Toowoomba’s top training achievers named at training awards

A mathematics graduate turned carpenter has been named as Darling Downs South West regions Queensland’s top apprentice of the year after turning her interest in end-to-end construction and design into her chosen career.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said Ellie Farrington from Toowoomba took home the title of Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year as one of the 11 winners at the Darling Downs South West regional final of the 58th Queensland Training Awards.

“Ellie started out studying architecture at university but felt that she was learning about design without any knowledge of construction.

“After switching to and completing a Bachelor of Mathematics, Ellie sought out a carpentry apprenticeship and hasn’t looked back on her journey to provide her clients with a seamless process from initial design to final building handover.

“Ellie will now join the winners from six other regional Queensland Training Awards to become finalists in the state Queensland Training Awards with winners announced in September.

“All of our high calibre regional winners, like Ellie, represent a wide range of industries and occupations, from mechanics, electricians, small bakeries and hairdressing salons, to migrant support organisations and big businesses.

“Being selected as a regional winner 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 highlights the excellence in the state’s training sector and supports the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to skilling Queenslanders, especially for the high-demand industries of the future.

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 state final will be held in Brisbane on 14 September with the support of regional and state sponsors.

Darling Downs South West regional winners:

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year

Ellie Farrington- Toowoomba

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

Karsha Dewis - Dalby

Vocational Student of the Year

Retaj Maryol - Darling Heights

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Kyla-Rae Saltner-Johnston - Dalby

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

Retaj Maryol - Darling Heights

VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year

Dr Shweta Singh - Stretton

Equity VET Student of the Year

Phyllicia Landers - Cherbourg

Community Training Initiative of the Year

Goondiwindi SILO Inc t/a Gateway To Training - Goondiwindi

Small Employer of the Year

ENZED Surat Basin - Chinchilla

Medium Employer of the Year

Astill's Electrical Services Pty Ltd - Chinchilla

Large Employer of the Year.

Western Downs Regional Council - Dalby

ENDS

Media contact: Inga Williams 0410 769 711

Images are available of Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year, Ellie Farrington here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/alkwij5xxwa7qve/AAD0cNomfXHgsxdtmCiCe_3Ja?dl=0