South East Queensland Training Award winners announced

The quality of South East Queensland’s training sector has been celebrated on the Gold Coast, following the regional finals of the Queensland Training Awards.

A total of 11 students, trainers and organisations from South East Queensland will go onto the State Finals, after being named at the Queensland Training Awards regional finals on Friday.

Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath, who attended the awards on the Gold Coast on Friday night, said South East Queensland’s high achievers in training had been selected from a quality field of finalists.

“My congratulations go to each and every regional finalist celebrated across 11 categories,” Mrs D’Ath.

“Each of these apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers, trainers and organisations should be applauded for their commitment to excellence and supporting quality in training.”

Mrs D’Ath said all of the finalists had achieved great things in their respective fields.

“They all deserve the support of their communities for their hard work and commitment to training in the South East Queensland region.”

Vocational Student of the Year Renee June Quill left school at 13 and was worried about returning to education. She persevered and completed a Diploma of Community Services, and now works with disengaged youth in her community.

Mrs D’Ath said the winners would go on to compete in the State Finals on September 1 in Brisbane.

“It is exciting that the South East Queensland training sector will be showcased at a state level and I wish our winners all the best for the State Awards,” she said.

“This annual awards program highlights excellence, best practice and innovation in Queensland’s vocational education and training (VET) sector.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting training and skills development for all Queenslanders.

“The Queensland Training Awards are an important part of this commitment and the Palaszczuk Government’s plan to create jobs now and into the future.”

For further information on the Queensland Training Awards State Gala Dinner visit https://training.qld.gov.au/qta/award-ceremonies/gala-dinner

A full list of the South East Queensland regional winners is listed below.

A full list of the regional finalists is available at: https://training.qld.gov.au/qta/winners-and-finalists/regions/se-winners-finalists

Media contact:

Minister for Training and Skills: 0437 696 809

Department of Education and Training: (07) 3328 6639

The South East Queensland winners are:

• Adam Parniak, Helensvale – Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
• Hannah Black, Nundah – Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
• Renee June Quill, Loganholme – Vocational Student of the Year
• Ethan Atkinson, Upper Coomera – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
• Zoe Bowler, Oxenford – School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
• Brenton Hills, Birkdale – Equity VET Student of the Year
• Zy Kelly, Mermaid Beach – VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
• HELP Enterprises Limited, Eagle Farm – Community Training Initiative of the Year
• IKEA Logan – Large Employer of the Year
• Darwalla Group, Mt Cotton – Medium Employer of the Year
• Subway Upper Coomera – Small Employer of the Year