Celebrating diversity and inclusion at the 2025 TasTAFE Trade Excellence Awards

The TasTAFE Trade Excellence Awards returned in August 2025, with presentation ceremonies in Burnie, Launceston and Hobart.

These annual statewide awards, presented across all trade disciplines, recognise the outstanding commitment and excellence of our top apprentices, trainees and workplace-based learners.

This year we were very pleased to introduce 3 new award categories, highlighting diversity and inclusion at TasTAFE and in the workplace:

• Female Trade Learner of the Year (awarded in each region)
• First Nations Trade Learner of the Year (awarded in each region); and
• Equity Trade Learner of the Year (statewide), recognising a learner who has overcome barriers to success.

Our winners in these categories were as follows:

• Female Trade Learner of the Year (North-West); sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia – Jodi Batchelor
• Female Trade Learner of the Year (North); sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia – Salla McCausland
• Female Trade Learner of the Year (South); sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia – Ebony Prasad
• First Nations Learner of the Year (North-West); sponsored by ACEN Australia – Ezekiel Bond
• First Nations Learner of the Year (North); sponsored by Timberlink Australia – Jacob Maher-Maynard
• First Nations Learner of the Year (South); sponsored by Fulton Hogan – Harry Brereton
• Equity Trade Learner of the Year (statewide); sponsored by MAS National – Doh (Tony) Htoo

Jodi Batchelor impressed her TasTAFE automotive teacher Steve Revell, who nominated her for the award.

“Jodi’s dedication to training, combined with her attitude, work ethic, competence and the esteem in which she is held by her employers make her a most worthy recipient,” Steve said.

Salla McCausland was nominated by TasTAFE electrotechnology teacher Kya Hamilton.

“Salla is passionate about encouraging other women to enter the trade, breaking down barriers and helping to shift industry culture. Her presence on-site is not only professional and reliable, but inspiring,” Kya said.

Ebony Prasad was nominated by TasTAFE plumbing teacher Ryan Redshaw.

“Ebony demonstrates resilience, skill and leadership, proving that women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries. By breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes, she inspires confidence in other women pursuing plumbing careers,” Ryan said.

Nominated by Mark Campbell, TasTAFE automotive teacher, Ezekiel Bond impressed with his natural ability and dedication.

“For someone who has been in the trade for only a short period of time, Ezekiel is above standard with his practical skills. He’s a polite, considerate learner with a great work ethic, who shows interest in his trade and a real willingness to do well,” Mark said.

Jacob Maher-Maynard was nominated for his award by TasTAFE civil construction, mining and resources team leader Chris Brown.

Jacob’s attitude and work ethic impressed, at TasTAFE and in the workplace: “He works hard for self-improvement, works had for his employer, is well organised, always does the best he is capable of, helps other students when he can, and sets a standard of behaviour as good as anyone,” Chris said.

Scott Campbell, TasTAFE plumbing teacher, nominated Harry Brereton for his award.

“Harry has a great work ethic, is always keen to get back to work after TasTAFE, and never cruises through class. He is a very employable and committed worker: if I had a company, I would hire him in a heartbeat!”, Scott said.

Since moving from Thailand, Doh (Tony) Htoo has overcome challenges with both language and the theoretical aspects of his plastering apprenticeship.

TasTAFE allied trades teacher Julian Sturzaker was full of praise: “Tony's journey embodies the spirit of continuous learning, resilience and adaptability. His story is an inspiring example of someone who, through hard work and a desire to improve, has made incredible strides in his apprenticeship and in his personal development.”

Congratulations to Jodi, Salla, Ebony, Ezekiel, Jacob, Harry and Tony – we’re looking forward to following your successes in the years to come, and continuing to celebrate diversity and inclusion at TasTAFE and in the workforce.

Read the full list of winners at the 2025 TasTAFE Trade Excellence Awards.

Don’t miss the photo galleries from this year’s TasTAFE Trade Excellence Awards.

Top: Doh (Tony) Htoo receiving his award in Hobart.
Bottom (L-R, clockwise): Jodi Batchelor, Salla McCausland, Ebony Prasad, Harry Brereton, Jacob Maher-Maynard and Ezekiel Bond receiving their awards around the state.