Minister launches 55th Queensland Training Awards

The search is on for Queensland’s top training achievers, with Training and Skills Minister Yvette D’Ath officially launching the 2016 Queensland Training Awards.

Mrs D’Ath said nominations for the 55^th annual Queensland Training Awards open today and will close on Thursday 31 March 2016.

“This year marks 55 years of our prestigious awards program recognising the people and organisations that strive for success, best practice and innovation in Queensland’s training sector,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The Queensland Training Awards are the highest accolade within the training sector and the state’s premier training awards program.

“I encourage Queenslanders to apply and have their outstanding achievements in the training space acknowledged and rewarded.”

Mrs D’Ath said there were 12 award categories open for nomination in 2016, with a new category celebrating the contribution of medium-sized employers in growing the state’s skilled workforce and economy.

“These awards celebrate all that is great about training in Queensland,” she said.

“We want to see as many nominations as possible from apprentices and trainees, school-based apprentices and trainees, graduates of certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses, as well as small, medium and large employers, training providers, teachers and trainers.

“Training plays an important role in our community, helping Queenslanders to achieve their goals through rewarding employment.”

Mrs D’Ath said the Queensland Training Awards were an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s skills and employment agenda.

“We are 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 quality 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 entry details and a full list of categories, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au or call 1800 660 207.

Media contact: 3237 1000