Blue Dog Training is proud to announce 17 nominations across four categories in the 2026 Queensland Training Awards, the largest nomination cohort in our history.
Since 2004, Blue Dog Training has been built by tradies, for tradies. These nominations represent the people who make that possible: our trainers, our apprentices, and the employers and schools who back them every day.
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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. |
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Christopher Maude 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. |
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Brady Walker 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. |
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Jess Zwart 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. |
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Shane Watson 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. |
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Ryan McDonald Ryan serves schools and employers across the Darling Downs with a grounded, community focused approach to training that builds lasting partnerships across the region. |
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Jack Tuttle 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. |
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Giordani Garozza 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. |
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Dean Nguyen 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. |
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Liam Weber 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. |
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Angus Ingram 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. |
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Mark Albury 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. |
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James Hoppe 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. |
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Carlson Zunker 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. |
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Dulamai Wightman 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. |
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Caedyn Gilby 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. |
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Leighton Tucker 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. |
We are incredibly proud of every one of our 17 nominees and the employers, schools, and communities that support them. The Queensland Training Awards celebrate the best of vocational education and training in this state, and we are honoured to have so many of our people recognised.
Good luck to all nominees across Queensland.