Gold Coast region's training leaders announced

The Gold Coast region’s top employers, apprentices, trainees and vocational students have been selected as regional finalists in the Queensland Training Awards.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford congratulated the 18 regional finalists on being chosen from 56 local nominations across seven categories.

“Vocational skills are more important than ever in Queensland, and these awards show how strong they are at a local level,” Mr Welford said.

“In workplaces, schools, colleges and training institutions, Queenslanders are keeping our skills and knowledge at the cutting edge, across a host of industries that are integral to our daily lives.

“With demand for skilled workers at an all-time high, and more Queenslanders taking up apprenticeships and traineeships than any other area of Australia, our state boasts world-class vocational education and training initiatives — and these awards showcase the best of these achievements.”

Mr Welford said this regional final, one of six across the state, would be held on Friday 18 July 2008 at Radisson Resort Gold Coast.

Winners will then progress to the State Final on Thursday 11 September 2008 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, where recipients in a further four categories will also be presented.

State winners will have the chance to enter the Australian Training Awards held in Darwin on Thursday 20 November 2008.

The Queensland Training Awards, which are now in their 47^th year, are run by the State Government’s Department of Education, Training and the Arts.

A full list of the region’s finalists follows.

For more information on the Queensland Training Awards, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

2008 QUEENSLAND TRAINING AWARDS

GOLD COAST REGIONAL FINALISTS

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Specialised Training Services

• Jessica Jenner, Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery), Chef Star Catering Pty Ltd, from Ormeau
• Paul Matthews, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician, Electro Group Apprentices, from Banora Point
• Loree Sinnott, Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Boilermaking), PSF Steel Fabrications, from Lower Beechmont

Trainee of the Year, sponsored by Busy at Work

• Kyle Ford, Certificate III in Business Administration, Gold Coast Financial Planning, from Burleigh Heads
• Katie Frew, Certificate III in Business Administration, Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, from Clear Island Waters
• Lisa Stutz, Certificate III in Business Administration, On-Q Human Resources Limited, from Ashmore

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited

• Fiona Hamwood, Diploma of Fitness, Gold Coast Institute of TAFE, from Ashmore
• Jessica Longhurst, Certificate III in Hairdressing, Mackintosh International College (Australia), from Tweed Heads
• Sonia Weatherley, Diploma of Fitness, Gold Coast Institute of TAFE, from Windaroo

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year, sponsored by MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre

• Stevie Adams, Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations), VIP Coffee, from Studio Village
• Edward Alexander, Certificate III in Carpentry, Building Services (Qld) Pty Ltd, from Southport
• Samuel Mangan, Certificate III in Multimedia, All Saints Anglican School Limited, from Carrara

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, sponsored by Mission Australia

• Jodi Sampson, Certificate IV in Life and Business, Gold Coast Institute of TAFE, from Elanora
• Lisa Stutz, Certificate III in Business Administration, On-Q Human Resources Limited, from Ashmore

Small Employer of the Year, sponsored by Small Business Solutions

• Seapower Marine from Runaway Bay
• Trevor West Hair Works from Burleigh Heads

Employer of the Year, sponsored by Gold Coast Institute of TAFE

• Radisson Resort Gold Coast from Palm Meadows
• Warner Village Theme Parks from Surfers Paradise