From a North Macedonian immigrant to a Murgon florist - the regional finalists in the 2021 Queensland Training Awards announced today represent a microcosm of Queensland communities.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer named the 218 state-wide regional finalists who have been recognised for their achievements in our 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."
Minister Farmer said the finalists represent a diverse range of communities, industries, skills, and backgrounds.
"I welcome a number of immigrants to this year's regional finalist list including Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year entrant from Tropical North Queensland, and Lazar Angelkovski who emigrated from North Macedonia to Australia," Minister Farmer said.
"After becoming a fire protection technician Lazar is now employed as a project supervisor with EndFire Engineering in Cairns.
"Equity Student of the Year regional finalist, Iraqi immigrant Louie Omar, completed a Certificate I in Business at Toowoomba's Cedar Centre to improve his English language skills so he could pursue a career in business.
"Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year finalist, Anja Siebers, who emigrated from Germany, completed a Conservation and Land Management traineeship after volunteering at a nursery, and has now secured a job as a bush regenerator on the Sunshine Coast with Nambour-based business ECOllaboration.
"A number of organisations that support those who choose to make Australia their home have also been recognised," Minister Farmer said.
"This includes the Central Queensland Multicultural Association which helps migrants build their lives in a new community. In 2020 the association achieved a 93 per cent success rate for employment outcomes for 31 trainees in Biloela.
"The Gold Coast's Migrant Centre has been selected as a regional finalist for its work in building immigrants' skills and improving their economic, social and cultural opportunities.
"In the individual categories, we have apprentices and trainees across a range of trades from electrotechnology, diesel-fitting, drilling and boat building to hospitality, hairdressing and barbering.
"There are students in music performance, engineering and legal studies and people pursuing careers in our important construction, health and agricultural sectors.
"The regional finalists in the Employer of the Year categories include largescale beef production and processing businesses at Oakey and Gympie, Brisbane butchers, regional councils from Mackay to the Western Downs, Townsville's Cowboys Leagues Club, a Murgon florist, a Hervey Bay charity, a Sunshine Coast art framing business and a Gold Coast Montessori child care and kindergarten.
"In the Community Training Initiative category, SunnyFutures based at Sunnybank State High School has been recognised for helping Year 12 students transition from school to work and study.
"The regional finalists also include Five Bridges, based at Bokarina, which helps train Indigenous job seekers and Mission Australia's social enterprise café which provides job training for the homeless in Cairns.
"The VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year regional finalists include the lone teacher at the Outback College of Hospitality in Longreach, the developer of Queensland's first music business course, and a former rugby league player and TAFE Queensland teacher who devised online delivery of fitness, sport and first aid last year when faced with the teaching challenges of COVID-19.
"Congratulations to the regional finalists who are the skilled Queenslanders needed for our economy to continue to bounce back better."
The winners from the seven regions, across 11 categories, will be announced online later this month with the state winners announced at a Gala Dinner in September.
For the full list of regional finalists and further information visit https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta
