Twenty-one of the Darling Downs South West region’s best employers, apprentices, trainees and vocational students are preparing to compete in their local final as part of the Queensland Government’s top industry awards program — the Queensland Training Awards. Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year Caleb Mayne from Kingaroy Jacob McMahon from Highfields Desiree Kirby from Toowoomba Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year Penelope Gardner from Centenary Heights Josephine Shannon from Dalby Amanda Tronc from Chinchilla Vocational Student of the Year Daniel Abot from Toowoomba Rheanna Summers from Toowoomba Cheryl Walsh from Nanango School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Jake Jones from Middle Ridge  Bonnie Shipper from Rockmount Sophie-Lee Smith from Highfields Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Joseph Frey from Goondiwindi Rheanna Summers from Toowoomba Amanda Tronc from Chinchilla Small Employer of the Year Diesel Electrics, Dalby Payton Kitchens, Toowoomba Urban Hi-Lights, Toowoomba Employer of the Year Hastings Deering (Australia) Pty Ltd, Toowoomba Homestyle Bakeries Pty Ltd, Toowoomba Orford Refrigeration, Toowoomba Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine says the awards honour achievements across a host of industries vital to the state’s success. “Queensland’s vocational education and training programs are highly regarded around the world and, at a local level, help communities reap the benefits of skilled workers and competitive industries,” Mr Shine said Continue reading →