Bowen Basin Apprentice of the Year · Year Two
The Bowen Basin Apprentice of the Year Returns in 2027
Celebrating the next generation of trades and mining talent across Mackay and the Bowen Basin — alongside National Apprenticeship Week.
Nominations open 8 February 2027 / $5,000 major prize / Winner announced March 2027
The Bowen Basin Got Behind It
2026 was made possible by apprentices, employers and industry organisations across the region.
From major mining organisations to local contractors, dozens of Bowen Basin businesses nominated apprentices and supported the inaugural award.
See the 2026 NomineesOne Award. A Whole Region Behind It.
In 2026, Mackay businesses helped us recognise some of the region's most promising apprentices.
For 2027, we want to go further.
The campaign will run throughout National Apprenticeship Week and February, combining apprentice recognition, employer participation, community activations, industry content and a major winner announcement in Mackay.
$5,000 Apprentice of the Year Prize
Recognising an outstanding Bowen Basin apprentice.
National Apprenticeship Week Activations
Local offers and experiences celebrating apprentices across Mackay.
Apprentice Wellbeing
Practical mental-health and workplace support content.
Regional Recognition
PR, radio, social, partner promotion and a March winner billboard.
Employer Participation
Mining, engineering, trade and field-service businesses getting behind their apprentices.
Training & Industry Connections
Working with training providers, industry networks and local organisations.
Meet the 2026 Bowen Basin Apprentice of the Year
Mackenzie Connor Hytch
Complete Parts & Equipment Solutions — Mackay
Mackenzie stood out for his dedication, skill, and commitment to excellence — representing the best of what Mackay's apprentice workforce has to offer.
View Facebook Event
Presenting the award at Complete Parts & Equipment Solutions — Mackay
Help Us Back Bowen Basin Apprentices in 2027
We're looking for businesses and organisations across Mackay and the Bowen Basin to help us build the 2027 award.
Support doesn't have to mean writing a cheque. We're looking for partners who can contribute experiences, products, services, promotion, expertise or connections that make National Apprenticeship Week and the Apprentice of the Year campaign more valuable for local apprentices.
Prize Partners
Tools, workwear, training, experiences, accommodation, travel or other rewards for finalists and the winner.
Apprentice Perks
Coffee, food, activities or special offers for apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week.
Industry Partners
Help reach employers, apprentices and businesses across the Bowen Basin.
Training Partners
Promote nominations and provide useful development opportunities for apprentices.
Wellbeing Partners
Provide practical mental-health, financial wellbeing, safety or career resources.
Media & Community Partners
Help tell apprentice stories and recognise the people building the region's future.
Explore the 2027 Sponsorship Opportunities
Download the sponsor information pack for campaign recognition, sponsorship benefits and ways your business can support the next generation of Bowen Basin apprentices.
Why Partner With the Award?
We're happy to build partnership opportunities around what your organisation can genuinely contribute.
- Celebrate the next generation of the local workforce
- Support apprentices and the businesses developing them
- Connect with Mackay and Bowen Basin mining and trade businesses
- Participate in National Apprenticeship Week
- Gain appropriate recognition across campaign activity
- Contribute expertise, opportunities or experiences that genuinely benefit apprentices
- Be part of an established regional initiative heading into its second year
Interested in Supporting the 2027 Award?
Tell us a little about your organisation and what you'd like to contribute. We'll get back to you to shape something that works for you and for local apprentices.
Resources for Employers & Apprentices
Been nominated, or have an apprentice who has? Use these free resources to share the news and support your people.
2027 Partner Toolkit
Coming soon
Nominee Social Templates
Share apprentice recognition.
ViewEmployer Award Banners
Show your business supports Bowen Basin apprentices.
ViewNational Apprenticeship Week Resources
Practical resources for employers and apprentices.
ViewApprentice reading
Apprentice Perks in Australia
National Apprenticeship Week
Current Apprentice Pay Rates
Apprentice Payroll & Award Compliance
Need to talk to someone? TIACS is here.
Free, confidential support for tradies, apprentices and blue-collar workers. You don't have to carry it on your own.
Komatsu x SprintSuite: Real Apprentice Stories
The award is about more than one prize. During National Apprenticeship Week we sat down with Komatsu apprentices to hear, in their own words, what the trade means to them — the kind of apprentice-first storytelling the campaign sets out to create.
Ruby Livingstone
Mobile Plant Mechanic — 4th Year
"My trade requires me to understand complex, interrelated systems... I work where mistakes can have very tangible, dangerous and costly consequences."
Read their story
Jacob Borg
Mobile Plant Technology — 3rd Year
"Apprenticeships provide the skills to ensure growth happens, making apprentices the foundation of the future."
Read their story
Ben Cordell
Cert III Mobile Plant Technology
"I didn't realise how much technology is involved in modern diesel fitting. There's a lot more diagnostics and electronics than I expected."
Read their story
Teagan
Komatsu Apprentice
"Proving that the trade welcomes anyone with the drive and commitment to succeed."
Read their storyUsing Our Field Service App as an Apprentice
If your employer uses SprintSuite, here's how the app can make your day on site a little easier — from logging hours to completing safety forms.
Log Timesheets
Track hours on-site with a single tap
Complete SWMS
Fill out safety forms before every job
Capture Photos
Document work progress and site conditions
Works Offline
No signal? It syncs when you're back online
Why SprintSuite Created the Award
SprintSuite works every day with mining, engineering and field-service businesses employing apprentices and tradespeople across regional Australia.
We created the Bowen Basin Apprentice of the Year because these businesses rely on the next generation of skilled workers — and we think the people choosing those careers deserve to be recognised.
Help Us Back the Next Generation of the Bowen Basin
Whether you can contribute a prize, an apprentice experience, industry expertise or simply help spread the word, we'd love to hear from you.