CENTRAL QUEENSLAND TRAINING ACHIEVERS AWARDED

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

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford, congratulated the six winners who will compete for a place at the state final in Brisbane on 13 September.

“These finalists are the leading training achievers in Central Queensland,” Mr Welford 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 Central Queensland regional awards ceremony was held at the Gladstone PCYC from 6.00pm this evening.

The regional winners:

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Be Constructive - Build Your Future On A Trade(R) – Andrew Patrick, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician, employed by NRG Gladstone

Trainee of the Year, sponsored by BUSY AT WORK Apprenticeships Services – Selina Woodfield, Certificate III in Business Administration, from North Rockhampton

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited – Patricia Franklin, Certificate IV in Business, from Yeppoon

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Regina Anderson, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Rockhampton

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Sam Timmins, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician, from Emerald

Employer of the Year – Queensland Alumina Limited, Gladstone

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000