Honours for North’s top training talent

Townsville’s Kailu Johnson has snapped up twin titles as North Queensland regional winners were recognised in the 60th annual Queensland Training Awards. The PJ Walsh Constructions employee was named winner in the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year categories. “Kailu is a passionate advocate for trade pathways, having now completed three traineeships. He chose to undertake his latest qualification, a Certificate III in Concreting in the Townsville region,” Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said. “By expanding his skills and knowledge, Kailu is also providing training and economic opportunities within his local community — as a role model and with his ability to help upskill future generations of apprentices and trainees. “He is a passionate ambassador for training pathways and the benefits of earning while you're learning.” Glencore Mount Isa Mines employee Bonnie Anderson is also among the regional winners, as Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year for her commitment to a Certificate III in Electrotechnology. “After four years in real estate, Bonnie Anderson was keen to get out from behind a desk and find a more physical, hands-on career,” Training and Skills Development Minister Di Farmer said. “As the daughter of a dual-tradesperson, Bonnie decided to take the leap and apply for an apprenticeship through Glencore's Queensland Metals Apprenticeship Program – and in July 2020 she became a fully-qualified electrician." North Queensland Apprentice of the Year Bonnie Anderson. Ms Farmer named Mr Johnson, Ms Anderson and eight other North Queensland regional winners, recognising their significant contribution to training Queenslanders during a challenging time. Other winners included the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, named as regional winner of the Community Training Initiative of the Year category for their Cowboys Dream, Believe, Achieve program. “The Palaszczuk Government put investing in skills at the centre of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, and with over $1 billion in the recent state budget dedicated to training and skills, we are delivering on that commitment,” Ms Farmer said. “The Queensland Training Awards provide a perfect opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on our top achievers in training and highlight the power of skills." The regional winners will now vie for the state titles, which will be announced at the State Final Event in September. Full list of North Queensland winners: Small Employer of the Year – Core Developments NQMedium Employer of the Year – Mendi GroupLarge Employer of the Year – Wilmar SugarCommunity Training Initiative of the Year – North Queensland Toyota CowboysVET Teacher or Trainer of the Year – Valerio EspositoEquity VET Student of the Year – Alanah HembrowSchool-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Dylan WoodfieldAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Kailu Johnson Vocational Student of the Year – Benjamin JonesBob Marshman Trainee of the Year – Kailu JohnsonHarry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year – Bonnie Anderson

Honours for North’s top training talent

Industry Queensland

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