer – Trainee Scholarship recognises trainees who have demonstrated exceptional performance on-the-job in their placement and formal training in any year level or trade.

Congratulations to:

Tania Langton, Water Treatment Operations Trainee hosted by Origin

Elijah Mankofski, Civil Construction Trainee hosted by Roadtek

CEO Commendations:

Olivia Alaimo, Warehousing Trainee hosted by Jaybro

Jaimee Clarke, Business Trainee hosted by Shell QGC

Jacob Cooke, Laboratory Trainee hosted by Hastings Deering

Heather Hardy, Water Operations Trainee hosted by Veolia Water Operations

Top Performer – Apprentice Scholarship

The Top Performer – Apprentice Scholarship recognises trade apprentices who have demonstrated exceptional performance on-the-job in their placement and formal training in any year level or trade.

Congratulations to:

Zac Irvine, Mechanical Fitter Apprentice hosted by Shell QGC

Ryan Moore, Electrical Apprentice hosted by Johnson Controls

Tyran Quigley, Security Systems Apprentice hosted by PMT Security Systems

Harrison Steptoe, Carpentry Apprentice hosted by Clarke Constructions

CEO Commendation:

Caileb Powell, Boilermaker Apprentice hosted by Bradken

 

MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees would like to thank the MiScholarship Selection Panel: Stephen Gates, Director Client Services and Apprenticeship Management from TAFE Queensland, Jason Banks, Head of Partnerships at TIACS, and Teah Olsen, 2020 MiScholarship recipient, MIGAS Fitter and Turner apprentice graduate, and recipient of the National Apprenticeship Employment Network’s Future Leaders award in 2022.

We congratulate all finalists and recipients of the MiScholarship Program who continue to inspire through their dedication, hard work and passion for their chosen Australian Apprenticeship pathway.

Nominations for the 2023 MiScholarship Program will open later in the year.