WIDE BAY SUNSHINE COAST TRAINING LEADERS ANNOUNCED

The top employers, apprentices, trainees and vocational students in the Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast regions 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 Wide Bay Sunshine Coast winners will be announced at the regional final at Caloundra Cultural Centre 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 the Wide Bay Sunshine Coast region,” 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 finalists and the presentation events, please visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

Wide Bay Sunshine Coast regional finalists

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

·Shannon Gee, Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical Light Vehicle), from Tewantin

·Lucinda Marks, Certificate III in Hairdressing, from Caloundra

·Thomas Spottswood, Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Fitting and Turning), from Maryborough

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

·Nicholas Brown, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Murgon

·Emma Jones, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Alexandra Headlands

·Jessica Miller, Certificate II in Business, from Morayfield

·Clinton VanDenBerg, Certificate III in Business, from Bundaberg North

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited

·Shirlene Boyd, Certificate IV in Community Services (Protective Care), from Woree, Cairns

·Carolyn Brown, Diploma of Business Management and Diploma of Business Administration, from Gin Gin

·Maree Lawrence, Certificate IV in Community Services (Protective Care), from Torbanlea

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

·Michael Douglas, Certificate III in Youth Work, from Woodford

·Jade Purcell, Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery), from Bundaberg

·Cecilia Upkett, Certificate IV in Community Services (Protective Care), from Bowen

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

·Georgina Clutterbuck, Certificate III in Fitness, from Mooloolah

·Ryan Osborn, Certificate II in Sport and Recreation, from Gympie

·Trent Schulze, Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations), from Avondale

Small Employer of the Year

·Community Recycling Incorporated, Beerwah

·Rimmington Martial Arts & Fitness Studio, Gympie

·Tewantin Amcal Pharmacy, Tewantin

Employer of the Year

·Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club, Hervey Bay

·John Love Electrical Pty Ltd, Maroochydore