2018 Queensland Training Awards state winners and finalists

State winner: Christopher Knight

Qualification: Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Followmont Transport Pty Ltd
Region: Metropolitan

After completing work placement with Followmont Transport as a GenR8 student, Christopher Knight quickly realised that VET was the right pathway for him. After gaining employment in the company's warehouse, he dedicated himself to becoming trade qualified. It took a lot of hard work and perseverance, but now Christopher can look back on his effort with pride, as a fully qualified heavy vehicle mechanic.

State winner: Kathleen Jones

Qualification: Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology
Training provider: Ramsden Telecommunications Training
Group training organisation: Programmed Skilled Workforce Ltd
Host employer: Telstra
Region: North Queensland

Having completed an apprenticeship in the automotive industry, Kathleen Jones knew she had what it takes to undertake further VET qualifications. Kathleen was looking for a flexible career path, one that would allow her to expand her skills and experience. When an opportunity to work for Telstra came along, supported by a Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology, Kathleen recognised it as a perfect chance to make that change.

State winner: Odin Lowsley

Qualification: Diploma of Graphic Design
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Region: South East

After completing a Certificate III in Multimedia in Year 10, Odin Lowsley went on to study a full-time Diploma of Graphic Design at TAFE Queensland, rather than continue to Year 11. Odin graduated top of his class, with work experience and awards under his belt. Using his VET qualification as a stepping stone, he was accepted to study a dual degree at Griffith University at just 16.

State winner: Meagen Beaumont

Qualification: Certificate III in Health Service Assistance
Training provider: Connect 'N' Grow
Employer: Northern Australian Primary Health Limited
School: Kirwan State High School
Region: North Queensland

Meagen Beaumont is passionate about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues and the Closing the Gap initiative, and plans to put the skills and knowledge she has gained during her traineeship to good use within her community. An advocate for on-the-job training and experience, Meagen believes that her traineeship has given her a head start on the pathway to a future career in the health industry.

State winner: Lachlan Darr

Qualification: Certificate III in Agriculture
Training provider: Rural Training Australia
Employer: Oakey Beef Exports
School: Oakey State High School
Region: Darling Downs South West

Agriculture has been a lifelong interest for Lachlan Darr, and the experience he gained through his traineeship with Oakey Beef Exports has convinced him that he has indeed found his dream job. Working with livestock has allowed Lachlan to gain greater insight into the day-to-day requirements of a career in agriculture, and further developed his desire to work in the cattle industry after school.

State winner: Corina Macpherson

Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
Training provider: FSG Australia
Employer:FSG Australia
Region: South East

Corina Macpherson was inspired to gain her qualification by her experience as a carer for her daughter, who had epilepsy. Corina is a passionate advocate for the VET system and the positive effect it has had on her life. She believes her Certificate III in Individual Support training has provided her with the skills and knowledge to support not only her clients, but also her fellow carers.

State winner: Leanne Morgan

Employer: TAFE Queensland
Region: Darling Downs South West

Leanne Morgan is a proactive health industry educator, developing learning resources to suit her courses and students as required, in order to improve learning outcomes. Drawing on her wealth of experience, Leanne has introduced storytelling as a delivery strategy. Leanne believes that the sharing of experiences allows students to conceptualise the content being taught, leading to better application of knowledge and skills in the workplace.

State winner: Running Wild... Youth Conservation Culture Inc

Program: Macleay Island Campground
www.runningwild.org.au
0407 555 878
Region: South East

Running Wild is an organisation promoting social cohesion and positive employment outcomes for the local people of the Southern Moreton Bay islands. The Macleay Island Campground project, funded through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, provides a chance for disadvantaged jobseekers to engage in meaningful community contributions and gain valuable knowledge and skills in a realistic work environment, so that they can find local employment opportunities.

Winner: TAFE Queensland

www.tafeqld.edu.au
1300 308 233

TAFE Queensland operates across a network of more than 50 campuses, in the workplace, and online. Its current training program spans foundation skills and entry level qualifications to higher education degrees across more than 520 programs. A state-wide delivery model supports its commitment to working with students from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, remote locations, and with students with diverse needs.

Winner: Institute of Culinary Excellence

www.theice.com.au
1300 843 423

The Institute of Culinary Excellence (ICE) offers world-class culinary training to apprentice and trainee chefs. ICE is proud to be able to provide its students with training from some of the best chef teachers in the industry, in purpose-built training kitchens at Coorparoo and Kelvin Grove. ICE's individualised training strategy ensures it is able to support its student's needs, and the needs of their workplace.

State winner: Pullman Cairns International

www.pullmancairnsinternational.com.au
(07) 4031 1300
Region: Tropical North Queensland

As an AccorHotels property, Pullman Cairns International has access to the AccorHotels Academie, an RTO that develops and implements training initiatives across Australia. The Academie's Online Platform means that courses are available to all team members, regardless of their position. In addition to the Academie, Pullman Cairns International is committed to supporting apprenticeships in commercial cookery, with a targeted strategy to combat the chef shortage.

State winner: SunPork Farms Tong Park

www.sunporkfreshfoods.com.au
(07) 4668 1233
Region: Darling Downs South West

SunPork Farms Tong Park believes that producing high-quality products can only be achieved through the employment, training and retention of highly skilled staff. At SunPork, dedicated trainers adjust their training delivery and support to suit a range of staff needs. In a world-first pilot, SunPork employed and trained autistic adults in specialist animal care, with 70 per cent of participants retaining permanent positions when training was completed

State winner: Spencer Constructions

www.spencerconstructions.com
(07) 3419 6719
Region: Metropolitan

Spencer Constructions is a growing construction business based on the northside of Brisbane. Founded in 2012, it has grown from a one person, home-based business to an office/warehouse-based enterprise that currently employs 14 full-time equivalent staff. It credits its incredibly low staff turnover rate to a strategic staff development and succession plan, with 80 per cent of its tradesmen currently undertaking nationally accredited training.

Winner: Mabel Park State High School Health Hub

Mabel Park State High School's 'Health Hub' is a unique opportunity for students interested in the healthcare industry, providing access to nationally recognised training, industry engagement, work experience, traineeships and employment opportunities. The Health Hub has also become a one-stop shop for industry, where they are able to access potential employees from 14 schools across Logan, using a truly local training pathway.