Celebrating Skill and Commitment: 2025 MiScholarship Recipients Revealed

The 2025 MiScholarship recipients have been officially announced, celebrating exceptional apprentices and trainees across the MIGAS network.

MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees proudly recognised its 2025 MiScholarship recipients throughout National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February 2026), celebrating individuals who have demonstrated excellence, leadership and dedication across their training journeys.

The MiScholarship Program is MIGAS’s annual internal recognition initiative, celebrating its apprentices and trainees who consistently go above and beyond in their workplaces, training and communities.

2025 MiScholarship Recipients

This year’s recipients represented a diverse range of industries, backgrounds and career pathways. The 2025 category winners were:

Trainee Rising Star

Xanthe Shepherdson – Water Treatment Trainee hosted by Origin Energy

Trainee Professional Excellence

Ashley Maw – LNG Production Plant Operator Trainee hosted by Shell’s QGC business

Apprentice Rising Star

Kyle Lambert – Diesel Fitter Apprentice hosted by Stanmore

Apprentice Professional Excellence

Craig Townsend – Boilermaker Apprentice hosted by Wood Australia

Woman of Influence in Trades

Mareena Stiller – Electrical and Instrumentation Apprentice hosted by Origin Energy

Outstanding First Nations in Trades

Katherine Bone – Wellsite Operator Trainee hosted by Shell’s QGC business

Hardiness in Practice

Gabriel Lagos – Electrical Security Apprentice hosted by Johnson Controls

Commendations

• Alyssa Larsen – Mechanical Fitter Apprentice hosted by Shephard Transport Equipment
• Kayden Williams – Fitter and Turner Apprentice hosted by Arnott’s Biscuits
• Laura Peever – Process Operator Trainee hosted by Shell’s QGC business

Each recipient was selected through a competitive nomination and assessment process, with strong support from host employers and training partners.

As part of the 2025 MiScholarship celebrations, MIGAS also announced its Apprentice of the Year, selected from the category recipients.

The announcement was made at the Australian Apprenticeships Stakeholder Luncheon in Brisbane on 10 February 2026, bringing together government, industry, education and employer partners to celebrate excellence across the apprenticeship system.

The 2025 MIGAS Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Craig Townsend in recognition of his outstanding performance both on the job and in off-the-job training.

The judging panel highlighted Craig as a high-performing third-year Boilermaker Apprentice hosted with Wood at the Ampol Refinery, who consistently exceeds expectations across technical capability, professionalism, and workplace safety. He was recognised for demonstrating strong maturity and leadership, including actively mentoring other apprentices and taking ownership of key responsibilities on site.

The panel also noted Craig’s clear passion for the trade and well-defined long-term career goals within the industry, reflecting a strong commitment to building a sustainable future for himself and his family.

Celebrating the Next Generation of Skilled Workers

MIGAS Chief Executive Officer, David Hoey, said the calibre of applications continued to reflect the strength of Australia’s apprenticeship and traineeship workforce.

“Every year we are inspired by the stories, dedication and resilience shown by our apprentices and trainees,” Mr Hoey said.

“The standard of nominations was exceptional and highlights the depth of talent coming through Australia’s training system. These individuals represent the future of our industries and remind us why supporting apprenticeships is so important.”

He also acknowledged the critical role host employers and training partners play in creating supportive learning environments that enable apprentices and trainees to thrive.

“Our host employers and supervisors deserve enormous recognition for the time, care and leadership they invest in developing apprentices and trainees. Their commitment to mentoring, skills transfer and workplace support is a major reason our participants succeed. 

“The strength of the MIGAS network comes from these partnerships and the shared goal of building a highly skilled workforce for Australia,” Mr Hoey said.

Supporting Excellence Through Scholarships

The MiScholarship Program forms part of MIGAS’s broader commitment to developing skilled, job-ready workers and recognising outstanding achievement across its national apprentice and trainee workforce.

Recipients receive tailored support and recognition designed to help them continue building successful careers, while also shining a spotlight on the positive impact Australian Apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and communities.

MIGAS congratulates all 2025 MiScholarship recipients and thanks the host employers, supervisors and training providers who supported each nominee throughout their journey.