TRAINING LEADERS SET TO SHINE ON STATE STAGE

Queensland’s best employers, apprentices, trainees, educators and vocational students are once again in the running for the state’s most prestigious industry accolade — the Queensland Training Awards.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said 33 finalists from across Queensland had been chosen from more than 500 entries across 11 categories.

“The impressive quality of entries certainly reflects the strength of our skills in Queensland,” Mr Welford said.

“The awards have shown there is a lot of great work being done in fields as diverse as visual arts, hospitality, information technology, trades and health care, and it is no surprise that we are setting the bar high for the rest of the country.

“More people are taking up apprenticeships and traineeships in Queensland than in any other state, with a nine per cent increase here compared to the national growth of 1.7 per cent.

“Our Government’s recently announced Train to Retain Action Plan is helping ensure apprentices and trainees complete their qualifications to keep our workforce skilled.

“Our $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan is keeping our vocational education and training system in line with industry needs.

“The Queensland Training Awards recognise the tremendous efforts that are providing exciting career prospects and also keeping Queensland’s industries skilled and competitive.”

Mr Welford said 11 winners would be announced at the state final at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13 September, with individual recipients receiving $1000 each from National Australia Bank.

They will also be eligible to enter the Australian Training Awards in November.

The awards are the longest-running Queensland Government program for training, and have paid tribute to outstanding achievements in vocational education and training for more than 45 years.

A list of finalists follows. For more information, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

2007 QUEENSLAND TRAINING AWARDS — STATE FINALISTS

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Be Constructive - Build Your Future On A Trade®
Jason Bradshaw, Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Boilermaking), from Kirwan, Townsville
Caleb Dyett, Certificate III in Hairdressing, from Miami
Thomas Spottswood, Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Fitting and Turning), from Maryborough

Trainee of the Year, sponsored by BUSY AT WORK Apprenticeships Services
Dylan Savo, Certificate II in Engineering (Production), from Weipa
Kerri Schulz, Certificate IV Business Administration, from Loganholme
Selina Woodfield, Certificate III in Business Administration, from North Rockhampton

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited
Carolyn Brown, Diploma of Business Management and Diploma of Business Administration, from Gin Gin
Selena Smith, Diploma of Visual Arts, from Townsville
Julia Worner, Certificate IV in Clothing Production, from Broadbeach

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Rhys Morley, Certificate III in Marine Engineering, from Kelso, Townsville
Simon Mulheran, Certificate III in Carpentry, from Lota
Sarah Rigg, Certificate III in Library and Information Services, from Currumbin Waters

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Natalie Hobbs, Certificate III in Business Administration, from Toowoomba
Gail Mabo, Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Art, from Cranbrook, Townsville
Michael Rennie, Certificate III in Broadcasting (Radio), from Yeronga

Small Employer of the Year
Payton Kitchens, Toowoomba
Tewantin Amcal Pharmacy, Tewantin
Trevor West Hairworks, Burleigh

Employer of the Year
John Love Electrical Pty Ltd, Maroochydore
Queensland Ambulance Service, Lutwyche
Radisson Resort Gold Coast, Carrara

Public Training Provider of the Year
Gold Coast Institute of TAFE, Southport
Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE, Mount Gravatt
Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE, Toowoomba

Private Training Organisation of the Year, sponsored by the Australian Council for Private Education and Training
Blue Dog Training Pty Ltd, Windsor
Construction Skills Training Centre (CSTC Pty Ltd), Salisbury
First Impressions Resources, Brisbane

Skilling for the Future Award, sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training
Boeing Australia Limited - Gateway Schools Project, Brisbane
Gladstone Schools Engineering Skills Centre, Gladstone
Palm Beach Currumbin State High School - Careers Industry Pathways Program, Currumbin

Premier’s Innovation in Skilling Award, sponsored by CareerOne
East Coast Apprenticeships/Thiess - Thiess Apprenticeship Training Scheme, across Queensland
Main Roads/Myuma/Seymour Whyte Constructions - The Split Rock Inca Alliance, Mount Isa/Camooweal
SunWater - Water Industry Training, Wide Bay