Queensland Government media release Rod Welford Minister for ...

North Queensland region's training leaders announced
The North Queensland region’s top employers, apprentices, trainees and vocational
students have been selected as regional finalists in the Queensland Training Awards.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford congratulated the 16 regional finalists
on being chosen from 56 local nominations across seven categories.
“Vocational skills are more important than ever in Queensland, and these awards
show how strong they are at a local level,” Mr Welford said.
“In workplaces, schools, colleges and training institutions, Queenslanders are
keeping our skills and knowledge at the cutting edge, across a host of industries that
are integral to our daily lives.
“With demand for skilled workers at an all­time high, and more Queenslanders taking
up apprenticeships and traineeships than any other area of Australia, our state
boasts world­class vocational education and training initiatives — and these awards
showcase the best of these achievements.”
Mr Welford said this regional final, one of six across the state, would be held on
Saturday 2 August 2008 at Cairns International Hotel.
Winners will then progress to the State Final on Thursday 11 September 2008 at the
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, where recipients in a further four
categories will also be presented.
State winners will have the chance to enter the Australian Training Awards held in
Darwin on Thursday 20 November 2008.
The Queensland Training Awards, which are now in their 47 th year, are run by the
State Government’s Department of Education, Training and the Arts.
A full list of the region’s finalists follows.
For more information on the Queensland Training Awards, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
2008 QUEENSLAND TRAINING AWARDS
NORTH QUEENSLAND REGIONAL FINALISTS
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Tropical North Queensland Institute of
TAFE
· Jason Manning, Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Boilermaking),
Cairns Region Group Training, from Cairns
· Dearnna Murat, Certificate III in Hairdressing, The Hairport, from Mareeba
· Michael Obah, Certificate III in Plumbing, Johnstone Shire Council, from
South Johnstone