BRISBANE TRAINING ACHIEVERS AWARDED

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

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

“These finalists are the leading training achievers in Brisbane,” Mr Lee 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 regional winners:

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Be Constructive – Build Your Future On A Trade – Warren Muller Certificate III in General Construction (Carpentry), from East Ipswich

Trainee of the Year, sponsored by BUSY AT WORK Apprenticeships Services – Kerri Schulz, Certificate IV in Business Administration, from Loganholme

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited – Alexandra Ponting, Diploma of Arts (Interior Decoration and Design), from Pullenvale

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Michael Rennie, Certificate III in Broadcasting (Radio), from Yeronga

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Simon Mulheran, Certificate III in Carpentry, from Lota

Employer of the Year – Queensland Ambulance Service, Lutwyche

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000