Last chance to enter 2015 Queensland Training Awards

Queenslanders are being urged to act quickly to nominate for the 2015 Queensland Training Awards which close on 10 April.

Training and Skills Minister Yvette D’Ath said Queensland’s highest honours for vocational education and training were up for grabs at the seven regional finals and then at the state final in September.

“The Queensland Training Awards are the state’s largest and longest running training awards program,” Ms D’Ath said.

“They provide a unique opportunity to showcase training success throughout the state.

“Past winners have achieved great things. Last year four Queensland representatives took out Australian Training Awards titles, including avionics student Rachel Dudok who was named national Vocational Student of the Year.

“The awards nights themselves are wonderful events, bringing together training and education providers, industry, employers, apprentices, trainees, vocational students, sponsors and government representatives.”

“The key to Queensland’s future is in its young people, who need the skills and training required for today’s fast-paced global economy,” she said.

“The Queensland Government believes it has a critical role to play in the provision of this training.

“Continuing the proud tradition of the Queensland Training Awards, now in their 54^th year, is one way we can demonstrate and deliver on this key ingredient for economic success.”

Queensland’s 2014 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Anna Kepper of Weipa, sees her training awards success as a chance to be an ambassador for the training system.

The Certificate III Engineering – Mechanical Trade student at TAFE Queensland North secured an apprenticeship with Rio Tinto Alcan as part of her search for a job that would challenge her and allow her to take on physical work.

“Representing Far North Queensland, my employer and my chosen trade at last year’s Queensland Training Awards was a great honour,” Ms Kepper said.

“It has already opened up opportunities within my fitting and turning career. I have been privileged to test my skills in unfamiliar areas which in turn will help me broaden my knowledge and open more doorways.”

Ms Kepper says she hopes to continue to inspire the apprentices and trainees of the future no matter what their age, race or sex.

More information on the Queensland Training Awards, including nomination details, are available at www.qta.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 660 207.

[ENDS]  Media contact: A/Senior Media Advisor Ross McSwain 07 37197414 or 0407 657614