2010 QLD Training Awards Darling Downs South West Regional Finalists

Twenty-one of the Darling Downs South West region’s best employers, apprentices, trainees and vocational students are preparing to compete in their local final as part of the Queensland Government’s top industry awards program — the Queensland Training Awards.

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year

• Caleb Mayne from Kingaroy
• Jacob McMahon from Highfields
• Desiree Kirby from Toowoomba

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

• Penelope Gardner from Centenary Heights
• Josephine Shannon from Dalby
• Amanda Tronc from Chinchilla

Vocational Student of the Year

• Daniel Abot from Toowoomba
• Rheanna Summers from Toowoomba
• Cheryl Walsh from Nanango

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

• Jake Jones from Middle Ridge 
• Bonnie Shipper from Rockmount
• Sophie-Lee Smith from Highfields

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

• Joseph Frey from Goondiwindi
• Rheanna Summers from Toowoomba
• Amanda Tronc from Chinchilla

Small Employer of the Year

• Diesel Electrics, Dalby
• Payton Kitchens, Toowoomba
• Urban Hi-Lights, Toowoomba

Employer of the Year

• Hastings Deering (Australia) Pty Ltd, Toowoomba
• Homestyle Bakeries Pty Ltd, Toowoomba
• Orford Refrigeration, Toowoomba

Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine says the awards honour achievements across a host of industries vital to the state’s success.

Queensland’s vocational education and training programs are highly regarded around the world and, at a local level, help communities reap the benefits of skilled workers and competitive industries,” Mr Shine said.

Mr Shine said the Darling Downs South West region finals, one of seven being staged across Queensland, will be held at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre on Friday July 30, 2010.

Winners then progress to the state final in September at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, where finalists in a further four categories will also be presented.  State winners will also have the chance to enter the Australian Training Awards in Sydney in November.

The Queensland Training Awards, now in their 49^th year, are run by the Queensland Government’s Department of Education and Training.

For more information on the Queensland Training Awards, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.