SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND’S TRAINING ACHIEVERS AWARDED

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

Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan, who presented the regional awards on behalf of Education and Training Minister Rod Welford, congratulated the seven winners who will compete for a place at the state final in Brisbane on 13 September.

“These finalists are the leading training achievers in South West Queensland,” Ms Nolan 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 later this year. For more information, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

The Queensland Training Awards South West regional awards ceremony was held at the Ipswich Civic Hall from 6pm tonight.

The regional winners:

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Be Constructive - Build Your Future On A Trade(R) – Luke Walker, Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Boilermaking), from North Ipswich

Trainee of the Year, sponsored by BUSY AT WORK Apprenticeships Services – Gemma Rozynski, Certificate III in Hospitality (Operations), from Toowoomba

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

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Jodie Pauli, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Allied Health Assistance), from Nobby

Small Employer of the Year – Payton Kitchens, Toowoomba

Employer of the Year – Bristow Defence Industries, Oakey

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000