GOLD COAST TRAINING LEADERS ANNOUNCED

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

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford congratulated the 22 regional finalists on being chosen from nominations across seven categories. The winner in each category will be eligible to compete at the state final in September.

The seven Gold Coast winners will be announced at the regional final at Warner Brothers Movie World on Friday 27 July 2007.

“The finalists are all high achievers who are making a significant contribution towards the skilling of Queensland, and demonstrate the depth of talent on the Gold Coast,” 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 finalists 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

 

Gold Coast regional finalists

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

·Michelle Bond, Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery), from Southport

·Caleb Dyett, Certificate III in Hairdressing, from Miami

·Kim Harrison, Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts (Graphic Pre-Press), from Carrara

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

·Michael Hasan, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Worongary

·Bennett Reid, Certificate III in Transport and Distribution (Warehousing and Storage), from Arundel

·Winifred Santo, Certificate II in Community Pharmacy, from Arundel

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited

·Julie McLean, Diploma of Community Welfare, from Nerang

·Damien Moon, Diploma in Hospitality Management, from Robina

·Julia Worner, Certificate IV in Clothing Production, from Broadbeach

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

·Jason Appo, Certificate III in Engineering (Technician Level 1), from Robina

·Brodie Boney, Certificate III in Hospitality (Operations), from Cherbourg

·Bobbie Sandow, Certificate III in Hospitality (Operations), from Cherbourg

·Winifred Santo, Certificate II in Community Pharmacy, from Arundel

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

·Jake Cooley, Certificate III in hospitality (Commercial Cookery), from Maudsland

·Sarah Rigg, Certificate III in Library and Information Services, from Currumbin Waters

·Daniel Small, Certificate III in Racing (Trackrider), from Tallebudgera

Small Employer of the Year

·Gecko Regen, Currumbin

·Ocean Sands Beach Resort, Main Beach

·Trevor West Hairworks, Burleigh

Employer of the Year

·Azzura Marine, Coomera

·Radisson Resort Gold Coast, Carrara

Warner Village Theme Parks, Oxenford