BRISBANE TRAINING LEADERS ANNOUNCED

The top employers, apprentices, trainees and vocational students in the Brisbane region are about to be honoured in the Queensland Training Awards regional finals.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford congratulated the 18 regional finalists on being chosen from nominations across six categories. The winner in each category will be eligible to compete at the state final in September.

The six Brisbane winners will be announced at the regional final at Parliament House on Friday 3 August 2007.

“The finalists are all high achievers who are making a significant contribution towards the skilling of Queensland, and demonstrate the depth of talent in Brisbane,” Mr Welford said.

“Our state’s vocational education and training system is being transformed through the Queensland Skills Plan, and the awards are a great way for us to share our success stories.

“More Queenslanders are taking up vocational education options to kick start or further their careers.

“The message is getting out there that a vocational qualification translates into an exciting, secure and well-paid career.

“Apprenticeship and traineeship numbers in Queensland are increasing at more than double the national rate, and we are leading the country in the establishment of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

“The employers recognised as regional finalists understand that the way to a prosperous future is through the acquisition of cutting-edge skills.

“The Queensland Training Awards regional finalists encapsulate the new training environment and enthusiasm to meet skills shortages in Queensland.”

Regional winners will compete at the Queensland Training Awards state final in Brisbane on 13 September 2007. State winners will be eligible to compete at a national level later this year.

The finalists from the Brisbane region are listed below. For information on the presentation events, please visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

Brisbane regional finalists

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Be Constructive - Build Your Future On A Trade(R)

·Warren Muller, Certificate III in General Construction (Carpentry), from East Ipswich

·Robert Smith, Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Boilermaking), from Morayfield

·Chibi Spanton, Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical), from Highfields

Trainee of the Year, sponsored by BUSY AT WORK Apprenticeships Services

·Emma Law, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Rochedale South

·Michael Rennie, Certificate III in Broadcasting (Radio), from Yeronga

·Kerri Schulz, Certificate IV Business Administration, from Loganholme

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited

·Tracey Harman, Certificate IV in Aged Care Work, from Newtown

·Sabine Oates, Certificate IV Business/Certificate lV Business Marketing, from West End

·Alexandra Ponting, Diploma of Arts (Interior Decoration and Design), from Pullenvale

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

·Zoe Bond, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Rochedale

·Nerissa George, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Park Ridge

·Michael Rennie, Certificate III in Broadcasting (Radio), from Yeronga

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

·Davis Carroll, Certificate III in Carpentry, from Mudgeeraba

·Kym Layt, Certificate II in Retail Operations, from Wellington Point

·Simon Mulheran, Certificate III in Carpentry, from Lota

Employer of the Year

·McDonald’s Australia, Windsor

·Queensland Ambulance Service, Lutwyche

·Stowe Australia, Eight Mile Plains