Queensland Training Awards finalists announced

Fifty-six Queenslanders are in the running to take out one of the state’s most hotly contested accolades at the Queensland Training Awards finals on 19 September.

Education and Training Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the awards celebrated Queensland’s world-class training system and highlighted its up-and-coming skilled tradespeople and vocational professionals.

“More jobs are now being created in Queensland than in any other state and we need a talented and qualified workforce to keep building on that success,” Mr Langbroek said. 

“The awards are a great chance to recognise the important role vocational education and training plays, from skilling people for jobs to boosting the state’s productivity.

“The awards are also an opportunity to acknowledge the role of industry and business in training Queenslanders to benefit their local communities.”

(** Full list of finalists below **)

Mr Langbroek said the Queensland Government had made significant reforms to better link training to industry need, boost productivity, increase workforce participation and reduce skills shortages.

“The Queensland Government is committed to investing strategically in training to deliver the best outcomes for individuals, families, business and the community as a whole,” he said.

“This is backed by a $615 million investment through the 2014-15 Vocational Education and Training Investment Plan.”

He said tickets were now on sale for the gala state final event to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 19 September 2014.

“This is the 53rd year of the awards and it’s pleasing to see interest in the awards continues to grow across the state with a 10 per cent increase in nominations from 2013,” Mr Langbroek said.

Mr Langbroek thanked all nominees for their commitment to training.

Eleven award category winners will be announced at the state final, with categories encompassing apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, employers, and training providers.

The categories include the eight contested at the regional level as well as the additional categories of Premier’s Industry Collaboration, Small Training Provider, and Large Training Provider of the Year.

For further information, including ticket sales, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 4 August 2014                                            

Meeia contact: Minister's Office 3237 1000

State finalists

Large Training Provider

Sponsor - Hot Leasing by CTC                       

• Careers Australia                                            
• Construction Skills Training Centre (CSTC)
• TAFE Queensland Gold Coast

Small Training Provider

Sponsor - Career One UpSkill                                    

• Charlton Brown                                  
• Evocca Workplace Training    
• Look Now Training    

Premiers Industry Collaboration      

Sponsor - Group Training Association - QLD & NT  

• "Oothung" (sisters) in Mining Program, Thiess and Salvation Army Employment Plus
• Stanbroke Beef Pty Ltd and TAFE Queensland South West   
• "Industry System Change, Glass Industry, The Improve Group and the Australian Glass and Glazing Association"

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year

Sponsor - Construction Skills Queensland

• Far North Queensland: James Baira    
• North Queensland: Steven Green
• Central Queensland: Kayla Rua          
• North Coast: Rechelle Gulliver           
• Metropolitan: Shauntel Graham          
• South East: Peter Newbold      
• Darling Downs South West: Shaun Damrow

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

Sponsor - BUSY At Work

• Far North Queensland: Kia Yeatman              
• North Queensland: Elysia Battersby               
• Central Queensland: Ashleigh  Glinster          
• North Coast: Amellia Hughes             
• Metropolitan: Ashleigh Taylor            
• South East: Lachlan McIver                
• Darling Downs South West: Anna Paton         

Vocational Student of the Year         

Sponsor - Queensland Alumina Limited

• Far North Queensland: Lynne Powell 
• North Queensland: Amanda Mines     
• Central Queensland: Jacob Jones        
• North Coast: Nick Eisemann   
• Metropolitan: Rachel Dudok   
• South East: Renee Whan         
• Darling Downs South West: James Friis          

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year  

Sponsor - Training and Assessment Mentor

• Far North Queensland: Annalina Kepper                    
• North Queensland: Lionel Sing                       
• Central Queensland: Erica Lucas                    
• North Coast: Nick Eisemann               
• Metropolitan: Ayesha Skeen   
• South East: Jefferey King                   
• Darling Downs South West: Jacob McKellar

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

Sponsor - Hutchinson Builders

• Far North Queensland: Ryhanna Mundraby   
• North Queensland: Ashlee Fricke                   
• Central Queensland: Emily Mawson               
• North Coast: Hannah Carle     
• Metropolitan: Joshua Curson              
• South East: Amanda Cochrane           
• Darling Downs South West: Gemma Hartwig 

VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year

Sponsor - Civil Contractors Federation

• Far North Queensland: Jackie Jansen             
• North Queensland: Mick Murphy                   
• Central Queensland: Tracie Eastaway             
• North Coast: Tom Booth                     
• Metropolitan: Karni Liddell                
• South East: Shaun Woodall
• Darling Downs South West: Fiona Flanders                

Small Employer of the Year

Sponsor  - Courier Mail, Career One

• Far North Queensland: fgf Bitumen Pty Ltd                           
• North Queensland: The Wishing Tree                         
• Central Queensland: TDS- Total Drafting Services                 
• North Coast Queensland: Beasley’s Hydraulics Services                    
• Metropolitan Queensland: Kayabra Limited Hours Child Care                       
• South East Queensland:           Next International                               
• Darling Downs South West: Platinum Stylist                           

Employer of the Year

Sponsor - Careers Australia

• Far North Queensland: Sea Swift Pty Ltd                                            
• North Queensland: Horan & Bird                                           
• Central Queensland: CIVEO (formally the MAC Group)        
• North Coast Queensland: Hyne Timber                                              
• Metropolitan Queensland: Volvo Commercial Vehicles - Brisbane    
• South East Queensland: Transdev Queensland Pty Ltd                       
• Darling Downs South West: Origin Energy