An aviation apprentice has been named as Brisbane’s top apprentice of the year after turning his interest in planes into a future career.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said Lachlan Thoms from Logan city’s Forestdale took home the title of Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year as one of the 11 winners at the Brisbane metropolitan regional final of the 58th Queensland Training Awards.
“When the time came for Lachlan Thoms to choose a career path, aviation seemed the obvious way to go,” Ms Fentiman said.
“Lachlan was accepted into the QANTAS apprenticeship program in 2016 and has developed not only his mechanical skills and knowledge, but passion for the industry as well.
“He has turned this passion and drive into incredibly quick progress on his apprenticeship and is on schedule to complete his apprenticeship a year early.
“Congratulations to Lachlan on this recognition and to the other students, teachers, employers, and community organisations who have built their careers and their businesses through training and have come out on top at the regional awards.
“These winners will now join the winners from six other regional Queensland Training Awards finals to become finalists at the State Gala Dinner in September.
“All of our high calibre regional winners represent a wide range of industries and occupations, from mechanics, electricians, small bakeries and hairdressing salons, to migrant support organisations and big businesses.
“Being selected as a regional winner recognises their outstanding contribution to the state’s growth and economy and they should be proud of their achievements so far.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting training and skills development for all Queenslanders.”
The Queensland Training Awards focuses the spotlight on the excellence that exists in the state’s training sector and supports the Queensland Government’s commitment to fostering skilled workforces.
The 11 regional award categories are Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year; Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year; Vocational Student of the Year; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year; School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year; VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year; Equity VET Student of the Year; Community Training Initiative of the Year; and Small, Medium and Large Employer of the Year.
The Queensland Training Awards state final will be held in Brisbane on 14 September with the support of regional and state sponsors.
