ENTRIES for a statewide competition in which a Kingaroy business was lauded in 2019 will remain open until March 31.
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Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the 59th Queensland Training Awards would culminate in September when winners would be unveiled at a gala event in Brisbane.
"We want to see the best of our top training achievers recognised at this year's awards including apprentices, trainees, teachers, employers and training organisations," Ms Fentiman said.
"Vocational education and training (VET) has never been so important as we know that nine out of 10 jobs predicted to grow over the next five years will require a VET qualification.
Last year more than 860 nominations were lodged before 80 finalists were named for the Queensland Training Awards, 11 finalists in the Australian Training Awards and two national winners including TAFE Queensland for International Training Provider of the Year.
Kingaroy-based Astill's Electrical Services won the Medium Employer of the Year award in the Darling Downs South West region, then at the Queensland Training Awards and the Australian Training Awards they were recognised for work with secondary school students and apprentices.
Mick Astill said being named a regional finalist in 2018 was a pivotal moment, which led to their 2019 successes.
"It's really nice to think about the lives we can change through training, the people who we can support and also for us; how much we've benefitted from training," Mr Astill said.
The Queensland Training Awards will host seven regional finals in July with 11 awards available and the winners will go on to the State Gala Dinner in September, along with finalists for the large and small training providers of the year and the Premier's Industry Collaboration Award.
There are 14 award categories: Apprentice, Trainee, Vocational Student, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student, School-based apprentice or trainee, VET Student, VET Teacher or Trainer, Large Training Provider, Small Training Provider, Community Training Initiative, Large Employer, Medium Employer, Small Employer and Premier's Industry Collaboration Award.
For nomination details and eligibility criteria visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.