2007 Winners

Payton Kitchens
Toowoomba
07 4634 7661

Payton Kitchens is a well-respected kitchen manufacturer and installer whose work features in homes across Queensland. The company sees itself as a multi-skilled workplace, with apprentices and qualified cabinetmakers receiving training in two other trades – machinery and carpentry/joinery. The company has expanded greatly in recent years, a success it credits to the firm's strong focus on training.

John Love Electrical
Maroochydore
07 5479 5000
www.johnloveelectrical.com.au

John Love Electrical is a large electrical contracting company operating in South-East Queensland and Mackay. It is a highly regarded organisation involved in many large projects with prominent developers. Over the last 20 years, the company has trained around 60 apprentices. Owner John Love believes skilled and qualified workers have helped him establish a productive and profitable business.

Blue Dog Training
Windsor
07 3857 2533
www.bluedogtraining.com.au

Blue Dog Training was established to meet the needs of the rapidly growing construction industry and has developed a number of innovative and interactive solutions to assist with the delivery and tracking of high-quality training. Using their industry experience, the company’s three directors have developed a complete assessment training and tracking system to deliver customised training as and when it suits the client and their work environment. Blue Dog believes training must be customised to suit the learner, the employer and the industry.

Gold Coast Institute of TAFE
07 5581 8300
www.goldcoast.tafe.qld.gov.au

Gold Coast Institute of TAFE is the Gold Coast city's largest provider of vocational education and training with five campuses at Coolangatta, Ashmore, Ridgeway, Southport and Coomera. The Institute's courses are designed in association with business and the community, ensuring students graduate with industry-relevant vocational skills and knowledge. Gold Coast Institute of TAFE strives to be internationally recognised as an innovator in the design, assessment and delivery of vocational skills, business solutions and strategies for life long learning.

Rhys Morley

Qualification: Certificate III in Marine Engineering
Training provider: Brisbane North Institute of TAFE
School: Kirwan State High School (Townsville)
Employer: B & M Outboard Repairs

Rhys has loved boating, fishing and fixing motors since he was a child, so embarking on an apprenticeship with B & M Outboard Repairs while finishing his senior schooling was a dream come true. Rhys has embraced his practical training and is able to make meaningful contributions to problem solving in his workplace. A talented guitarist and soccer player, Rhys has also recently gained his boating licence.

Michael Rennie

Qualification: Certificate III in Broadcasting (Radio)
Training provider: Triple A Training

With a passion for writing, telling stories and sharing Indigenous issues, Michael is a step closer to his journalism aspirations through his recent training in radio broadcasting. A combination of online training and practical work at 98.9 FM has provided a well-rounded training experience. Michael has been sharing his skills with other Indigenous students by working as a trainer for Triple A Training in an online radio course, and hopes to continue his own studies.

Selena Smith

Qualification: Diploma of Visual Arts
Training provider: Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE

Completing a Diploma of Visual Arts has allowed Selena to build her own skills and share them with others. After gaining employment in Townsville City Council's cultural development section, Selena was able to display her creative talents and enrich the community through her love of colour therapy and conducting children’s art classes. Selena is now working as a freelance artist and has sold her work across Adelaide, Canberra and Townsville.

Kerri Schulz

Qualification: Certificate IV in Business Administration
Training provider: Specialised Training Services
Employer: Shailer Park State High School

As a mature-aged student starting a traineeship, Kerri discovered a love for learning and now embraces every opportunity to gain knowledge. Kerri is excited about the skills and confidence she has gained through training, and is also inspiring her own children with her strong work ethic and dedication. Kerri plans to continue studying through university qualifications and workplace courses.

Thomas Spottswood

Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Fitting and Turning)
Training provider: Wide Bay Institute of TAFE
Employer: Wide Bay Group Training Scheme Ltd

While completing a Certificate III in Engineering, Thomas worked at Hyne Timber, where he is now employed as a Project Fitter. His apprenticeship gave him a practical understanding of engineering, preparing him for further studies at university. Thomas ultimately hopes to become a leading engineer and was recently selected in the Queensland State of Origin Oztag team.

Gladstone Schools Engineering Skills Centre

The Gladstone Schools Engineering Skills Centre is a unique training and learning environment which mirrors the expectations, ethics, safety standards and discipline of the engineering and manufacturing workplace. Through theory and practical work, school-based students undertake Certificates in Engineering (Manufacturing) and Automotive Maintenance and Service. The centre develops broad skills, communication and teamwork, helping ensure graduates are prepared for apprenticeships or traineeships.

Main Roads / Myuma / Seymour Whyte Constructions

The Split Rock Inca Alliance

This unique alliance successfully delivered a $58m federally funded construction project to complete the upgrade of the Barkley Highway between Mount Isa and Camooweal. The alliance achieved unprecedented outcomes, providing innovative employment and training opportunities for local Indigenous people. The development of the Training and Employment Consultative Committee and e-learning aid were instrumental for providing sustainable outcomes for Indigenous people and communities of north-west Queensland.