Our top training talent named in Queensland Training Awards

As National Skills Week kicks off, the top performers in training who will represent their regions across the state have been announced ahead of the prestigious 2020 Queensland Training Awards (QTA).

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman congratulated the 221 Queensland finalists and wished them luck for the awards in September.

“Queensland is home to so many talented students, hardworking teachers, successful training organisations and fantastic employers,” Ms Fentiman said.

“And all of them play an important role in ensuring we have the skilled workforce needed for the jobs now and into the future.

“It’s been a tough year for everyone but the Palaszczuk Government is committed to backing every Queenslander through quality training opportunities.

“As we Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs, we know that training and skilling will be critical.

“This year’s QTAs will give us the chance to celebrate Queensland’s resilience, talent and success, despite the challenge we have all faced.”

Through hard work and determination, Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year Metropolitan region finalist Douglas Armstrong undertook a career change after working in the Queensland Police Service.

Douglas began working for Fiddlers Green Construction in Corinda in 2016 before undertaking his carpentry apprenticeship the following year. Now a fully qualified carpenter, Douglas said his passion for construction propels him to continue developing his skills.

“We work on a lot of architectural renovations and I love seeing older buildings given a new lease on life as stunning, modern homes,” Mr Armstrong said. 

“I love to learn, and every day onsite I was able to nurture my skills with help from my very knowledgeable colleagues.

“The skills I’ve learnt will stick with me for the rest of my life, and I’ve been able to use those skills to establish a rewarding career and work on my own home renovations” 

The Minister said Douglas’s success story was one of many throughout the State that will be recognised through these awards.

“We are continuing to celebrate the achievements and hard work of so many Queenslanders this year by moving the 59^th annual Queensland Training Awards exclusively online,” the Minister said.

“The winners from the seven regions will be announced online on 11 September and the state winners on 18 September.

“We extended the nomination window this year across the 11 regional award categories and received more than 700 nominations.

“We have a fantastic field of finalists representing different communities, industries and skills.

“We have apprentices in a range of trades, students studying to be drone pilots and people pursuing careers in our important health and community services sectors.

“I am especially looking forward to giving some good news to the winners in the Small Employer of the Year category as many of them will have been hit hard during this pandemic.

“We know we need to grow our skilled workforce so we can continue with our plan for economic recovery: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs.”

South East region – 31 finalists

Metropolitan region – 33 finalists

Darling Downs South West region – 33 finalists

North Coast region – 33 finalists

Central Queensland region – 29 finalists

North Queensland region – 32 finalists

Tropical North region – 30 finalists

Full lists of finalists can be found here: www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Dropbox link to photos of Douglas Armstrong, Metropolitan region finalist for Apprentice of the Year:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zluglntpdxj0lyt/AADEgrfg0NDGGT6zONbpsf0Na?dl=0

ENDS

Media contact:           Inga Williams              0439 949 719