Townsville City Council has come out a winner at the Queensland Training Awards regional finals at the weekend.
Council was named North Queensland’s Large Employer of the Year, while Council employee Holly Sherman was recognised with the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year award.
The awards, held at Cluden Park,celebrate organisations and individuals that strive for and have achieved success, best practice and innovation in vocational education and training.
Council chief executive Prins Ralstonsaid he was proud of the work Council did to create a sustainable future for Townsville.
“We see vocational education and training as an essential stepping stone towards creating a well-equipped work force not only for Council, but for the city of Townsville,” Dr Ralston said.
“Council has built a training framework that encourages employees at any stage of their career to complete nationally-recognised qualifications, ensuring we have the best people on the ground to deliver essential services across our city.
“We are very pleased to be recognised as the North Queensland Large Employer of the Year, and I’d like to also offer my congratulations to Holly for being named the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year.”
Mayor Jenny Hill said supporting trainees and apprentices like Holly was critical for ensuring Townsville had qualified professionals well into the future.
“Holly is an outstanding trainee who completed her Certificate III in Business earlier this year and is now working full time with Council,” Cr Hill said.
“It’s people like Holly who will be there to look after our city into the future, whether that’s through working with Council or by going on to other employment across Townsville.
“By upskilling locals we’re able to keep talent here in Townsville and ensure we’re building a workforce that can successfully contribute to the city both now and into the future
“Congratulations to The Ville Resort-Casino and Whitsunday Regional Council who were also in the running for the North Queensland Large Employer of the Year.”
Council sponsored the Community Training Initiative of the Year award.
Both Townsville City Council and Holly Sherman will progress on to the Queensland Training Awards State Final in September.