Queensland winners shine the spotlight on training

The Palaszczuk Government has congratulated the state’s brightest stars in vocational education and training (VET) who were recognised at the 2017 Queensland Training Awards State Gala Dinner in Brisbane on Friday night.

Training and Skills Minister Yvette D’Ath congratulated all of the state finalists and 14 winners at the event at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

Mrs D’Ath said two new categories were introduced this year to recognise the role communities play in skilling Queenslanders. This included the awards for Equity VET Student of the Year and Community Training Initiative of the Year.

“The 56^th Queensland Training Awards showcase individuals for their professional skills, expertise and dedication, and recognise organisations for excellence in supporting Queenslanders through training,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The awards also celebrate quality teachers and trainers and employers who understand the value of investing in training for their staff.

“This year, more than 800 nominations were received and 86 individuals and organisations competed for the state’s top training awards.

“These awards play an important part in contributing to Queensland’s quality training system.”

The winners of the 2017 Queensland Training Awards include:

• Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year – Ms Gemma Hartwig (Dalby)
• Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year – Ms Katie Emmert (Rockhampton)
• Vocational Student of the Year – Ms Rachael Turner (Brisbane - Archerfield)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Mr Ethan Atkinson (Gold Coast - Upper Coomera)
• School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Mr Bryce Riethmuller (Oakey, Toowoomba region)
• Equity VET Student of the Year – Ms Jacqueline Tipene (Brisbane - Milton)
• VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year – Ms Ricki-lee Bernhardt-Turpin (Sunshine Coast)
• Large Training Provider of the Year – TAFE Queensland (Brisbane)
• Small Training Provider of the Year ­– St Columban’s College (Caboolture)
• Community Training Initiative of the Year – Better Together (Caboolture)
• Large Employer of the Year – Hutchinson Builders (Brisbane - Toowong)
• Medium Employer of the Year – Darwalla Group (outer Brisbane - Mount Cotton)
• Small Employer of the Year – Tradesmen on Time (Brisbane - Arana Hills)
• Premier's Industry Collaboration Award – EQIP Gladstone Incorporated (Gladstone)

Mrs D’Ath said the awards recognise excellence in VET and demonstrate the breadth and quality of Queensland’s training and vocational education industry.

“I congratulate the winning apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers, trainers, employers and organisations that represent the cream of training talent, their supporters, and our award sponsors,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“These awards give our winners the recognition they deserve as they help drive our economy forward.”

State winners from categories that are offered at the national awards now have the opportunity to progress to the Australian Training Awards in Canberra on 23 November 2017.

For further information on the awards, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Further information is available on Twitter via @QTAQLD and Facebook via @trainingdetqueensland.

Media contact:

Minister for Training and Skills: 0437 696 809

Department of Education and Training: (07) 3328 6639, media@det.qld.gov.au