Eight award categories were announced at the annual event on Thursday, September 2 with Brian Menz taking home two trophies, including the night's coveted Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Award.

Mr Menz, a Mount Isa Mines employee, also claimed the Electrical Apprentice of the Year title and said winning felt "extraordinary".

"I feel very chuffed and proud and humble at the same time," Mr Menz said.

"I was always interested in how sparkies fixed stuff and Glencore and the Copper Smelter supported me through a sponsored electrical apprenticeship and I'm so grateful."

Diesel Fitting Apprentice of the Year Award went to Mount Isa Mines employee Michael Crisp.

"It felt pretty unreal. I didn't picture myself winning the award but it definitely feels good to know that I've been recognised for my hard work," Mr Crisp said.

Boilermaker Clay Ferguson from Popeyes Diesel Services collected the Metal Fabrication Apprentice of the Year Award.

"I feel pretty good about winning. I like being a boilermaker and I really enjoy welding and learning about my trade," Mr Ferguson said.

The Cookery Apprentice of the Year Award went to Nicola Gallagher, a chef from the Mount Isa Irish Club.

"I feel fantastic about winning, because it was blood, sweat and tears for 20 months and I cracked it," Ms Gallagher said.

Red Earth Hotel chef, Melissa Marsh was named the Female Trade Student of the Year.

"I'm really buzzing, I can't believe that I won. I've always been quite driven and motivated and I'm proud that my dedication has been recognised," Ms Marsh said.

The night's youngest recipient, automotive student Connor Baker from Good Shepherd Catholic College picked up the TAFE at School Trade Student of the Year Award.

"I feel pretty good about winning. I've liked learning new skills and I'm taking it all in so I can hopefully use it in the future and go into diesel fitting," Mr Baker said.

Mount Isa Mines employee Jason Norrie, who could not attend the ceremony, took out the Automotive Apprentice of the Year Award.

TAFE Queensland Director of Trades (north region) Mark Patterson said the Trade Excellence Awards began in 2018 and highlight the academic and training achievements of the next generation of local trades men and women.

"Qualified tradespeople play important roles in our everyday lives, and the North West relies heavily on these professionals to keep the economy ticking over," Mr Patterson said.

"The Mount Isa campus currently trains more than 320 apprentices from across the region and it was wonderful to celebrate the region's top trade students at our awards night," he said.

This event was helped by award sponsors: Ashdown Ingram, Tool'N'Tackle, Mount Isa Irish Club, Haymans Electrical and Blackwoods.

More about the winners:

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year - Brian Menz, 37

Brian is in his fourth year of his electrical apprenticeship with Mount Isa Mines and he is due to complete his training this year. Brian's work roster is four days on - four days off. But, because he loves his trade so much, he has been doing six days on - two days off. In his words, "It's not the extra money, I just love my trade." On campus, Brian's efforts in the workshop have always been of an extremely high standard and he has an excellent safety record. Brian also has the gift of teaching others in a way that they can understand and he was always happy to help his classmates at any time. Brian's teacher Rebecca said in her 16 years of TAFE teaching, Brian is by far the kindest apprentice she has ever encountered.

Electrical Apprentice of the Year - Brian Menz, 37

Brian is highly intelligent who has excellent hands-on trade skills. Throughout his training, Brian picked up electrical concepts very easily and was always willing to help out other students who may have been struggling with their studies. Brian always demonstrates excellent workmanship and attention to detail during workshop practical activities. His passion for his trade and his thirst for knowledge is commendable. Brian would often carry out further research on theoretical concepts to improve his understanding.

Automotive Apprentice of the Year - Jason Norrie, 44

A Mount Isa Mines employee, Jason or Chuckie as his classmates call him, has a great understanding of auto electrical fundamentals. In class, Jason was a stand-out apprentice who always enjoyed learning new things and asked lots of questions to ensure he had a good understanding of the task at hand. Jason is incredibly determined. He thinks about concepts deeply and methodically and his attention to detail shows in the quality of his work. Jason is such a keen learner that he invested in his own equipment to further his knowledge of what he was being taught on campus.

Cookery Apprentice of the Year - Nicola Gallagher, 44

It's important to pursue your passion and Nicola has done just that, returning to training later in life to complete a cookery apprenticeship. Throughout her studies, Nicola's friendliness, her great sense of humour and her passion for producing beautiful and tasteful food, made her a stand out apprentice. Nicola is also a leader in the kitchen; she loves training new apprentices and inspires everyone around her. Nicola produces all of her food to a very high standard and, if you haven't had the pleasure yet, you should get to experience her culinary skills at the Mount Isa Irish Club.

Diesel Fitting Apprentice of the Year - Michael Crisp, 21

Michael is part of Mount Isa Mine's underground maintenance crew and throughout his apprenticeship has shown dedication to his studies and a strong passion for diesel fitting. Michael's work ethic has a positive effect on the other workers in his crew. When times are tough and operational requirements are high, Michael rallies his colleagues to dig in and they complete the task at hand safely and meet the targets for the shift. Michael has also taken on the role of mentor, helping new apprentices understand processes, procedures and safe work practices. Senior colleagues often seek Michael for his assistance on jobs as his knowledge base is far beyond his 21 years.

Metal Fabrication Apprentice of the Year - Clay Ferguson, 21

Clay works at Popeyes Diesel Services and sets a standard for maturity, dedication and pride in oneself and in the work you present. At 21, Clay is the longest employed boilermaker at Popeyes and has stepped up to guide new employees - some of whom are twice his age. Clay is a wonderful mentor to younger workers and goes out of his way to lend them support and encouragement. Clay is always striving to gain extra skills and learn from others to expand his skill base. He is always eager to take on projects and appreciates the learning curves that come with them.

Female Trade Student of the Year - Melissa Marsh, 23

Throughout her training, Melissa has shown resilience and dedication to her chosen career path in cookery. Melissa welcomed a baby during her studies and has demonstrated that you can have a family life and be a successful apprentice chef at the same time. Melissa is a great role model for other apprentices and is very happy to share her personal experiences with others to help them with their career choices. Melissa is very passionate in her job role, she is always keen to learn new skills and she produces food at the Red Earth Hotel to a very high standard.

TAFE at School Trade Student of the Year - Connor Baker, 18

Connor is a well-mannered and conscientious young man with a bright future ahead of him. Throughout his pre-apprenticeship training in automotive electrical technology, Connor demonstrated a great ability for problem solving and a 'can do' attitude. In class, Connor was always safety conscious, he displayed great attention to detail and was at all times willing to help out other students. Conner's teacher Darrell said it has been a pleasure to have Connor in class and he encourages him to hold true to the values that he exhibits as he pursues his future endeavours.

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