General News
8 September, 2025
Top trades talent honoured at TAFE Excellence Awards
The TAFE Queensland 2025 Mount Isa Trade Excellence Awards were held on Thursday, September 4.
Newly qualified local boilermaker Michael Koza has been recognised as one of Mount Isa’s top emerging tradespeople at the TAFE Queensland 2025 Mount Isa Trade Excellence Awards.
Michael, 37, completed his Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking/Welding) through TAFE Queensland and an apprenticeship with Glencore.
He took home two awards on the night – Engineering Apprentice of the Year, as well as the night’s top honour, Outstanding Apprentice of the Year. The awards presentation was held on Thursday, September 4.
Michael has earned a reputation for producing precise, high-quality work, supporting his team, and taking pride in doing things the right way.
His teachers and supervisors describe him as a leader with integrity and a consistently positive attitude, who brings out the best in those around him.
Michael said it felt amazing to be recognised.
“I’ve always enjoyed being creative, and boilermaking is the perfect outlet for that,” he said.
“When Glencore offered the apprenticeship, I thought, why not take the opportunity? It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.
“I’ve learned so much at TAFE. It’s really filled the gaps, and that’s made a huge difference for me.”
Looking ahead, Michael said he hopes to keep developing his skills and exploring other areas of engineering.
TAFE Queensland North region director of Educational Delivery for Trades and Transport Maree Butler said Michael was a deserving recipient of the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year title.
“Michael’s attention to safety, his drive for excellence, and his leadership in both the workshop and the classroom make him a standout in every way,” Ms Butler said.
This year’s awards saw 52 nominations, with 24 finalists selected across a range of trades.
Among the standout winners was Lily Skinner, from Spinifex State College, who was named TAFE at School Trade Student of the Year – Automotive and Engineering. Lily is completing a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation, a course that gives high school students a head start in the automotive industry.
Another key award went to Griffin Clapham, 27, from T.Real.CO, who received the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Trade Student of the Year Award. Griffin is currently completing his Certificate III in Carpentry.
The full list of winners:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Trade Student of the Year: Griffin Clapham, T Real Construction and Maintenance
Female Trade Student of the Year: Brianna Thirlwall, Mount Isa Mines Ltd (Glencore)
TAFE at School Trade Student of the Year – Building & Industries: Cooper Douglas, Good Shepherd Catholic College
TAFE at School Trade Student of the Year – Automotive and Engineering: Lily Skinner, Spinifex State College
Automotive & Diesel Fitting Apprentice of the Year: Aminiasi Vatuvei, Popeys Diesel Services
Building & Construction Apprentice of the Year: Korey Trott, LCM Carpentry & Glazing
Electrical Apprentice of the Year: Matthew Murphy, Chelwood Pty Ltd
Engineering Apprentice of the Year: Michael Koza, Mount Isa Mines Ltd (Glencore)
Outstanding Apprentice of the Year: Michael Koza, Mount Isa Mines Ltd (Glencore)
