Introducing Blue Dog Training's 2026 Queensland Training Awards Nominees

Blue Dog Training Pty Ltd (State Direct Entry)

This nomination recognises Blue Dog Training as a whole, celebrating 22 years of operation, a team of 140 staff, and training delivery across the full length of Queensland. From White Cards and First Aid through to carpentry and engineering apprenticeships, builder licences, and VET in Schools programs reaching more than 120 Queensland schools, this nomination reflects the collective effort of every member of the Blue Dog team.

Christopher Maude
Metropolitan Region

Chris is a carpentry trainer whose precision, care, and commitment to every apprentice has produced multiple QTA recognised apprentices. He works closely with employers across South East Queensland including Happy Haus, Estia Constructions, Unique Constructions, and Pagewood Projects.

Brady Walker
Metropolitan Region

Brady brings sharp industry intelligence to every apprentice and employer he works with across the Brisbane and Ipswich corridor. His practical, employer focused training style has earned consistent respect from the builders he supports.

Jess Zwart
North Coast Region

Jess is a dual qualified mechanic and fitter who services schools across the Bundaberg region with autonomy and precision. A MIGAS Women in Trades Scholarship recipient and STEM advocate, Jess actively encourages young women into trade careers.

Shane Watson
North Coast Region

Shane has been with Blue Dog for over a decade and has overseen more than 1,050 qualification completions across his career. His consistency and care for students across the North Coast region speak for themselves.

Ryan McDonald
Darling Downs South West Region

Ryan serves schools and employers across the Darling Downs with a grounded, community focused approach to training that builds lasting partnerships across the region.

Jack Tuttle
Metropolitan Region
Employer: T&B Builders

Jack completed his carpentry apprenticeship with T&B Builders in three and a half years. A gym co-owner pursuing his Diploma of Building, Jack regularly leads apprentices on site and brings a maturity shaped by both a business degree and a genuine passion for the trade.

Giordani Garozza
Metropolitan Region
Employer: Estia Constructions

Gio completed his carpentry apprenticeship with Estia Constructions, bringing an honours degree and exceptional technical capability to the trade. His employer trusted him on projects of significant scale, and his approach reflects both intellectual rigour and genuine pride in the craft.

Dean Nguyen
Metropolitan Region
Employer: Calara Constructions Pty Ltd

Dean completed his carpentry apprenticeship with Calara Constructions five months ahead of schedule, working across regional sites including Roma and Mitchell. His story is one of quiet determination, cultural pride, and consistent excellence.

Liam Weber
South East Region (Gold Coast, Logan, Redlands, Scenic Rim)
Employer: Bradfield Constructions QLD

Liam completed his carpentry apprenticeship with Bradfield Constructions after overcoming a significant training gap with a previous RTO. His resilience, including mastering complex work such as off form curved concrete stairs, is a testament to perseverance and the value of the right training partnership.

Angus Ingram
North Coast Region
Employer: Greystone Construction & Design

Angus completed his carpentry apprenticeship with Greystone Construction and Design. Ambitious and driven, he is already working towards a C6 crane licence and a future in civil construction.

Mark Albury
North Coast Region
Employer: Metcalfe Constructions

Mark completed his carpentry apprenticeship with Metcalfe Constructions, returning to the trades after first entering the industry in 1999. His persistence, community involvement, and decades of experience make him a compelling example of lifelong learning.

James Hoppe
North Coast Region
Employer: Paul Greer Builders

James completed his carpentry apprenticeship with Paul Greer Builders. A natural problem solver, James demonstrated deep technical understanding on a complex roof integration project, and his accuracy in technical drawings has been described by his trainer as exceptional.

Carlson Zunker
North Coast Region
Employer: Ethan Field Constructions

Carlson completed his carpentry apprenticeship with Ethan Field Constructions ahead of schedule. He progressed from labourer to apprentice to qualified tradesperson to site supervisor, and is now mentoring two apprentices on his own projects.

Dulamai Wightman
Darling Downs South West Region
Employer: Howells Group Constructions

Dulamai completed his carpentry apprenticeship with Howells Group Constructions. Within three months of qualifying, he was running jobs independently, a genuine reflection of what the right training and the right employer can achieve together.

Caedyn Gilby
Darling Downs South West Region
Employer: Fleming's Welding Service Pty Ltd

Caedyn completed his engineering fabrication apprenticeship with Fleming's Welding Service in Roma seven months ahead of schedule. His trainer describes him as one of the most capable TIG welders he has encountered in his career.

Leighton Tucker
Central Queensland
Employer: Mattingley Renovations Pty Ltd
School: Marist College Emerald

Leighton is a Year 12 student at Marist College Emerald completing a school based carpentry apprenticeship with Mattingley Renovations. He balances school, work, competitive boxing, and a weekend job, and was named Junior Sportsman of the Year at the 2026 Emerald Australia Day ceremony. Leighton arranged his own work experience before committing to the trade, and his initiative and discipline are what the school based pathway was built for.