South Australian business Bowhill Engineering has been named the country’s best small employer at the 2025 Australian Training Awards, recognising its “people first” approach to training, mentoring and career progression.

Located at Bowhill on the River Murray, the engineering firm employs 68 staff including 14 apprentices, all completing a Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication) at TAFE SA’s Murray Bridge Campus.

The state-of-the-art workshop, which has recently had a $10 million upgrade, contributes to key infrastructure, mining and defence projects across the state and beyond, and is currently building tunnel segments for the Torrens to Darlington project.

CEO Jodie Hawkes says the Small Employer of the Year Award is great recognition for the team and their approach to putting people at the centre of the business.

“The award reflects years of commitment from our apprentices, tradespeople, leaders and partners who have all contributed to building something we’re proud of,” she says.

Apprentice Charlie Pearce says Bowhill Engineering offers a supportive environment and the award reaffirms it’s a great place to learn and gain experience.

“It shows I’m learning my trade in a place recognised for excellence and strong values and it makes me proud to be part of a high-standard team that motivates me to keep improving,” Charlie says.

As a regional employer, Jodie says the business has a ‘grow our own’ approach to attracting staff and works closely with local schools to highlight job opportunities.

This includes speaking at school events, arranging class tours of the workshop and providing a work experience program for potential apprentices.

“Apprentices are the future of our industry. Without clear pathways, strong support and meaningful work, we risk losing an entire generation of skilled tradespeople,” she says.

Bowhill Engineering also champions the importance of local training for regional businesses and employees, reducing barriers such as travel and accommodation costs and keeping people connected to their communities.

“Our relationship with TAFE SA has been instrumental in supporting our apprentices to succeed. When training, industry and community work together locally, everyone benefits,” Jodie says.

To support staff engagement and retention, Bowhill offers an employee development program which includes upskilling opportunities, team building activities and social events.

Apprentice Jack Gaston is appreciative of the opportunities that are on offer “to make us become the best apprentices possible”.

“You gain top-notch skills, have endless opportunities internally and externally, and the culture is unreal,” Jack says.

Pictured, top, are Bowhill's CEO Jodie Hawkes and HR Manager Samantha Krollig at the Australian Training Awards and, right, Bowhill Engineering is located at Bowhill on the River Murray.