November 26, 2019
Astill’s Electrical Service has done it again … this time taking out a national Australian Training Award.
The Kingaroy-based business was presented with the Medium Employer of the Year trophy at a dinner in Brisbane last week.
The national success follows wins in the same category in the Regional and State training awards earlier this year.
The Australian Training Awards are the peak national vocational education and training awards. They recognise individuals, businesses and registered training organisations for their contribution to skilling Australia.
Mick and Amanda Astill admitted they were “very stressed” ahead of their presentation to the interview panel last week.
“There was a 20-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute question and answer session,” Amanda said.
The interview – before three representatives from the education sector plus last year’s category winner – was held on Wednesday, followed by a dinner for all the finalists on Wednesday night.
On Thursday, the couple took part in workshops with the other finalists ahead of the awards dinner at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
The State winners in the Medium Employer of the Year category (for 20-199 employees) were whittled down to three finalists: Astill’s Electrical Services (Qld), Ngopamuldi Aboriginal Corporation (South Australia) and Obieco Industries (NSW).
The three finalists were called up on to the stage, short bios were presented to the audience … and then Astill’s was named the winner.
“We never thought we’d be there but during these last 12 months we have done so much work on training, and put so many things in place, it is kind of nice to acknowledged for it,” Amanda said.
After a regional win last year, and the three trophies this year, Astill’s isn’t planning on entering any more awards any time soon but they won’t be severing their ties with the Australian Training Awards.
They will be part of the interview panel for next year’s awards.
And, after seeing the positive effect nominations had on apprentices and trainees, they are considering working with their team members so they can nominate “down the track”.
The awards were presented by Federal Employment Minister Senator Michaelia Cash.
Also present were MPs representing every State and Territory.
Queensland Training Minister Shannon Fentiman congratulated Astill’s on their win.
“Astill’s Electrical Services is a family-based company that has grown rapidly since 2009 and is a fantastic employer of local apprentices,” Ms Fentiman said.
“They also actively work with local high schools to provide work experience opportunities for students.”
Related articles:
Congratulations Mick and Amanda – a well deserved award for your business and promoting the South Burnett on the National stage