Darling Downs South West regional finalists announced for Queensland’s top training awards

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman has announced the 33 finalists who have been selected to contest the Darling Downs South West regional final of the 58th Queensland Training Awards.

“These apprentices and trainees, students, teachers, employers, and training and community organisations have used training to build their careers, grow their businesses and strengthen their communities,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Finalists from Darling Downs South West region will join more than 220 finalists from across seven regions who will vie for a place at the state final of the Queensland Training Awards in Brisbane on 14 September.

“These high calibre finalists represent a wide range of industries and occupations, from mechanics, electricians, small bakeries and hairdressing salons, to migrant support organisations and big businesses.

“I congratulate all of them for reaching the regional final, and for their dedication to training.

“Being selected as a regional finalist recognises their outstanding contribution to the state’s growth and economy and they should be proud of their achievements so far.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting training and skills development for all Queenslanders.

“The Queensland Training Awards focuses the spotlight on the excellence that exists in the state’s training sector and supports our commitment to fostering skilled workforces.

“I encourage local community members to attend the regional final on 26 July in Gatton to recognise and support their local finalists.”

The 11 regional award categories are Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year; Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year; Vocational Student of the Year; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year; School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year; VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year; Equity VET Student of the Year; Community Training Initiative of the Year; and Small, Medium and Large Employer of the Year.

The Queensland Training Awards are run by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training with the support of regional and state sponsors.

All the finalists competing in the 11 award categories for the seven regional finals are available at https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta/winners-and-finalists/regions

Regional final tickets will go on sale in June, visit https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta/award-ceremonies for details.

ENDS

Media Contact:          Inga Williams              0439 949 719

Darling Downs South West regional finalists:

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year

Ellie Farrington – Toowoomba

Terease Wallace – Warwick

Jack Goodrich – Goondiwindi

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

Karsha Dewis – Tara

Isabella Greinke – Regency Downs

Tayla Dennis – Roma

Vocational Student of the Year

Retaj Maryol – Darling Heights

Megan Krause – Miles

Candice Gates – Toowoomba

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Kyla-Rae Saltner-Johnston – Dalby

Tayla Dennis – Roma

Jaiden Turner – Chinchilla

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

Brenna Prendergast – Tingoora

Retaj Maryol – Darling Heights

Tanicia Ireland – Biddeston

VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year

Shweta Singh – Drewvale

Tony Morgan – Toowoomba

Anne-Maree Walsh – Gympie

Equity VET Student of the Year

Retaj Maryol – Darling Heights

Phyllicia Landers – Cherbourg

Evelyn Cooke – Toowoomba

Community Training Initiative of the Year

SkillCentred Queensland Inc – Gympie

BASE Services Inc – Toowoomba

Goondiwindi Silo Inc trading as Gateway To Training – Goondiwindi

Large Employer of the Year

Toowoomba Regional Council – Toowoomba

Easternwell – Toowoomba

Western Downs Regional Council – Dalby

Medium Employer of the Year

HBK Holdings trading as McDonald's Dalby and Chinchilla – Dalby and Chinchilla  

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council – Cherbourg

Astill's Electrical Services – Kingaroy

Small Employer of the Year

ENZED Surat Basin – Chinchilla

Swift Energy Group Pty Ltd – Harristown

Jazzy Lane Hair Studio – Toowoomba