South East regional finalists announced for Queensland’s top training awards

The top 33 finalists have been selected to contest the South East regional final of the 58th Queensland Training Awards.

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said 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 becoming a finalist in these prestigious awards, and for their dedication to training,” she said.

“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.”

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting training and skills development for all Queenslanders.

“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 South East 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.

“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 5 July in Surfers Paradise 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

South East regional finalists:

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year

Janelle Kent – Oxenford

Emma Arkinstall – Miami

Charlie Nightingale – Daisy Hill

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

Rhys Briggs-Andrews – Coolangatta

Tegan Molesworth – Robina

Rebecca Aguirre – Rochedale South

Vocational Student of the Year

Abeer Salem – Carrara

Catherine Foster – Southport

Mitchell Stone – Nerang

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Bryan Hinkins – Southport

Allister Dolan – Southport

Jahkita Kilcoyne – Bundall

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

Eva Angeloglou – Mermaid Waters

Callam Sammons – Cedar Grove

Jahkita Kilcoyne – Bundall

VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year

Cassie Stanley – Mermaid Waters

Kimberley Korevaar – Varsity Lakes

Tasha Smith – Ormeau

Equity VET Student of the Year

Jake McCosker – Russell Island

Cameron Hall – Gaven

Kushal Solanki – Maudsland

Community Training Initiative of the Year

Multilink Community Services Inc – Logan Central

National Retail Association – Milton

Reclink Australia – Fortitude Valley

Large Employer of the Year

Brown and Hurley Pty Ltd – Yatala

Frizelle Sunshine Automotive – Southport

Gold Coast Health – Southport

Medium Employer of the Year

North Australian Contracting – Shailer Park

National Trust - Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – Currumbin

Jamadu (QLD) trading as McDonald's – Burleigh Waters, Robina Central, Reedy Creek, Palm Beach, Elanora and Tugun

Small Employer of the Year

Thom and Ann's Restaurant Deli – Yarrabilba

Goldtrim Tiling – Elanora

6729 Bakery – Broadbeach