GOLD COAST TRAINING ACHIEVERS AWARDED

The Gold Coast’s best employers, apprentices, trainees and vocational students were tonight selected to represent the region in the Queensland Training Awards.

Member for Gaven Phil Gray, who presented the regional awards on behalf of Education and Training Minister Rod Welford, congratulated the seven winners who will compete at the state final in Brisbane on 13 September.

“These finalists are the leading training achievers on the Gold Coast,” Mr Gray said.

“The region is helping to produce highly skilled Queenslanders who have the right skills and education for the job market.”

Mr Welford said more than 500 nominations were received statewide for this year’s awards, showcasing innovative programs and outstanding individual achievements in a range of industries.

“Training innovation and success should be celebrated as evidence of the Queensland Government and industry’s joint commitment to overcoming the skills shortage,” he said.

“The $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan aims to ensure the state’s vocational education and training system is world class and the supply of skilled labour better matches industry needs.

“Apprenticeship and traineeship numbers in Queensland are increasing at more than double the national rate, and the state leads the nation in the numbers of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

“The employers recognised as regional finalists understand the way to a prosperous future is through the acquisition of cutting-edge skills.”

State winners will compete at the Australian Training Awards in Hobart on 8 November. For more information, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au

The Queensland Training Awards Gold Coast regional awards ceremony was held at Warner Bros. Movie World from 6pm tonight.

The regional winners:

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Be Constructive – Build Your Future On A Trade – Caleb Dyett, Certificate III in Hairdressing, from Miami

Trainee of the Year, sponsored by BUSY AT WORK Apprenticeships Services – Bennett Reid, Certificate III in Transport and Distribution (Warehousing and Storage), from Arundel

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

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Sarah Rigg, Certificate III in Library and Information Services, from Currumbin Waters

Small Employer of the Year – Trevor West Hairworks, Burleigh

Employer of the Year – Radisson Resort Gold Coast, Carrara