NORTH QUEENSLAND TRAINING ACHIEVERS AWARDED

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

Speaker and Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds, 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 North Queensland,” Mr Reynolds 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 North Queensland regional awards ceremony was held at the Southbank Hotel and Convention Centre from 7pm tonight.

The regional winners:

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Be Constructive - Build Your Future On A Trade(R) – Jason Bradshaw, Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Boilermaking), from Kirwan, Townsville

Trainee of the Year, sponsored by BUSY AT WORK Apprenticeships Services – Dylan Savo, Certificate II in Engineering (Production), from Weipa

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited – Selena Smith, Diploma of Visual Arts, from Townsville

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Gail Mabo, Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Art, from Cranbrook, Townsville

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Rhys Morley, Certificate III in Marine Engineering, from Kelso, Townsville

Employer of the Year – Cairns City Council, Cairns

Small Employer of the Year – Williams Auto Electrician, Cairns

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000