Top training talent takes out state awards

Published Saturday, 20 September, 2014 at 08:00 AM

Minister for Education, Training and Employment
The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek

Queensland’s most talented trainees, apprentices and training organisations have been recognised for their excellence at the 53rd annual Queensland Training Awards.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said the Queensland Training Awards were the state’s highest vocational training accolade.

“Quality training is the foundation of a strong economy, which is why it is so important that we recognise excellence in all areas of our Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector,” he said.

“I’m proud to congratulate the winners and finalists of this year’s awards and would like to commend them for their ongoing commitment to training.”

Mr Langbroek said the Queensland Government had a strong plan to reduce the state’s unemployment by providing quality training linked to real jobs.

“The Queensland Government is investing $615 million in training programs to address skills shortages and boost productivity,” he said.

“This includes investing $225 million in the training of apprentices and trainees and $155 million to support Queenslanders without a formal qualification to achieve their first post-school Certificate III qualification.

“These initiatives are all part of the government’s partnership approach, working with industry and employers to ensure Queensland has a world-class training system.

“By working with industry and targeting our investment we will ensure that Queensland has a strong economy and a bright future.”

Winners of the 11 award categories have the opportunity to progress to the Australian Training Awards in Adelaide on Friday 21 November.

The Queensland Training Awards are run by the Department of Education, Training and Employment.

For further information, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Full list of winners follows

 

2014 Queensland Training Award Winners

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year

Peter Newbold, Certificate III in Automotive Light Vehicle, Bruce Lynton BMW, Gold Coast.

 

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

Ashleigh Taylor, Certificate III in Business Administration, Greyhound Australia, Brisbane.

 

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

Gemma Hartwig (Our Lady of the Southern Cross), Certificate III in Engineering-Mechanical Trade (Maintenance Diesel Fitting), Ostwald Bros. Dalby.

 

Vocational Student of the Year

Rachel Dudok, Diploma in Aeroskills (Avionics), QANTAS Airways Ltd, Brisbane.

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Annalina (Lala) Kepper, Certificate III Engineering-Mechanical Trade, Rio Tinto Alcon Weipa.

 

VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year

Karni Liddell, Disability Trainer and Assessor Jigsaw Consulting Group, Brisbane.

 

Small Employer of the Year

Kyabra Limited Hours Child Care Centre.

 

Employer of the Year

Volvo Commercial Vehicles, Brisbane.

 

Small Training Provider of the Year

Look Now Training, Sunshine Coast.

 

Large Training Provider of the Year

Careers Australia, Brisbane (with campuses across the state).

 

Premier’s Industry Collaboration Award

Oothung (“Sisters”) in Mining, Theiss and Salvation Army Employment Plus). Thiess head office is Milton.

 

[ENDS] 20 September 2014

 

Media contact: Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652