SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND TRAINING LEADERS ANNOUNCED

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

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford congratulated the 21 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 South West Queensland winners will be announced at the regional final at Ipswich Civic Hall 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 in South West 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

South West Queensland regional finalists

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

·Lachlan Clapham, Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical), from Brookstead

·Steven Glover, Certificate III in General Construction (Carpentry), from Toowoomba

·Luke Walker, Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Boilermaking), from North Ipswich

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

·Emma Burrowes, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Cecil Plains

·Alix Greenhill, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Toowoomba

·Gemma Rozynski, Certificate III Hospitality (Operations), from Toowoomba

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited

·Allyce Keating, Queensland Certificate of Agriculture, from Gatton

·Jacqueline Merry, Diploma of nursing (Pre-Enrolment), from Toowoomba

·Janice Wadsworth, Diploma of nursing (Pre-Enrolment), from Toowoomba

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

·Natalie Hobbs, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Toowoomba

·Daren Robinson, Certificate III in Carpentry, from Toowoomba

·Jayde Ware, Certificate II in Business, from Warwick

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

·Damien Currie, Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery), from Toowoomba

·Jodie Pauli, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Allied Health Assistance), from Nobby

·Katie Rhodes, Certificate III in Hairdressing, from St George

Small Employer of the Year

·Cynergi Hair Studio, Dalby

·DiesElectrics, Dalby

·Payton Kitchens, Toowoomba

Employer of the Year

·Apprenticeships Queensland, West Ipswich

·Bristow Defence Industries, Oakey

·Warwick Shire Council, Warwick