Darling Downs South West QTA regional winners named

Training and Skills Minister Yvette D’Ath has announced the Darling Downs South West regional winners of the 2015 Queensland Training Awards. 

Mrs D’Ath said seven talented Darling Downs South West winners had been selected from a high-calibre group of 24 finalists, who were shortlisted from 84 nominations.

“My congratulations go to each of the seven winners, who will now go on to represent the Darling Downs South West region at the Queensland Training Awards State Final in September,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“Liahni Truscott deserves special mention for being named both Vocational Student of the Year and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for Darling Downs South West.” 

The 2015 Darling Downs South West QTA regional winners are:

• Braden Lang, Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
• Kayla Jordan, Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
• Michael McCarthy , School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
• Liahni Truscott, Vocational Student of the Year, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
• Desleigh Dickens-Kilpadi, VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
• JT Workforce Connections, Small Employer of the Year
• Hillmans Transport, Employer of the Year.

The regional winners were announced at the QTA Darling Downs South West Regional Final Presentation Dinner at the Armitage Centre, Empire Theatre, Toowoomba, on 7 August.

“The Toowoomba event is the last of the regional finals that have been held across the state in July and August,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“A total of 163 regional finalists in seven regions have competed for a chance to reach the QTA State Final in September.

“Apprentices, trainees, teachers and trainers, and employers have been recognised for their achievements at the local level.”

She said the Queensland Training Awards highlighted excellence in the state’s training sector.

“The State Government is committed to supporting training and skills development for all Queenslanders,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“Employment is our number one priority so it’s vital that we give people access to the training they need to access real jobs and opportunities.

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

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