2008 Queensland Training Awards open

The search for the state's top training achievers began today with the opening of nominations for the 2008 Queensland Training Awards.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the awards recognise individuals and organisations who strive for best practice and innovation in vocational education and training.

“The Queensland Training Awards showcase our best employers, apprentices, trainees, vocational students and training providers – those working at every level to ensure a skilled workforce that keeps our state competitive in a global economy,” he said.

“With demand for skilled workers at an all-time high I’m proud that Queensland is leading the nation in promoting the importance of training and the take-up of apprenticeships and traineeships.”

Mr Welford said winning a training award could kick-start a career, raise a business or personal profile in local communities, boost business custom or help spotlight an enterprise as an employer of choice.

“These prestigious awards are a great way for us to share our training success stories,” he said.

“There are also great prizes to be won.”

The awards are contested first at the regional level, with winners going on to compete at the state level. The state final will be held in Brisbane on 10 September 2008. The state winners are eligible to compete for the national honours in Darwin on 13 November 2008.

Queensland has a successful track record at the national level with three organisations and two individuals from Queensland winning accolades at last year’s Australian Training Awards in Hobart.

Nominations for the employer and organisation award categories close on Wednesday 19 March 2008.

Nominations for the individual award categories close on Wednesday 26 March 2008.

For more information, or to request a nomination booklet, visit the website www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000