18/08/2026
Hi Everyone, a little shout out post to our hard working local mechanic and half of our team at Tara Saws and Mowers here, Wade.
🎉 After his success in winning MTA Queensland's Apprentice of the Year for 2025, MTA asked Wade if they could submit his application to be considered for the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year award. This is a Queensland Training Awards category. He agreed to let them throw his hat in the ring. Applicants were going to hear if they were shortlisted for a video call interview in May.
Wade received a call to let him know he had been shortlisted for an interview for the Darling Downs South West Region, from many applicants across all trades this time, not just automotive.
On the day of his interview, we ended up on a firecall to a grass fire, less than an hour from his allocated time slot. The time slots are not negotiable and wont wait... 10 minutes from his due time he was on his way back to town from the job, dirty and less than presentable looking. He called the organisers to say he is coming but will be late. They said that's ok, but you only get what time is left. He made his last 10 minutes of his 20 minute time slot and smashed out all his questions in half the time. We thought there's no way he'll make the cut on half an interview...
To our surprise, he was chosen as 1 of the 3 finalists for the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year award for the Darling Downs South West Region, no small feat. The Queensland Training Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of it's chosen finalists each year.
Last week we attended the awards night. We celebrated the achievements of many businesses and individuals over the evening from across the region. Unfortunately this time Wade was not selected as the winner of his category, however, to make it to the top 3 for the region and be recognised as having achieved a high standard of work and effort is nothing to be cast aside.
We would like to thank MTA Queensland for putting Wade forward in the first place. Thankyou for having the belief in his abilities and achievements. We want to thank the Apprentice of the Year Category Sponsor - Construction Skills Queensland for their support. The many sponsors across all the other categories making the night possible. The Queensland Government for hosting the awards night and recognising its outstanding individuals at the Queensland Training Awards nights across the state.
Finally, congratulations again to all the winners and finalists from that evening, you are all champions. 🏆
T.S.M 🌾🌿🍀
