Sophie Johnson Named Finalist

For Prestigious Queensland Training Award

Seventeen-year-old Sophie Johnson is making waves in the healthcare sector, earning recognition as a finalist in the 2025 Queensland Training Awards.

A student at Gilroy Santa Maria College, Sophie is one of only three contenders shortlisted in the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year category for the North Queensland region - an impressive feat given that more than 750 applications were received statewide.

Sophie is the first school-based trainee from Ingham Health Service to participate in the Deadly Start program, an initiative designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 11 and 12 as they gain hands-on experience and formal qualifications in healthcare.

Now in the final months of her traineeship, Sophie reflected on the journey so far.

“It has helped me to define what I want to do when I leave school, and that is work in healthcare and help out my community,” Sophie explained.

“The most rewarding part of the traineeship has been supporting others and as part of the program I have also got to work across all areas of the health service, which has given me a great understanding of the complexities and interconnectedness of healthcare.

“Having that understanding has helped me in being able to communicate with patients, particularly First Nations people in the community.”

Sophie’s contributions haven’t gone unnoticed by her colleagues. Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker Diana Friday praised Sophie for her work ethic, community spirit, and natural leadership.

“Sophie has thrived in the healthcare environment and has shown a real passion for helping people and becoming an emerging leader in the community,” Ms Friday said.

“Her passion for helping people has been evident since day one and Sophie has been a great role model for other people in the community and her deep connection to her community has not only shone through in how she has interacted with patients but also her involvement with Vinnies Youth and her efforts in organising yarning circles - she has been a valuable addition to the Ingham Health Service for both staff and patients.”

The winners for the North Queensland region will be announced in July. Regional winners will go on to compete for state honours at the Queensland Training Awards finals in September.

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