Bowhill Engineering named national small employer of the year

This sponsored story is brought to you by Bowhill Engineering.

First they were state champions, now they've taken their achievements nationally, Bowhill Engineering has earned themselves the 2025 small employer of the year.

The win comes after the 2025 Australian Training awards ceremony in Darwin last Friday night, December 5.

It was only a couple months ago that the firm celebrated being named small employer of the year at the 2025 South Australian Training Awards.

Their inclusive, future-focused approach to training was recognised and praised for being deeply embedded within their business strategy.

At Bowhill their senior tradespeople mentor junior staff and most importantly combines on-the-job and off-the-job learning with internal coaching. 

Bowhill Engineering CEO, Jodie Hawkes said the award was a powerful acknowledgement of their investment in people and regional capability.

“This award confirms that when you invest in people, entire communities benefit,” Ms Hawkes said.

"Our purpose is together we thrive, and this recognition reflects exactly that,” Ms Hawkes said.

Currently Bowhill have 15 apprentices in training; more than 44 apprentices and trainees have already completed their courses with many now moving into leadership and technical specialist roles.

"Through our ethos of 'grown our own', we’re building a strong, sustainable skills pipeline," she said.

"This award is not just a milestone for Bowhill; it’s a celebration of what regional South Australia can achieve when opportunity meets commitment."

Bowhill has also been recognised for its investment in innovation, including robotic welding, advanced CNC machining, leadership development programs and workplace wellbeing initiatives.

HR manager Samantha Krollig, said the company keep a strong relationship with Tafe SA, schools providing work experiences and tour groups.

"We also actively participate in school career days, and further mentor and support our staff with 1:1s and provide wellbeing and leadership support.

"This is done through training providers such as Culturise and Ryde... this collaborative and integrative systemised approach ensures a skilled workforce to meet our project needs and strengthen our region as well as great job satisfaction and enjoyment," said Ms Krollig.

The opening of their new B5 workshop earlier this year, also helped expanding the company’s capabilities and project sizes.

Although innovation isn’t only about advanced manufacturing technology, Ms Hawkes said.

"It’s about creating the right environment for people to learn, lead and thrive."

Moving forward, the award gives the company confidence that they're on the right track and that the long-term approach to developing people is working.

"It motivates us to keep creating opportunities, especially for young people in our region."

"To our team, our apprentices past and present, and our community — thank you for proving that world-class excellence can grow from the most unexpected places."

• More information: Visit boweng.com.au, call 8570 4208 or drop in at 68 Weber Road, Bowhill.

Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Murray Bridge News’ Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.