Quicksilver Apprentice wins TAFE Apprentice of the Year award

11th of August 2025

Quicksilver is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of apprentice Cain Perry, who has been named “Automotive and Diesel Fitting – Fixed and Mobile Plant Apprentice of the Year” at the 2025 TAFE Queensland Cairns Trade Excellence Awards.

Cain, who did 6 month’s work experience with Quicksilver during his final year at Mossman State School, commenced his diesel fitter apprenticeship at the start of 2022.

“Winning this award means more than just being Apprentice of the Year, it means that my hard work is paying off and being recognised. I enjoy my job and come to work to give 110% every day with a smile on my face. Once I’ve completed my apprenticeship I’d like to continue working with Quicksilver, eventually doing an MED 1 to become an engineer down the line.”

Now in the third year of his apprenticeship, 20 year old Cain is also continuing a proud family legacy—his father, Bruce Perry, is Quicksilver’s long-standing Workshop Supervisor and a highly experienced diesel fitter himself, while his twin brother is completing his boiler maker apprenticeship with Quicksilver after the Mossman Sugar Mill closure.

Cain was nominated by both his TAFE teacher and Quicksilver, and was praised for his talent, professionalism, and commitment to growth – both personally and as a part of Quicksilver’s engineering team.

“Cain’s work ethic, positive attitude, and technical ability have made him an integral part of our team,” said Aidan Calvert, Quicksilver’s Engineering Manager. “He’s always keen to learn and you can see the pride he takes in his work. This award is well deserved and a great reflection of his hard work and dedication to his trade. We look forward to seeing Cain become a fully qualified tradesman.”

While Quicksilver is renowned for its range of Great Barrier Reef experiences, Cain is a quiet achiever in the ‘behind the scenes’ team who ensure the safety, ongoing maintenance and efficiency of the company’s vessels and operational assets for guests.

“We’re incredibly proud of our workshop team,” said Tony Baker, Managing Director of the Quicksilver Group. “For Cain, it’s wonderful to see his hard work recognised. It is wonderful to see the next generation of local talent becoming skilled tradespeople in the marine tourism industry.” 

Pictured: Cain Perry at work