Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer today named 33 North Coast region nominees among the 218 state-wide regional finalists who have been recognised for their achievements in the training system during a challenging time.
"It's been a tough 18 months for businesses, trainers and employees who have had to adjust to different ways of working due to COVID-19," Minister Farmer said.
"The Palaszczuk Government put investing in skills at the heart of our Economic Recovery Plan, and with over $1 billion in the recent state budget dedicated to training and skills we are delivering on that commitment.
"It's extremely important to recognise the individuals and organisations that put training and development at the heart of what they do.
"The hard work of our outstanding apprentices, trainees, students, employers, teachers and training projects will be highlighted in the annual Queensland Training Awards, which have been celebrating the power of skills for 60 years."
Wakeboarder Mikayo Mundy is one of the top training talents selected as a North Coast regional training finalist.
"Mikayo left traditional schooling in Year 7, completing distance education so that he could train full-time as a professional wakeboarder," Minister Farmer said.
"This alternative pathway led him to complete a Diploma of Screen and Media, fast tracking his studies.
"Mikayo has been able to follow his passions and achieve his goals, and, will graduate with Bachelor of Film and Screen Media at just 18. He is nominated in the category for Vocational Student of the Year."
Minister Farmer said organisations had been recognised too.
"Noosa and District Landcare Group Inc (NDLG) have also been recognised, selected as a regional finalist in the Medium Employer of the Year category, for commitment to providing ongoing training and employment opportunities," Minister Farmer said.
"Since 2002, NDLG have provided training to more than 250 people in horticulture, conservation and land management, business and retail."
Other regional finalists in the Employer of the Year categories include Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Just Better Care Brisbane North and Greenstock Nurseries.
"Representing the North Coast in the Community Training Initiative of the Year category will be regional finalists Five Bridges, Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre Inc and Reclink Australia," Minister Farmer said.
"All have been selected for their commitment to training and for establishing trades and tertiary pathways for their employees, apprentices and trainees.
"Congratulations to the regional finalists who are the skilled Queenslanders we need for our economy to continue to bounce back better."
The winners from North Coast Queensland will be announced online in July with the state winners announced at a Gala Dinner which will return this year in September.
For the full list of regional finalists and further information visit https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta
