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School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

2026 Finalists

This award is presented to a student who is undertaking a Certificate II or above qualification as a part-time school-based apprentice or trainee.

The award recognises the student’s commitment to their formal studies at school and in the workplace.

Proudly sponsored by

Department for Education

Austin Trzesinski-Smith

Certificate III in Civil Construction & Certificate III in Concreting
Training Provider: Civil Train SA & TAFE SA
Employer: Outside Ideas CLC Pty Ltd
School: Nazareth Catholic College
Through his dual qualification in civil construction and concreting, Austin Trzesinski-Smith has already contributed to major projects while developing strong technical skills and workplace confidence.

Austin’s apprenticeship with commercial landscaping firm Outside Ideas is fulfilling his ambition to work in roles that deliver tangible results.

Balancing school and hands-on training, Austin has demonstrated maturity, reliability and has also shown leadership by supporting other apprentices and sharing his experiences with peers. He is recognised for his strong teamwork and communication skills, working collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes on-site.

Inspired by early taster programs such as Try a Trade and work experience, Austin has thrived on the hands-on nature of his apprenticeship while advancing his communication skills, confidence and problem-solving abilities on work sites.

Austin’s school-based apprenticeship is delivering personal development, practical skills and creating a clear pathway into industry.

Celina Jackson

Certificate III in Hairdressing
Training Provider: Clip Joint Academy of Hairdressing Pty Ltd
Employer: Revive Hair
School: Avenues College
Celina Jackson has combined her passion for creativity with a strong commitment to learning and professional growth. Beginning her hairdressing apprenticeship at just 15, Celina has balanced training with Year 12 studies while developing advanced technical skills and building a growing client base.

Working in a fast-paced salon environment, Celina has gained experience across cutting, colouring and styling, with a particular focus on bridal styles, extensions and colouring.

As well as rewarding her creativity, Celina is also interested in the technical aspects involved in colouring to achieve consistent and high-quality results for her clients.

She is recognised for her strong work ethic, energy, empathy, excellent communication skills and ability to build meaningful relationships with clients, helping them feel confident and supported.

Celina is developing advanced skills, showing initiative, building confidence in a dynamic work setting and shaping her future in the hairdressing industry.

Evie Willis

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Training Provider: Sureway Skills Training Pty Ltd
Employer: Keith Community Child Care Centre Inc
School: Keith Area School
Evie Willis chose her school-based traineeship because of her passion for supporting children’s growth and development and creating environments where every child feels safe, valued and included.

Completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while still in Year 11, Evie has developed strong skills in communication, behaviour guidance and inclusive practice.

Through her placement in an early childhood service setting in Keith, Evie has built trusted relationships with children, families and educators – demonstrating professionalism and care. She has also recognised the importance of collaboration in creating a positive learning environment for children.

Evie has shown initiative through an inclusive communication board project designed to support children of all abilities, reflecting her commitment to accessibility, equity and adding value to her workplace.

Through her traineeship, Evie is making a meaningful contribution to her local community while demonstrating the power of vocational education to develop confident, skilled professionals who create positive change.

Keeley O'Shaughnessy

Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
Training Provider: TAFE SA
Employer: BAE Systems Maritime Australia
School: Adelaide High School

Inspired by watching her grandfather at work as a welder, Keeley O’Shaughnessy is now pursuing her own career in engineering fabrication through a school-based apprenticeship with BAE Systems Maritime Australia.

A trades taster program at an early age also proved formative and Keeley chose a hands-on pathway that aligns with her strengths and passion for building and creating, rather than the classroom.

Through her training, Keeley has developed resilience, technical skills, confidence and a pride in her work, while balancing her studies and workplace commitments.

Keeley has overcome challenges and learnt to speak up in a traditionally male-dominated environment – demonstrating persistence, adaptability and a strong commitment to pushing herself outside of her comfort zone.

A natural leader and advocate for women in trades, Keeley is passionate about inspiring others to pursue vocational pathways and describes the feeling of working towards a shared goal as one of her favourite aspects of her apprenticeship.

2026 Finalists