The 11 winners from the Gold Coast, Logan, Redland and the Scenic Rim areas have been announced in the 62nd Queensland Training Awards.
The 2023 Queensland Training Awards showcase the great work in vocational education and training (VET) across the state, with categories for apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers and trainers, as well as training providers and employers.
The Gold Coast's Wayne Costain was named the region's Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year winner.
Wayne's passion for print led him to complete his traineeship in half the scheduled time and he has now worked with top clients such as Marvel and Disney.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year winner Brianna Morrison, from Cleveland, successfully completed a VET Marine Placement Program called "Healing Sea Country" offered through Envirotech Education.
The course, especially the fieldwork components, deepened her passion and understanding of marine ecosystems, and she achieved her Certificate II in Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration.
Brianna balanced her 2023 Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ambassador role at Cleveland High School with her studies and developed confidence, built friendships, and overcame challenges. She now aspires to work in coral reef restoration.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer:
"Providing Queenslanders with opportunities to get a job, grow their skills and have a great lifestyle is a priority of the Palaszczuk Government.
"We have many high-achievers in our wonderful community and this year's Queensland Training Awards highlighted that.
"In addition to the individual award winners, I would like to congratulate the business owners, who have won awards for their dedication to training their workforce such as community-focused pharmacy, Hope Island 7 Day Amcal Chemist, which has been named the region's Small Employer of the Year.
"Their commitment to training initiatives can be seen in their support of apprenticeships, pharmacist internships, and employees completing the Certificate IV in Community pharmacy.
"The chemist emphasises inclusivity and has established partnerships to deliver innovative training programs including online portals, workshops, and seminars, allowing their staff to provide quality care for patients and customers.
"They have also employed six pharmacy students and hosted several school and university students.
"Congratulations to all the regional finalists and winners who are the skilled Queenslanders we need for our economy to grow."
Quotes attributable to Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon
"I am pleased to see our high-achievers recognized in this year's Queensland Training Awards are right across the region from Carrara and Cleveland to Merrimac and Ashmore.
"Congratulations to the Gold Coast's Wayne Costain who was named our region's Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year winner. His effort to complete his traineeship in half the scheduled time was a remarkable effort.
"I congratulate Everything Suarve Inc for taking out the Community Training Initiative of the Year for its Skilling Queenslanders for Work, Big Brother Program.
"This 13-week, Queensland Government funded program aims to address youth crime at its core by supporting at-risk and disengaged youth.
"It allows participants to complete a Certificate I in Construction, a First Aid course, and learn resume writing and interview skills, while focusing on their holistic mental health and well-being.
"The program successfully improves employment outcomes through partnerships with stakeholders, local businesses and training organisations.
"I wish the winners from South East Queensland all the best at the Queensland Training Awards state finals in September."
Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ied3k8w9j77gjs8/AAClqwCjfmRoIkGpzkIxB2uUa?dl=0
(Brianna Morrison, Charlotte Ross, Everything Suarve, Dean Clark, Wayne Costain, Riviera, All Purpose Transport, Hope Island 7 Day Chemist, Jannah Dymnycz, Katya Holker)
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
The regional winners were announced at the local Queensland Training Awards event at Home of the Arts in Surfers Paradise tonight (Saturday 22 July 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.
Notable winners from last year's awards include Jennah Halley from Cairns who won the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year and went on to be named Australia's top apprentice.
Jennah, who completed a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, is a proactive role model and mentor encouraging more women to take up the trade.
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.
To learn more about the Queensland Training Awards visit https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta
Full list of South East Queensland winners:
Individual award categories
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year – Wayne Costain, Certificate III in Printing, Gold Coast
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year – Charlotte Ross, Certificate IV in Information Technology, Parkwood
Vocational Student of the Year – Jannah Dymnycz, Diploma of Accounting, Regents Park
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Brianna Morrison, Certificate II in Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration, Cleveland
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Teraya Wheeler-Harwood, Certificate III in Business, Merrimac
Equity Student of the Year – Dean Clark, Diploma of Sport (Coaching and Sport Development), Gold Coast
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year – Katya Holker, Hawkeye Consultancy, Ashmore
Organisation award categories
Community Training Initiative of the Year – Everything Suarve – Big Brother Programs, Ormeau
Large Employer of the Year – Riviera Australia, Coomera
Medium Employer of the Year – All Purpose Transport, Berrinba
Small Employer of the Year – Hope Island 7 Day Amcal Chemist, Hope Island
