WIDE BAY-SUNSHINE COAST TRAINING ACHIEVERS AWARDED

Wide Bay-Sunshine Coast’s best employers, apprentices, trainees and vocational students were tonight selected to represent the region in the Queensland Training Awards.

Member for Glass House Carolyn Male, 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 the Wide Bay-Sunshine Coast region,” Ms Male 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 for a place at the Australian Training Awards later this year. For more information, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au

The Queensland Training Awards Wide Bay-Sunshine Coast regional awards ceremony was held at the Caloundra Cultural Centre from 7pm tonight.

The regional winners:

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Be Constructive - Build Your Future On A Trade(R) – Thomas Spottswood, Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Fitting and Turning), Maryborough

Trainee of the Year, sponsored by BUSY AT WORK Apprenticeships Services – Jessica Miller, Certificate II in Business, Morayfield

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited – Carolyn Brown, Diploma of Business Management and Diploma of Business Administration, Gin Gin

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Cecilia Upkett, Certificate IV in Community Services (Protective Care), Bowen

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Trent Schulze, Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations), Avondale

Employer of the Year – John Love Electrical Pty Ltd, Maroochydore

Small Employer of the Year – Tewantin Amcal Pharmacy, Tewantin

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000