Celebrating Success at the 2025 State Training Awards
Each year, the State Training Awards shine a spotlight on the apprentices, trainees, and employers who go above and beyond in vocational education and training. This year, we are proud to celebrate five outstanding winners from the MEGT community.
QLD Apprentice of the Year: Jessica Bichsel
Jessica’s journey into construction began unexpectedly during the pandemic, when she swapped tourism for tools – and she’s never looked back.
Now a qualified carpenter, Jessica has carved out a niche building sets for theatre, film, and television, while also inspiring more women to see a future in construction.
“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.”
WA Apprentice of the Year: Lewis Italiano
Lewis discovered his passion for woodwork in high school and made the decision to swap farm life for timber. After Year 12, he began his apprenticeship in Cabinetmaking and Timber Technology.
Dedicated to excellence, Lewis has spent countless hours completing extra training, which has helped him achieve some incredible milestones – including a gold medal at the World Skills National Championships.
Now, with his first apprenticeship complete, Lewis is setting his sights on carpentry, with a dream to one day build a house – and fill it with furniture he’s crafted himself.
ACT Trainee of the Year: Jiwon Kwack
Jiwon began her VET journey as a school-based apprentice in 2022 before stepping into a full-time traineeship with the ACT Education Directorate. Alongside her studies, she plays a key role in delivering career education programs, supporting hundreds of students and helping run events that connect young people with real-world experiences.
By sharing her story, Jiwon is inspiring others to see how vocational pathways can lead to successful and rewarding careers.
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year: Jaharn Mundy-Drazevich
A proud Ngunnawal and Yuin man, Jaharn first discovered his interest in health while completing an Australian School-Based Apprenticeship in Allied Health Assistance and Community Services. Since then, he’s continued his training and is now building his skills in Alcohol and Other Drugs and Community Services.
Jaharn’s commitment to culturally safe healthcare and his passion for supporting others make him an outstanding role model and an inspiration to the next generation of First Nations students.
ACT School-based Apprentice of the Year: Kaydence Storm
Kaydence is a Year 12 student who has combined her studies with a school-based apprenticeship in Community Pharmacy. Working with Life Pharmacy Group, she’s developed skills in patient care, communication and teamwork – all while gaining valuable real-world experience.
Pharmacy has become Kaydence’s passion and she’s already looking ahead to a future career supporting patients and strengthening the health of her community.
Congratulations to all nominees
We also want to congratulate all the nominees across the country. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to vocational pathways continue to inspire, and we’re proud to support your journeys.
WA Finalists
Mitchell Gregory - Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways
Leonard Golding - Certificate III Sport, Aquatics and Recreation
Lucas Grieve - Certificate II in Government
NSW Finalists
Breanna Pilon - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Nicole Koprivec - Certificate III in Hairdressing
Bailey Lowes - Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
Olivia Barsley - Certificate III In Automotive Sales
Elouisa Monaghan - Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
QLD Finalists
Kayla Benton - Certificate III in Hairdressing
Stephen Cunningham - Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead
Jett Davis- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
Adam Dittman Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic
Felicity Wadsworth - Certificate III in Civil Construction
Ari Travis - Certificate IV in Youth Work
VIC Finalists
Emma Jepsen - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Matilda McDonald - Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing