Nominations are now open for the 2012 Manufacturing Skills Awards, which will take place in Brisbane on 18 May 2012 to reward outstanding contributors to the Queensland manufacturing industry.
This year, Brisbane-based Rochedale State High School won the Manufacturing School of the Year accolade, providing an inspiration for local individuals and organisations to get involved in 2012.
The Awards are part of Manufacturing Skills Queensland's (MSQ) annual conference, which brings together industry, government, and training organisations to address the challenges facing the manufacturing industry. They are an opportunity for industry members to nominate individuals, companies and training organisations for their invaluable contribution to the Queensland manufacturing industry. MSQ is a division of QMI Solutions Ltd.
QMI Solutions CEO Jim Walker said the industry acknowledges that developing and recognising the next generation's skills through the MSQ Awards is key in developing the sector.
"The Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the dedication of individuals, employers, schools and students to improving industry standards and moving Queensland manufacturing forward," Mr Walker said.
"Developing young people's skills is one of the crucial areas for the industry to focus on, especially with baby boomers soon to retire, the young talent rising through the ranks of the manufacturing industry today represents its future."
The Awards will showcase industry successes and insights through twelve categories rewarding schools, apprentices, indigenous apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, training organisations and small to medium and large employers.
Last year's Apprentice of the Year, Rob Schrodter, from Townsville, won the award six months after completing his apprenticeship.
"Pursuing an apprenticeship was a perfect career move for me, I have learned a very diverse set of skills, which gives me a competitive edge," Rob said.
"Winning MSQ's Apprentice of the Year Award was a great achievement, it felt like all the hard work I put in was worth it.
"Since completing my qualification I'm now the one training new apprentices and passing knowledge on, which is very rewarding."
Award categories for 2012 are:
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Manufacturing School of the Year
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Manufacturing School-based Trainee or Apprentice of the Year
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Manufacturing Indigenous Student of the Year
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Manufacturing Trainee of the Year
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Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year
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Manufacturing VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year
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Registered Training Organisation of the Year
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Small to Medium Employer of the Year
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Large Employer of the Year
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Student of the Year
Manufacturing Skills Queensland assists Queensland manufacturers to develop skilling strategies to ensure the global competitiveness of the State's manufacturing industry.
MSQ aims to develop strong and sustainable linkages with industry, particularly employers, to encourage an industry-owned and driven skilling agenda to address the key skills development and formation challenges facing Queensland manufacturers.
MSQ is a division of QMI Solutions, the industry body dedicated to improving the skills, performance, innovation and capability of the Queensland manufacturing industry through the provision of specialist knowledge and expertise. The organisation helps manufacturers implement workforce development strategies, operational enhancements and innovations, and to link industry with major projects, researchers and technology solutions.
Visit www.msq.org.au/skillsconference/2012/ to make a nomination. Applications close on Sunday 18 March 2012.
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