The outstanding vocational achievements of two Sunshine Coast women have been recognised with regional awards.
Caloundra’s Taylar Rameka was named the region’s Trainee of the Year at the Queensland Training Awards and will attend the state final in Brisbane on September 9.
The Queensland Training Awards recognise outstanding contributions in vocational education and training across the state, with categories for apprentices, trainees, vocational students, dedicated educators, skilled trainers, training providers and employers.
Ms Rameka joined recruitment business PeopleIN in 2022 with a background in hospitality and training, quickly establishing herself as an important asset to the team. In the past year she’s completed her studies while working and has moved into a role in the national training team.
She’s responsible for the mentorship and pastoral care of over 160 trainees and apprentices, something she acknowledges would have been difficult without the support she received to undertake her own training.
“Although I had career experience, I knew I needed industry knowledge from formal training. It was this learning opportunity that has allowed me to support others in their own training,” she said.
Ms Rameka said she couldn’t overstate the importance of encouraging professional growth, particularly for people in the early stages of their profession.
“When you have someone who wants to invest in you, get to know you, spend time with you, learn your flaws but also learn your strengths and help you hone them, that creates loyalty,” she said.
“I was lucky to have this from my leaders and now I’m paying it forward.”
Ms Rameka is one of 11 category winners and will join other regional winners at the state final, with the opportunity to compete for national titles at the Australian Training Awards in November.
Meanwhile, fellow Caloundra local Linn Batey took out the Sunshine Coast Regional Women in Building gong at the Master Builders Queensland Housing and Construction Awards last month.
The award recognises women for their contribution in building and construction, no matter what role in the industry they work in.
Ms Batey said the role of women in the construction industry was starting to be more and more recognised.
“Women are often underestimated in this industry, which is really sad because they contribute so much,” she said.
She entered the industry as an accounts administrator for an insurance repairs builder 15 years ago. Then, six years ago, she joined her parents’ existing small renovations business Nyblad Construction, which is now has more than 10 employees, its own purpose-built premises, a trusted network of sub-contractors and a reputation for quality.
Throughout that time, Ms Batey has been involved in Women in Building Australia’s mentorship program, helping other women navigate their way through the building and construction industry. She’s also a member of various building and construction groups and associations, and recently joined the Master Builders Industry Champions initiative, which aims to attract and keep workers in the industry.
“I love the building and construction industry and I want everyone else to know how rewarding a career in this industry can be,” she said.
“It can be tough at times, especially as a woman. But there are more and more ways for women to connect and network with each other.
“To be the regional winner for Sunshine Coast is a great honour and I hope it can inspire other young women to consider the building and construction industry as a career.”
She will attend the Master Builders Queensland State Awards on October 14.
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