Sunshine Coast’s White’s IGA has shone with a top honour for Large Employer of the Year at the 62nd Queensland Training Awards.
- The state winners were announced at the Queensland Training Awards event at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre tonight (Saturday 9 September 2023).
- White’s IGA is among 14 winners who took home state honours and is now in the running for national recognition at the Australian Training Awards in November.
The 2023 Queensland Training Awards provides the state’s top prize for outstanding achievements in vocational education and training (VET) statewide.
It recognises apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers, and trainers, as well as training providers and employers. Roz and Michael White’s family-owned supermarket, White’s IGA, was awarded Large Employer of the Year for prioritising training to their approximately 500 employees and helping to develop a training platform that now supports more than 1,400 stores.
Operating for over 30 years, White’s IGA has engaged in different areas in their community, from working with local schools to attract team members and support apprenticeships, to local producers and customers to create a vibrant and diverse community.
Quotes attributable to Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton:
“Being a regional winner is already an amazing achievement but taking home a state title is an incredible feat.
“It is great to see White’s IGA win an award for their exceptional dedication to training and supporting their employees and community and I hope this will inspire more locals and employers to pursue their own goals through vocational education and training.
“These Awards highlight how the Palaszczuk Government continues to assist to strengthen our local communities – providing great training and keeping jobs local.
“Congratulations to Roz and Michael White and all their staff members – not only have you made our region and community proud, but Queensland too.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer:
“The Queensland Training Awards highlight our top achievers in training and showcase the power of skills.
“The Palaszczuk Government is ensuring all Queenslanders have opportunities to grow their skills with relevant training and get a great job and I’m pleased to see so many great examples of this tonight. Congratulations to all the state winners at the prestigious Queensland Training Awards.”
Photos of the winners can be found in the link below:
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
The state winners were announced at the Queensland Training Awards State Final Gala Presentation dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in South Brisbane on Saturday 9 September 2023.
This year state-wide nominations increased by more than 40 per cent from last year with over 210 regional finalists selected from more than 800 nominations.
The Queensland Government invests more than $1.2 billion annually in training and skills and that investment is a driving force behind the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032.
Full list of statewide winners:
Individual award categories
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year – Gabrielle Clift, Darling Downs South West (Toowoomba)
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year – Charlotte Ross, South East (Gold Coast)
Vocational Student of the Year – Jessica Addo, Tropical North Queensland (Cairns)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Shaniqua Burke, Tropical North Queensland (Napranum)
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino, Tropical North Queensland (Western Cape College, Weipa)
Equity Student of the Year – Dean Clark, South East (Gold Coast)
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year – Craig Jones, UQ Skills (Gatton), Darling Downs South West
Organisation award categories
Community Training Initiative of the Year – Everything Suarve Inc, South East (Logan)
Large Employer of the Year – White’s IGA, North Coast (Sunshine Coast)
Medium Employer of the Year – All Purpose Transport, South East (Berrinba)
Small Employer of the Year – McCarthy Panel Works Pty Ltd, Central Queensland (North Mackay)
State direct entry
Large Training Provider of the Year – TAFE Queensland (Queensland)
Small Training Provider of the Year – Demi International (Queensland)
Premier’s Industry Collaboration Award – Programmed Training Services (Gladstone)
