TAFE apprentices at the top of their game

Published Saturday, 27 October, 2018 at 08:26 AM

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

Two TAFE Queensland apprentices are celebrating this week after taking out the top awards in their chosen fields.

 

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman congratulated Apprentice Jeweller of the Year Rhianon Barrett-Brook and Apprentice Chef of the Year Emma Arkinstall.

“TAFE Queensland are providing world-class training and these awards are a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the incredible talents they are producing,” Ms Fentiman said

“I was lucky enough to sample some of the delicious food prepared by Emma and the Cookery students on Monday night and it’s exciting to know that they all have bright futures ahead of them.”

“Jewellery making is one of the only manufacturing industries to continue to grow over the past five years and I congratulate Rhianon on her well-deserved award.”

23-year-old Emma from Beaudesert took out the top spot at the TAFE Queensland Apprentice Chef of the year Awards on Monday night for her seafood canape creation featuring scallops, finger limes and vodka and is focused on sustainable eating and cooking.

Darwin based apprentice, 21-year-old Rhianon Barrett-Brook travels more than 2,800km to Brisbane twice a year to complete her block training at TAFE Queensland said she chose to study through TAFE in South Bank because of the high-quality training on offer

Rhianon not only took home the award for Jeweller Apprentice of the year last night, she has also taken out the award for Best Technical Aspects which acknowledges the quality of her workmanship, the strength, durability and wearability of the design as well as the overall quality of the finish.

“I have loved my block training through TAFE Queensland,” Rhianon said

“My teachers have been particularly helpful and always happy to demonstrate things whenever we ask.  

“When I return to work after my block training, I definitely notice my skills have been enhanced. I have always found it hugely beneficial to make the trek down to Brisbane for the intensive training blocks.”

“TAFE Queensland is providing the training Queenslanders need to ensure we have the skilled workforce to fill the jobs of the future,” Ms Fentiman said.

“That’s why we are investing in initiatives like free tafe for year 12 graduates because all young Queenslanders should have the opportunity to gain a qualification to get a job and build a successful career in our growing industries.”

For more information on free tafe visit: www.training.qld.gov.au/freetafe.

ENDS

Media Contact:          Inga Williams              0439 949 719