Nominate for Queensland Training Awards

Nominations are open for individuals, employers and organisations to enter the 2014 Queensland Training Awards.

Assistant Minister for Technical and Further Education Saxon Rice said she hoped next year’s awards would build on the success of the 52^nd annual Queensland Training Awards held in Perth last month when a number of Queenslanders were awarded the best in their field.

“This year’s results show Queensland’s vocational education and training system is turning the corner under the Newman Government,” said Mrs Rice.

“These standards will grow even higher under the Newman Government’s Great skills. Real opportunities. plan which we launched in June to fix a system which failed under the former Beattie/Bligh Labor Government.”

Ms Rice said the awards celebrate the state’s best apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers, trainers, registered training organisations and employers for their commitment to training excellence.

“The Newman Government is working hard to make Queensland a state of opportunity once more.

“We believe excellence in training will help ensure Queensland trainees like Apprentice electrician, Sarah Lacey is job-ready and has the work skills that industry needs now and in the future.”

Ms Lacey won the 2013 Queensland Apprentice of the Year Award and said the awards provided her with the opportunity to showcase the skills of her trade.

“It’s also been great to network with others who have done the same or similar trades and getting to know a pretty interesting group of people has been a big part of it,” she said.

Darren Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Dayshelf Fire Systems, winner of the 2013 Small Employer of the Year award at the state and national level, said the win provided the company with an opportunity to celebrate the firm’s success and focus positive attention on the business.

Mrs Rice said that this year, 14 Queenslanders, including nine Queensland Training Award winners contested the Australian Training Awards and won four of the 18 awards on offer.

“This is a great result and represents Queensland’s best performance in the past five years,” said Mrs Rice.

“I encourage nominations to the 2014 QTA to continue shining the spotlight on Queensland’s vocational education and training success stories.”

Nominations for the 53^rd QTA close on 21 March 2014. For information visit www.qta.qld.gov.au or call 1800 660 207.

[ENDS] 17 December 2013                                      Media contact: 3237 1000