Queensland Training Awards to go ahead as virtual events

The annual Queensland Training Awards will go ahead in 2020, moving entirely online for the first time in the event’s 59-year history.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman today said nominations will be extended until the end of June with the regional and state winners announced online.

“Now more than ever we need to recognise and celebrate our top achievers in training,” Ms Fentiman said.

“These are our apprentices, trainers, VET students, employers and our training organisations.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has meant we are moving our awards online – this won’t to stop us from acknowledging and celebrating the great work being done by our training achievers across the State.

“In particular, our Queenslanders who are training and teaching in healthcare and individual support, because we know we need more frontline workers to do incredible work caring for our community.”

“The seven regional awards nights planned for July and the State Gala Dinner scheduled for September will be announced online and promoted through social media.

“The awards judging will also be conducted online and via skype and telephone.

“There’s no better time to shine a spotlight on our top achievers in vocational education and training as it is key to launching careers, growing businesses and in making sure we have the highly skilled workforce we need for the jobs now and into the future.

“This is particularly relevant now as we prepare for a changed economy once we emerge from this pandemic.”

Last year there were more than 860 nominations and 80 state 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 at the Australian Training Awards for their work with local high school students and their apprentices.

“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 in these tough times,” Ms Fentiman said.

For a full list of award categories, nomination details and eligibility criteria for 2020, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au. Nominations close on Tuesday 30 June 2020.

The Australian Training Awards are currently scheduled to go ahead for 20 November 2020.

Hashtags: #QTA2020

ENDS

Media contact:           Inga Williams              0439 949 719