Proud Kalkatungu and Birrigubba woman and former MRAEL trainee named Central Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Former MRAEL business trainee Taylib Glover has been named the 2026 Central Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, recognising her outstanding achievement within Queensland’s vocational education and training sector.

Taylib received the award at the Queensland Training Awards Central Queensland Regional Final, held at the Rockhampton Leagues Club on Friday, 14 August 2026.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award recognises outstanding achievement by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student within the Queensland vocational education and training sector.

A proud Kalkatungu and Birrigubba woman, Taylib completed a Certificate III in Business through the Australian Trade Training College while employed by MRAEL in Emerald.

Her regional win celebrates the commitment, resilience and determination she demonstrated while changing careers, completing her qualification and preparing to welcome her first child.

Embracing a new career

After 10 years in the dental industry, Taylib made the courageous decision to pursue a new career through a business traineeship with MRAEL.

Her training journey did not begin as planned. Due to a late sign-up with the registered training organisation, Taylib did not commence her formal training until mid-April and was behind schedule from the outset.

Her first module focused on safety and required a considerable time commitment. At the same time, Taylib was learning her new role within a busy recruitment team and working to catch up on her coursework.

Three months into her traineeship, Taylib found out she was expecting her first child.

With the pressure of being behind in her course, learning a new role and navigating pregnancy, Taylib could easily have walked away from the traineeship. Instead, she committed herself to completing it.

While managing pregnancy-related sickness and attending appointments, Taylib continued working and completing her coursework at home. Throughout this time, she developed into a vital member of the MRAEL Recruitment Team.

Taylib completed her traineeship on 2 February 2026 and remained with MRAEL until her final day on 20 February.

On Saturday, 28 February, she welcomed her daughter, Aaliyah Ann Glover.

Growing in confidence and capability

Taylib’s former manager, Jess Benjamin, Apprentice and Employment Recruitment Manager at MRAEL, witnessed her growth throughout the traineeship.

“Watching Tay grow both personally and professionally throughout her traineeship was a true privilege,” Jess said.

“From day one, she brought an infectious, positive energy to the workplace. She was always eager to help, took on feedback with maturity and contributed effectively to the MRAEL Recruitment Team every single day.

“Tay worked extremely hard, balancing her training with major life changes, and she quickly became an amazing asset to our team.”

For Jess, watching Taylib grow from a trainee into a confident and capable team member was one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

“She jumped at every opportunity with such enthusiasm, and it’s been a joy to watch her really come into her own. Seeing her transform from a trainee into a confident and capable team member who takes the lead has been incredibly rewarding.

“I’ve loved being a part of her journey and watching her skills and confidence soar, not only within recruitment, but as a key contributor to the wider business.”

A meaningful achievement

For Taylib, progressing from finalist to regional winner made an already significant personal and professional journey even more meaningful.

“Being named a finalist and then winning is something I’m incredibly proud of,” Taylib said.

“Changing careers after 10 years in the dental industry was a big step, and completing my traineeship while working, studying, being pregnant and becoming a new mum made this achievement even more meaningful.”

Taylib also acknowledged the support and encouragement she received from Jess throughout her traineeship.

“Having someone who believed in me and supported me along the way made this achievement even more special.”

Taylib hopes her experience encourages other First Nations people to consider a traineeship and believe in their own abilities.

“To other First Nations people considering a traineeship, I’d say give it a go and back yourself,” Taylib said.

“It’s a great way to learn, build confidence and gain experience while working towards a qualification. There will be challenges along the way, but stay committed and don’t underestimate what you’re capable of.”

Celebrating resilience and determination

Taylib’s journey involved a late start to her formal training, limited time to catch up, the challenges of learning a new role and the demands of completing her qualification during pregnancy.

Through it all, she remained committed to her traineeship, completed her Certificate III in Business and became a valued contributor to the MRAEL Recruitment Team.

Her recognition as the 2026 Central Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year celebrates the determination she demonstrated throughout her vocational education and training journey.

Congratulations, Taylib, on this thoroughly deserved achievement. Everyone at MRAEL is incredibly proud to see your commitment recognised, and we wish you, Kyle and Aaliyah Ann all the very best.