QLD Updates
The first half of 2026 has been a time of significant achievement for our Queensland School-Based Apprentices and Trainees (SBATs). We are thrilled to celebrate the successful programme completions of four outstanding trainees: Lara Pryde, Ethan Culley, Imogen Hickey and Isla Lazarov.
Their dedication and hard work set a high standard for the entire group. The current cohort is also making excellent progress, with all trainees currently working their scheduled hours as planned. Cooper Webber stands out, demonstrating fantastic commitment to his apprenticeship. Furthermore, our trainees are actively advancing through their Certificate III units, with several students having already finished initial core modules, including 'Maintain Industry Knowledge'. We look forward to sharing more successes as they continue to develop their professional skills.
QLD Training Awards Nomination Highlight
Lara Pryde from Beerwah has been nominated for the prestigious Queensland Training Awards, specifically for School-Based Trainee of the Year. Her nomination is a testament to her outstanding commitment, building on an already impressive record, having been recognised as the LEA Queensland, School-Based Trainee of the Year in 2025.
Lara, a Year 12 student at Beerwah State High School, chose the Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation, as it perfectly aligned with her goals to pursue an active and meaningful education while improving her skill set. She is praised by her supervisors for her professionalism, dedication, and a genuine passion for aquatics, her ability to quickly master new skills and for consistently supporting her colleagues.
She enjoys the variety of tasks at Beerwah Aquatic Centre, the connections she has built with customers, and the supportive team environment. Her application highlights her approach to the industry:
"Working in this industry provides me with an active role that supports my healthy lifestyle. It sharpens my awareness, strengthens my community connections, and encourages compassion in every shift I complete."
Lara's continued dedication saw her transition to a casual staff member at the Centre upon completion of her traineeship. She is a truly deserving candidate and a terrific ambassador for our programs. We will keep you updated on our social media pages with her journey!
Emergency Response Hero: Gatton Highlight
A special mention goes to Annabelle from Gatton for her exemplary conduct during a recent medical emergency. Staff can work in a lifeguard role for many years without ever having to respond to critical emergency situations, which makes Annabelle's actions even more commendable. Despite being on her scheduled break, Annabelle responded instantly to a cardiac arrest incident at the Gatton centre. Rising to the occasion, she demonstrated incredible presence of mind and professionalism. She promptly grabbed the emergency kit, affectionately known as 'Big Red', and immediately utilised all her training to assist her team members in the vital setup of the defibrillator. Her quick thinking and effective response under pressure are a testament to the high calibre of our trainees and the quality of their training. Pride is an understatement – we cannot express enough how proud we are of her quick response.