Queenslanders shine on national training stage

Queensland has won an unparalleled six awards at the prestigious Australian Training Awards honouring the nation’s top apprentices, trainees and vocational students, training providers and employers.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the success demonstrated that Queensland was setting high standards in training approaches and outcomes.

“These awards show that Queensland is right up there with the rest of the country in producing highly-skilled individuals,” Mr Welford said.

“These awards showcase the very best vocational education and training achievements from around Australia.”

Queensland winners in the individual awards were:

• Thomas Spottswood (Maryborough), Australian Apprentice of the Year
• Selena Smith (previously of Townsville), Vocational Student of the Year

Queensland winners in the industry awards were:

• John Love Electrical (Maroochydore), Employer of the Year
• Gladstone Schools Engineering Skills Centre (Gladstone), VET in Schools Excellence Award
• Main Roads/Myuma/Seymour Whyte Constructions - The Split Rock Inca Alliance (Mount Isa/Camooweal), Australian Training Initiative Award

John Love Electrical was also presented with the Electrocomms and Energy Industry Award.

The Australian Training Awards were presented at a ceremony in Hobart last night.

“Eleven Queensland entries were in the finals, chosen from more than 500 submissions at the state competition,” Mr Welford said.

“Our apprentices, trainees, employers and training providers should all be very proud of their achievements.

More information about the Queensland winners in the national awards follows.

Nominations for the 2008 Queensland Training Awards will open in February 2008. For information, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au or telephone 1800 660 207.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

2007 AUSTRALIAN TRAINING AWARDS — QUEENSLAND WINNERS

Australian Apprentice of the Year
Thomas Spottswood (Maryborough)
Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Fitting and Turning)
Training provider: Wide Bay Institute of TAFE
Employer: Wide Bay Group Training Scheme Ltd
While completing a Certificate III in Engineering, Thomas worked at Hyne Timber, where he is now employed as a Project Fitter. His apprenticeship gave him a practical understanding of engineering, preparing him for further studies at university. Thomas ultimately hopes to become a leading engineer and was recently selected in the Queensland State of Origin Oztag team.

Vocational Student of the Year
Selena Smith (previously of Townsville)
Training provider: Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE
Qualification: Diploma of Visual Arts
Completing a Diploma of Visual Arts has allowed Selena to build her own skills and share them with others. After gaining employment in Townsville City Council’s cultural development section, Selena was able to display her creative talents and enrich the community through her love of colour therapy and conducting children’s art classes. Selena is now working as a freelance artist and has sold her work across Adelaide, Canberra and Townsville.

Employer of the Year and Electrocomms and Energy Industry Award
John Love Electrical (Maroochydore)
John Love Electrical is a large electrical contracting company operating in South-East Queensland and Mackay. It is involved in many large projects with prominent developers. Over the last 20 years, the company has trained around 60 apprentices. Owner John Love believes skilled and qualified workers have helped him establish a productive business.

VET in Schools Excellence Award
Gladstone Schools Engineering Skills Centre (Gladstone)
The Gladstone Schools Engineering Skills Centre is a training environment which mirrors the expectations, ethics, safety standards and discipline of the engineering and manufacturing workplace. Through theory and practical work, school-based students undertake Certificates in Engineering (Manufacturing) and Automotive Maintenance and Service.

Australian Training Initiative Award
Main Roads/Myuma/Seymour Whyte Constructions - The Split Rock Inca Alliance (Mount Isa/Camooweal)
This alliance successfully delivered a $58m federally funded construction project to complete the upgrade of the Barkley Highway between Mount Isa and Camooweal. The alliance provided innovative employment and training opportunities for local Indigenous people.