South East regional training winners revealed

Gold Coast mechanic Peter Newbold has been crowned the region’s best apprentice at the Queensland Training Awards South East final held tonight.

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek acknowledged the training achievements of the best and brightest individuals and employers from Logan, the Redlands, Gold Coast and the Scenic Rim at the Gold Coast’s QT Hotel.

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate the outstanding young people, trainers and employers who are contributing to Queensland’s economy and helping to build stronger regional communities,” Mr Langbroek said.

“Congratulations to the seven other local winners, including representatives of Gold Coast hair salon Next International Salons and Redland Bay and Yatala bus operator Transdev.”

Mr Langbroek said twenty-four finalists were chosen across eight categories, with the number of entries received up by 43.1 per cent compared with 2013.

“The judging panel was impressed with the high calibre of entries received and I congratulate all the nominees for their commitment to training,” he said.

** FULL LIST OF FINALISTS BELOW **

Mr Langbroek said the awards complemented the Queensland Government’s 2014-2015 $615 million Annual VET Investment Plan to address skills shortages and boost productivity.

“The plan lays the foundation for a sustainable and responsive sector, to ensure that Queensland’s economy is supported by a first class training system,” Mr Langbroek said.

“It will ensure growth in the four pillars of the economy ­– tourism, agriculture, resources and construction – and increase job prospects as we promised at the election.”

Queenslanders interested in training are encouraged to explore the Queensland Skills Gateway website at www.training.qld.gov.au/skillsgateway.

“For the first time ever, you can search all vocational education and training courses available in Queensland and the training providers that deliver them on the one website,” Mr Langbroek said.

“Vocational education and training helps boost productivity, increase workforce participation and minimise skills shortages and I thank Queenslanders for showing their commitment to training through nominating for Queensland Training Awards.”

A list of winners in the South East Region Queensland Training Awards follows

[ENDS] 18 July 2014

Media contact: Minister’s Office 3237 1000

Contact details for winners can be provided upon request.

South East winners

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year Award, Peter Newbold (sponsored by TAFE Queensland Gold Coast).

Peter has completed a Certificate III in Automotive Light Vehicles at TAFE Queensland Gold Coast. He works at Bruce Lynton BMW, managing the team in the weekly operations of the workshop dealing with manufacturers and parts suppliers from around the world. He is proud of the communication, team and leadership skills he has developed.

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year Award, Lachlan McIver (sponsored by BUSY At Work).

Lachlan undertook a traineeship with Logan City Council and studied a Certificate III in Business at Maxima Training Services. He studied administration, problem solving, finance and customer service and received an Encouragement Award in the council’s Trainee of The Year Awards.

Vocational Student of the Year, Renee Whan (sponsored by Evocca Workplace Training).

Renee has completed a Diploma of Community Services at Evocca College. Her goal is to work in mental health, primarily with adolescents. She is learning to engage people through relationships that are built on trust and mutual respect.

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year, Amanda Cochrane (sponsored by Prestige Service Training).

Amanda attends Redlands College and is studying Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at TAFE Queensland Brisbane. Amanda’s work experience at the Grand View Hotel culminated in a school-based apprenticeship. Amanda is learning how to deal with stressful situations and work in a socially diverse environment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award, Jeffrey King (sponsored by Strategix Training).

Jeffery works at DIY Kitchen Shop, and completed training in a Certificate III Cabinet Making at TAFE Queensland Gold Coast. Undertaking woodwork at school helped Jeffery choose his career in cabinet making. After Jeffery’s initial employer closed down, he gained employment with Ken Hart of DIY Kitchen Shop. Jeffery now mentors new apprentices and work experience students. His long-term goal is to own his own business.

VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year Award, Shaun Woodall (sponsored by All Trades Queensland).

Shaun is a trainer and assessor at Spectra Training and is passionate about the value of training and how it contributes to the community. During the past two years, Shaun has specialised in industrial programs for large multinational companies, emphasising leadership and lean thinking. He focuses on flexibility and engagement.

Small Employer of the Year Award, Next International Salons (sponsored by AXIAL).

Next International Salons started on the Gold Coast in 1993. It is a family business that now has four salons, 18 qualified stylists and 12 apprentice hairdressers. The company has its own training manual and individual training plan for apprentices.

Employer of the Year Award, Transdev Queensland Pty Ltd (sponsored by Matchworks).

Transdev Queensland prides itself on its progressive and proactive learning environment that fosters a culture of training and continuous improvement of staff skills and knowledge. Training includes a 17 day new start driver induction program and an ongoing program of training, with assessments and performance appraisals for all staff.