Entries open for 59th annual Training Awards

Queensland’s apprentices, trainers, VET students and employers can now nominate for the 59^th annual Queensland Training Awards.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman today opened nominations for the prestigious statewide competition that will culminate in winners being announced at a gala event in Brisbane in September 2020.

“We want to see the best of our top training achievers recognised at this year’s awards including apprentices, trainees, teachers, employers and training organisations,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Vocational education and training (VET) has never been so important as we know that nine out of 10 jobs predicted to grow over the next five years will require a VET qualification.”

“I encourage everyone to get their entries in early. You can nominate yourself or be nominated in a one of 11 categories across the state’s seven regions.”

“These long-running and highly regarded training awards celebrate how vocational education and training launches careers, grows businesses and is key to making sure we have the highly skilled workforce we need for the jobs now and into the future.”

“Last year we had more than 860 nominations that led to 80 finalists for the Queensland Training Awards, 11 finalists in the Australian Training Awards and two national winners including TAFE Queensland for International Training Provider of the Year.

“Astill’s Electrical Services in Kingaroy last year won the Medium Employer of the Year award in their Darling Downs South West region, then at the Queensland Training Awards and finally at the Australian Training Awards for their efforts working with local high school students and supporting their apprentices.

“Their success shows how a family business in regional Queensland can be the best in Australia and how important it is to recognise and celebrate high quality training achievements.”

Owners Mick and Amanda Astill said being named a regional finalist in 2018 inspired them to keep improving and working hard and advance further in the 2019 competition.

“It’s really nice to think about the lives we can change through training, the people who we can support and also for us; how much we’ve benefitted from training,” Mr Astill said.

The Queensland Training Awards will host seven regional finals in July with 11 awards available and the winners will go on to the State Gala Dinner in September, along with finalists for the large and small training providers of the year and the Premier’s Industry Collaboration Award.

“If you know an inspirational apprentice, trainee, student, employer, teacher or trainer, community initiative or training provider, please nominate them as a way to reward their commitment and encourage them to keep working towards their goals,” Ms Fentiman said.

Aman Meles was named the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year and Equity VET Student of the Year in 2019 after completing his Certificate III in Community Services and is planning his career to help young people facing their own struggles.

“This award shows that VET works and it’s the future for our young people. I want to help young people who face similar situations as I faced,” Mr Meles said.

For a full list of award categories, nomination details and eligibility criteria visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Applications are open until March 31 2019.

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