Gold Coast resident Charlotte Ross is in the running for a national award after being named Queensland's Trainee of the Year at the 62nd Queensland Training Awards.
The 2023 Queensland Training Awards provides the state's top prize for outstanding achievements in vocational education and training (VET) statewide.
It recognises apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers, and trainers, as well as training providers and employers, with the 2023 state awards including four South East Queensland finalists.
State winners from the South East region are:
- Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year – Charlotte Ross recently started an IT career with ONGC Systems, following completion of a Certificate IV in Information Technology through Precept Education.
- Equity Student of the Year – Gold Coast's Dean Clark pursued a Diploma of Sport in Coaching and Sport Development through GeSS Education and is now taking on assistant coaching duties at the Gold Coast Titans Physical Disability Rugby League alongside his studies.
- Community Training Initiative of the Year – Gold Coast's Everything Suarve Inc for their Skilling Queenslanders for Work, Big Brother Program, which supports at-risk and disengaged youth through a 13-week program, where they can complete a Certificate I in Construction, a first aid course, learn resume and interview skills, while focusing on their holistic mental health and well-being.
- Medium Employer of the Year – Berrinba's All-Purpose Transport for their 11-year training program 'Project APT' that has trained over 500 workers in a Certificate II or higher qualification since it started 11 years ago.
"Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer:
"The Queensland Training Awards highlight our top achievers in training and showcase the power of skills.
"It is great to see the South East region take out four awards this year and I hope this will inspire more local people to pursue their own goals through vocational education and training.
"The Palaszczuk Government is ensuring all Queenslanders have opportunities to grow their skills with relevant training and get a great job and I'm pleased to see so many great examples of this tonight.
"Being a regional winner is already an amazing achievement but taking home a state title is an incredible feat.
"Well done Charlotte for your wonderful success. Queensland is blessed with many fine outstanding trainees and to be named Trainee of the Year, the best of the best, is a significant achievement.
"Not only are we celebrating Charlotte's success but also two other Gold Coast successes.
"Dean Clark and Everything Suarve Inc have also shone a light on the Gold Coast."
Photos of the winners can be found in the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/du7o0a41e0olgm7/AAD0Ki8ZO8cTMYJj-579d2GIa?dl=0
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
The state winners were announced at the Queensland Training Awards State Final Gala Presentation dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in South Brisbane on Saturday 9 September 2023.
This year state-wide nominations increased by more than 40 per cent from last year with over 210 regional finalists selected from more than 800 nominations.
The Queensland Government invests more than $1.2 billion annually in training and skills and that investment is a driving force behind the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032.
Full list of statewide winners:
Individual award categories
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year – Gabrielle Clift, Darling Downs South West (Toowoomba)
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year – Charlotte Ross, South East (Gold Coast)
Vocational Student of the Year – Jessica Addo, Tropical North Queensland (Cairns)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Shaniqua Burke, Tropical North Queensland (Napranum)
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino, Tropical North Queensland (Western Cape College, Weipa)
Equity Student of the Year – Dean Clark, South East (Gold Coast)
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year – Craig Jones, UQ Skills (Gatton), Darling Downs South West
Community Training Initiative of the Year – Everything Suarve Inc, South East (Logan)
Large Employer of the Year – White's IGA, North Coast (Sunshine Coast)
Medium Employer of the Year – All Purpose Transport, South East (Berrinba)
Small Employer of the Year – McCarthy Panel Works Pty Ltd, Central Queensland (North Mackay)
State direct entry
Large Training Provider of the Year – TAFE Queensland (Queensland)
Small Training Provider of the Year – Demi International (Queensland)
Premier's Industry Collaboration Award – Programmed Training Services (Gladstone)
