NORTH QUEENSLAND TRAINING LEADERS ANNOUNCED

The top employers, apprentices, trainees and vocational students in north Queensland 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 North Queensland winners will be announced at the regional final at Southbank Hotel and Convention Centre, Townsville 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 North 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 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

North Queensland regional finalists

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

·Jason Bradshaw, Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Boilermaking), from Kirwan, Townsville

·Trent Pickering, Certificate III in General Construction (Carpentry), from Bayview Heights

·Ryan Thomas, Certificate III in Construction Services (General Plumbing Trade), from Mount Isa

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

·Tracey Mayhew, Certificate III in Business, from Bowen

·Tahlia Moore, Certificate III in Engineering (Technician level 1), from Koah

·Dylan Savo, Certificate II in Engineering (Production), from Weipa

·Dane Seymour, Certificate II in Information Technology, from Kelso, Townsville

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited

·Matilda Christian, Certificate IV in Indigenous Primary Health Care, from Weipa

·Gail Mabo, Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Art, from Cranbrook, Townsville

·Selena Smith, Diploma of Visual Arts, from Townsville

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

·James Bambrick, Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery), from Mount Isa

·Gail Mabo, Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Art, from Cranbrook, Townsville

·Dylan Savo, Certificate II in Engineering (Production), from Weipa

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

·James Bambrick, Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery), from Mount Isa

·Werner Lindenberg, Certificate III in Information Technology, from Annandale, Townsville

·Rhys Morley, Certificate III in Marine Engineering, from Kelso, Townsville

Small Employer of the Year

·Back2Health Chiropractic, Townsville

·Neater Constructions, North Cairns

·Williams Auto Electrician, Cairns

Employer of the Year

·Cairns City Council, Cairns

·Ergon Energy, Townsville

·Pacific Coast Engineering, Townsville