Queensland Training Awards winners named

Stars of vocational education and training in Queensland were recognised at a ceremony in Brisbane on Friday night.

Training and Skills Minister Yvette D’Ath congr­atulated the winners of the 2015 Queensland Training Awards at a presentation dinner at the Royal International Convention Centre in Bowen Hills.

Mrs D’Ath said the 11 QTA Award winners – six individuals and five organisations – were flag-bearers for a sector that is vital to Queensland’s economy and the Palaszczuk Government’s priorities.

“The winners and almost 700 entrants in this 54^th year of the Queensland Training Awards showcase excellence in vocational education and training,” she said.

“As well as well-deserved recognition for the winners, highlighting their achievements underlines the important work the government is doing to give people access to the training they need to gain real jobs and opportunities. 

“The winner of this year’s Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year Award is a teacher who returned to undertake an apprenticeship as a mature-age student.

“Aaron Lobley, from Weipa, captures what the Queensland Training Awards are all about.

“Aaron spent eight years teaching before embarking on study for a Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Air-conditioning and Refrigeration.

“He completed his trade more than a year ahead of schedule and is now working for Rio Tinto.

“Aaron’s years of teaching clearly brought home to him the importance of education – he has since achieved a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment to become a better trainer.”

Winners of the 2015 Queensland Training Awards are:

• Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year: Aaron Lobley (Far North Queensland)
• Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year: Ariel Muntelwit (South East)
• Vocational Student: Nicola Lang (Metropolitan)
• School-based Apprentice or Trainee: Daniel O’Brien (North Coast)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student: Kieran Chilcott (South East)
• VET Teacher or Trainer: Sharan Berry (North Coast)
• Small Employer: Hy-Performance Fluid Power Pty Ltd (Metropolitan)
• Large Employer: Hyne Timber (North Coast)
• Small Training Provider: Club Training Australia (direct State Final entry)
• Large Training Provider: TAFE Queensland (direct State Final entry)
• Premier’s Industry Collaboration Award: Project Booyah (direct State Final entry)

Winners of the 11 award categories have the opportunity to progress to the Australian Training Awards in Adelaide on 19 November in Hobart.

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

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

Media contact: 3237 1000