June 2, 2016
Huston Nissan mechanic Thomas Hunt and South Burnett business Kingaroy Joinery have been named as regional finalists in this year’s Queensland Training Awards.
Thomas studied a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Automotive Mechanical Technology and is one of three regional finalists in the running for the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year award.
The former Kingaroy State High School student was placed by WPC Group apprenticeships but is now employed full-time as a certified Nissan technician at Huston’s after successfully completing his apprenticeship.
Kingaroy Joinery has been nominated as a finalist in Medium Employer of the Year category.
The business has 25 employees including five apprentices and one trainee, and other staff are also currently completing extra training.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said she was proud that Kingaroy locals had been chosen as Darling Downs South West regional finalists.
There have been 660 nominations across Queensland with just 175 chosen to represent their regions.
“I’d like to sincerely congratulate Darrin Kefford and his team at Kingaroy Joinery, and Thomas Hunt from Huston Motors for reaching the regional finals of these prestigious awards,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“These awards are a great way of demonstrating the excellent job our local businesses do and the high level of achievement they are reaching.
“It is excellent for the South Burnett and we should be proud of the business talent coming from Kingaroy.”
The regional winners will be announced at a ceremony in Toowoomba on July 22.
They will then compete at the Queensland Training Awards in Brisbane on September 9.
The national awards will be held in Darwin on November 17.
The Queensland Training Awards are run by the Department of Education and Training.
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Full list of Darling Downs South West regional finalists:
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
- Brodie Ellery
Qualification: Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Training provider: TAFE Queensland South West
Employer: Southern Downs Regional Council
- Thomas Hunt
Qualification: Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Training provider: TAFE Queensland South West
Group training organisation: WPC Group
Host employer: Huston Motors
- Will Salmon
Qualification: Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Training provider: Work Skills
Employer: Maranoa Mechanical Pty Ltd
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
- William Dalgliesh
Qualification: Certificate III in Agriculture
Training provider: TAFE Queensland South West
Group training organisation: Golden West Apprenticeships
Host employer: Haycott Pty Ltd “Warra Warra”
- Maddison McCarthy
Qualification: Certificate III in Water Operations
Training provider: TAFE Queensland SkillsTech
Employer: Toowoomba Regional Council
- Peyton Thompson
Qualification: Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology
Training provider: Axiom College
Employer: Our Lady of the Southern Cross College
Vocational Student of the Year
- Paul Knie
Qualification: Diploma of Photo Imaging
Training provider: TAFE Queensland South West
Employer: Lightscape Studio
- Molly McNab
Qualification: Certificate III in Hairdressing
Training provider: TAFE Queensland South West
Employer: Aquarius Hair & Beauty
- Christy Ratcliffe
Qualification: Diploma of Retail Management
Training provider: First Impressions Resources, The Australian Retail College
Employer: Malouf Pharmacies
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
- Shaniah Hinch
Qualification: Certificate III in Community Services Work
Training provider: TAFE Queensland South West
Employer: Care Goondiwindi Association Inc
- Miranda McAleer
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Work Skills
Employer: University of Southern Queensland
- Peyton Thompson
Qualification: Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology
Training provider: Axiom College
Employer: Our Lady of the Southern Cross College
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
- Adam Hungerford
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: First Impressions Resources
Employer: Clifton News
School: Clifton State High School
- Adam Steffens
Qualification: Certificate III in Agriculture
Training provider: Ag Training
Employer: DT & DJ Steffens
School: Pittsworth State High School
- Natalie Webster
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training provider: Sero Institute
Employer: The Party Hut
School: Fairholme College
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
- Joyanne Clarke
Training provider: Carers Queensland, Toowoomba
- Geoff Lingard
Training provider: TAFE Queensland South West
- Craig Taylor
Training provider: TAFE Queensland South West
Small Employer of the Year
- Minx Contemporary Hair Boutique
- Quality Hotel Platinum International
- Scotbar Pty Ltd
Medium Employer of the Year
- Kingaroy Joinery
- MFE Pty Ltd (Maintenance, Fabrication and Engineering)
- Westridge Meats
Large Employer of the Year
- Oakey Beef Exports Pty Ltd
- Toowoomba Regional Council
