Student excellence rewarded in tourism industry awards

Four secondary school students have won the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s 2008 ‘Salute to Excellence’ awards at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the ‘Salute to Excellence’ awards recognised the achievement of secondary schools students engaged in tourism and hospitality vocational education and training (VET) within Queensland.

“While the awards have been running for several years, this is the first time TAFE Queensland has sponsored the awards,” Mr Welford said.

“This highlights the importance of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s role in promoting vocational education and training to secondary schools in Queensland.

“The importance of VET training cannot be underestimated with the demand for skilled workers at an all-time high.

“It’s good to see more Queenslanders embracing the chance to gain apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications at a higher rate than anywhere else in Australia.

“We know that Queensland is the Smart State, and the amazing efforts and achievements in our workplaces, schools, colleges and training institutions show great promise for our ongoing success in the future.

“Today, high-quality training in VET is more important than ever to overcome the skills shortage and to strengthen Queensland’s economy.

“Our Government recognises the importance of skilling Queenslanders, which is why we’ve set ourselves a target to have three out of four Queenslanders holding a trade, training or tertiary qualification by 2020.”

All Queensland state and non-state secondary schools were invited to nominate up to two Year 12 students for the awards and the winners were selected in four categories – tourism, cookery, food and beverage and school-based apprenticeship.

Each winner receives $1000 towards the cost of undertaking a diploma program in hospitality management and/or tourism at a TAFE Queensland Institute of their choice.

The winners in the Queensland Tourism Industry Council Skills Link 2008 ‘Salute to Excellence’ Awards are:

• Cookery Award - Rachael McKintyre of Helensvale State High School
• Food and Beverage – Sarah McVickers of Redeemer Lutheran
• Tourism – Lauryn Johansen of Victoria Point State High Schoo
• School-based apprentice – Haleigh Cox of Kirwan State High School.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000