Queenslanders in line for national training honours

Five Queenslanders and a TAFE institute are in the running to take out the nation’s highest vocational education and training honours, after being named finalists in the Australian Training Awards to be held in Darwin in November.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the finalists included school-based apprentices and mature-aged workers who had successfully embarked on new careers.

“These finalists were among 11 category winners in the recent 2008 Queensland Training Awards, which recognised the state’s best employers, apprentices, trainees, vocational students and training providers,” Mr Welford said.

“Working in areas as broad as civil construction and cabinet-making to nursing, information technology and electrical work, these outstanding entrants are reaping the rewards of their efforts.

“With demand for skilled workers at an all-time high and our state attracting more apprentices and trainees than any other state or territory, Queensland’s presence on a national level shows how hard people are working to further their skills.

“Their efforts are enriching their lives and strengthening Queensland’s industries.”

The Queensland finalists in the Australian Training Awards are:

• Rachel Niemann from Murgon - Australian Apprentice of the Year
• Matthew Graham from Bundamba - Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year
• Rohan Greer from Cambooya - Stella Axarlis Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year
• Bernard Pope from Maryborough - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
• Jeni Wycha from Greenbank - Vocational Student of the Year
• Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE in Mount Gravatt - Large Training Provider of the Year.

The Australian Training Awards will be held in Darwin on 20 November 2008.

Nominations will open soon for the 2009 Queensland Training Awards, the State Government’s longest-running and most prestigious vocational education and training awards. For more information, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000