CENTRAL QUEENSLAND TRAINING LEADERS ANNOUNCED

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

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford congratulated the 15 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 Central Queensland winners will be announced at the regional final at the Gladstone PCYC on Saturday 4 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 Central Queensland,” 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 regional finalsts 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

Central Queensland regional finalists

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

·Amber Janes, Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery), from Cannonvale, Mackay

·Andrew Patrick, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician, from Darling Downs

·Mark Russell, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician, from Gracemere

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

·Tiahni Deacon, Certificate II in Business, from Plainland, Mackay

·Hayley Finger, Certificate III in Youth Work, from Clermont

·Tinita Wilson, Certificate III in Business (Frontline Management), from Biloela

·Selina Woodfield, Certificate III in Business Administration, from North Rockhampton

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited.

·Patricia Franklin, Certificate IV in Business, from Yeppoon

·Bronwen Watson, Certificate IV in Aged Care Work, from Rockhampton

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

·Regina Anderson, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Rockhampton

·Shertam Motto, Certificate III in Business Administration, from North Rockhampton

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

·Benjamin Hopper, Certificate III Information Technology (Network Administration), from Andergrove, Mackay

·Stephanie Porter, Certificate II Business, from Capella

·Sam Timmins, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician, from Emerald

Employer of the Year

·Queensland Alumina Limited, Gladstone