What’s Happening?
Toowoomba student Lilly Kain has won School-Based Apprentice of the Year at the Future Lady Tradies Built to Bloom Awards. The Industry School student received the award last month, at QT Gold Coast in Queensland.
The awards celebrate young women pursuing careers in the trades, recognising their resilience and commitment in industries where women remain under-represented.
Lilly’s achievement also brought recognition to The Industry School, which had students from its Toowoomba, Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses among the finalists.
Why It Matters
The School-Based Apprentice of the Year award recognises young women successfully balancing their education with an apprenticeship. It also acknowledges their dedication, resilience and commitment to developing their trade skills while completing school.
Lee Smith, CEO of The Industry School, said the recognition reflected the determination of students beginning their careers early.
“Getting started on your career early in life takes real grit, resilience and passion. To have six of our students named as finalists, and to see Lilly take home the award, is a wonderful recognition of the futures these young women are building for themselves,” he said.
The Industry School also sponsored the award category, making the recognition particularly meaningful for the school and its students.
By The Numbers
-
Six finalists: The Industry School had students recognised at the Built to Bloom Awards across its Toowoomba, Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses.
-
Two Toowoomba students: Lilly Kain and Gracie Thorpe represented the local campus, with Lilly securing the School-Based Apprentice of the Year award.
-
Approximately 1,300 students: The Industry School currently supports young people across South East Queensland through its industry-focused education model.
Local Impact
Lilly is a Year 12 student at The Industry School’s Toowoomba Campus, completing a school-based carpentry apprenticeship with James Trade Group.
Her apprenticeship allows her to combine senior studies with practical workplace experience while developing the skills needed for a carpentry career.
For Toowoomba, her achievement highlights how local students can pursue trade qualifications while remaining in school.
It also brings recognition to young women entering industries where female participation remains under-represented.
Zoom In
For Lilly, winning the award was particularly meaningful because it recognised her hard work and growing confidence in carpentry.
“Finding something I love doing has made me feel really excited about my future. Winning this award means so much because it makes me feel that my hard work has been seen. Seeing other young women celebrated too reminds me that we’re supported, valued and that we belong in the trades,” Lilly said.
She also credited the combination of classroom learning and workplace experience for helping her develop as an apprentice.
“What I enjoy most about being a student at The Industry School is being able to learn at school and then put those skills into practice with the James Trade Group. Having support while I find my feet as an apprentice carpenter has helped me feel more confident, and it’s exciting to see how much I’m learning and discover what I’m capable of.”
Zoom Out
Lilly and Gracie were joined by fellow finalists from The Industry School’s other campuses.
Keonee Peden represented the Gold Coast Campus, while Shae Kirkwood, Ella Andrews and Olivia Rennick represented the Brisbane Campus.
Smith said the school’s involvement as an award sponsor made the students’ achievements even more significant.
“As category sponsor of the School-Based Apprentice of the Year award, seeing our students shine on this stage is extra special. Being named a finalist is an incredible achievement and a testament to their hard work and determination.”
Founded in 2006, The Industry School provides industry-driven education for students in Years 10 to 12.
Its learning model combines classroom education with work experience, practical training, apprenticeships and traineeships.
Students can graduate with their Queensland Certificate of Education and other nationally recognised qualifications while developing workplace skills and confidence.
The school also congratulated nominees and finalists across all award categories, recognising their commitment to pursuing careers in the trades.
What To Look For Next?
With further growth planned, The Industry School aims to provide more young people with opportunities to combine classroom learning and practical industry experience.
The recognition at the Built to Bloom Awards also highlights the importance of supporting young women pursuing careers in the trades, with achievements like these helping encourage greater female participation across the industry.