Minister praises quality field of QTA regional finalists

Training and Skills Minister Yvette D’Ath today praised the talents of the apprentices, trainees, trainers and employers who have made the 2015 Queensland Training Awards regional finals.

 Ms D’Ath said 163 regional finalists had been selected from across the state to compete at the QTA regional finals in July and August.

 “This is the 54^th year of the awards, which highlight excellence in the state’s training sector, and once again the list of regional finalists is very impressive,” Ms D’Ath said.

 “Jobs are this government’s number one priority so it’s vital that we give people access to the training – and retraining – they need to be ready for real jobs and opportunities.

 “This is particularly important in regional communities, where programs like our $240 million Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative will make a real difference to jobseekers.

 “We are making sure all Queenslanders have access to the training that will have them job-ready.”  

 The awards are in eight categories – the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year, Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year, School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Vocational Student of the Year, VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year, Employer of the Year and Small Employer of the Year.

 Ms D’Ath said the state winners would be announced in September and then would have the opportunity to progress to the Australian Training Awards in Hobart in November.

 The Queensland Training Awards are run by the Department of Education and Training. For further information and tickets visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

 A full list of the regional finalists is available at: http://www.qta.qld.gov.au/winners/index.html

Media contact: Scott Dixon 0455 051 900