An auto mechanic has been named as South East Queensland’s top apprentice of the year after turning her interest in working on cars with her dad into her chosen career.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said Janelle Kent from Oxenford took home the title of Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year as one of the 11 winners at the South East regional final of the 58th Queensland Training Awards.
“After spending countless hours working on cars and trucks with her dad growing up, when the time came for Janelle Kent to choose a career path, mechanics seemed the obvious way to go,” Minister Fentiman said.
“This coupled with Janelle’s affinity for electrical work in high school science, led her to find her true passion, her automotive electrical apprenticeship, which she successfully completed in 2018.
“Congratulations to Janelle 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.
Member for Redlands Kim Richards said these winners will now join the winners from six other regional Queensland Training Awards finals to become finalists in the state Queensland Training Awards with winners announced 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,” Ms Richards said.
“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.
Photos of the winners:
Photos of Janelle Kent and other regional winners are available on request.
Queensland Training Awards – South East regional winners:
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Janelle Kent – Oxenford
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Tegan Molesworth – Robina
Vocational Student of the Year
Mitchell Stone – Nerang
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Jahkita Kilcoyne – Bundall
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Callam Sammons – Cedar Grove
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Tasha Smith – Ormeau
Equity VET Student of the Year
Jake McCosker – Russell Island
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Reclink Australia – Fortitude Valley
Small Employer of the Year
Thom and Ann’s Restaurant Deli – Yarrabilba
Medium Employer of the Year
³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Trust – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – Currumbin
Large Employer of the Year
Gold Coast Health – Southport
