Queensland Regional Training Awards finalists named

The Palaszczuk Government has announced the list of trainees, students, training organisations, staff and employers who are regional finalists for this year’s Queensland Training Awards.

Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath has announced the selection of 225 regional finalists from more than 800 applications across the state.

“These are high calibre finalists from a wide range of industries and occupations,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The group includes employers, trainees, apprentices and trainers who have been recognised for their achievements.

“I congratulate them all on reaching the finals and for their commitment to quality training in Queensland.”

Mrs D’Ath said there were 11 categories for this year’s Queensland Training Awards, including two new categories – the Equity VET Student of the Year and Community Training Initiative of the Year.

Other award categories include 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, and Small, Medium and Large Employer of the Year.

“The Queensland Training Awards are an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to growing a strong vocational education and training (VET) system for Queensland,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The awards celebrate the way Queenslanders have used VET to build careers, grow businesses and strengthen their respective communities.

“I wish the regional finalists all the very best and thank our many sponsors who have helped ensure the success of the awards program.”

Ben Nedwich, a trainee with Bundaberg Regional Council, was the state winner of the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year award in 2016 and went on to win Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year. He hopes his experience will inspire others.

“The Queensland Training Awards make you understand what you’re capable of and what you’ve already done,” Mr Nedwich said.

“It makes you proud of your life and your achievements, but also makes you recognise the importance of the people who’ve helped you get there.”

Registered nurse Judy Hoskins, from the Tropical North Queensland region, won the 2016 VET Teacher of the Year category at the Queensland state awards.

Ms Hoskins, a Lead Teacher in Indigenous Primary Health Care and a tireless advocate for her students and the industry, said the Queensland Training Awards were a great experience.

“It’s very humbling and it’s wonderful to be recognised,” she said.

“But it’s very rewarding to see the difference your teaching can make, in my instance – communities – see your students grow, and go out into the workforce and then have visions to achieve even greater goals.”

Regional Award finals will be held across Queensland during July. Winners will then progress to the state final of the Queensland Training Awards at a gala dinner on Friday 1 September in Brisbane.

Some state winners then have the opportunity to progress to the Australian Training Awards, to be held in Canberra 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: https://training.qld.gov.au/qta/winners-and-finalists

More information, including contact details of local finalists, may be available on request – please email media@det.qld.gov.au​

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