2012 State winners

Rachel Dudok
Training provider: Aviation Australia Pty Ltd
Qualification: Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Avionics)
Employer: QANTAS Airways Limited

Having always had an interest in aviation, Rachel joined the Australian Airforce Cadets when she was 14. She excelled in subjects such as mathematics, science and information technology during school, and was awarded numerous academic awards. Rachel pursued a Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering, but in her third year realised she wanted a more hands-on job, and commenced a Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Avionics) with Aviation Australia. On completion, Rachel was one of four students to be offered an apprenticeship with Qantas in Brisbane. Having now completed her apprenticeship, Rachel has nationally and internationally recognised qualifications, and is employed as an aircraft maintenance engineer.

Sharine Milne
Training provider: Motor Trades Association Queensland
Qualification: Diploma of Management
Employer: R.H.D. Classic Supplies & Services
Group training organisation

Sharine works in the male dominated world of motorcycle mechanics. Having already completed an automotive apprenticeship in 2007, Sharine undertook a Diploma of Management to really understand how a business should run. Since completing her studies, she is employed as the workshop manager of R.H.D. Classic Supplies — a personal goal of hers. As the mother of a teenage daughter, she is already a leader and a role model, illustrating that anything is possible for women in the workplace as long as they have a dream.

Peter Titlow
Training provider: Central Queensland Institute of TAFE
Qualification: Diploma of Management

Peter knows he is going to be a lifelong learner. He completed his Diploma of Management in September last year, his first formal study since he was awarded his trade certificate 20 years ago. Peter gained confidence in both his professional and personal life, and it is now his intention to undertake a postgraduate management program. Peter believes the diploma is just the start of his learning journey.

Lachlan Brand
Training provider: Central Queensland Institute of TAFE
Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical)
Employer: Hastings Deering
School:Pioneer State High School

Passionate about mechanics and training, Lachlan Brand is undertaking a schoolbased apprenticeship at Hastings Deering. He has a very clear vision of what he wants to achieve in his career. On completing school, Lachlan aims to transfer to a full-time apprenticeship as an auto electrician, and from there he plans to study engineering at university. Eventually Lachlan would like to own an engineering business, overhauling and improving mining, construction and manufacturing equipment.

Aaron Bond
Training provider: Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE
Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
Employer: Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa
Group training organisation: Skill360Australia

Aaron Bond is preparing for the next stage in his career. After completing a four-year apprenticeship with Rio Tinto Alcan in Weipa, he believes the skills he has learned have provided him with different options. As the father of seven children, Aaron has encouraged his kids to take up traineeships, with two already successful. Aaron is actively involved in mentoring young Indigenous people, highlighting the opportunities that are available to them inthe Weipa area.

Tash Fee
TNT Training Solutions

Tash Fee is the owner, trainer and assessor of TNT Training Solutions. She has dedicated much of her time and efforts to opening doors for women who wish to enter what are commonly regarded as male-dominated fields. After facing her own challenges during her working career as a motor mechanic, she now enjoys teaching women, and men, across a variety of fields. She is seen as a role model to women seeking to enter non-traditional careers. Her working week can consist of heights training at a coalmine to fire training at a childcare centre.

Flowtech Air Conditioning, Meadowbrook
(07) 3200 3300
www.flowtechac.com.au

Flowtech Air Conditioning knows the, reason behind its success — its people. An organisation that began as a testing and commissioning business 21 years ago has grown into a company offering the most extensive range of services in its industry. Management knows that in order to achieve great results, it needs great people. Flowtech makes sure that its employees are given the best training options, and are encouraged to undertake training sessions which support both business needs and individual development. Fifty per cent of Flowtech staff have completed further studies which have been supported financially by the company. This training includes Certificates III and IV in Business Administration, apprenticeships in refrigeration and mechanical trades, and energy auditing courses.

Sea Swift, Portsmith
(07) 4035 1234
www.seaswift.com.au

Based in Cairns, Sea Swift is Australia's largest privately owned shipping company, with 27 vessels and around 300 staff, many of whom are based on remote islands and come from Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander cultures. As one of the largest employers in the Torres Strait region, Sea Swift makes a significant contribution to the employment and skills development of local communities. The company has a strong training ethos and continually invests in its staff at all levels. Training activities include inductions, cadetships, and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

Baking Industry Training Australia
Brisbane
(07) 3839 6871
www.bita.org.au

Baking Industry Training Australia (BITA) courses are all about flexibility. The company delivers baking industry training to more than 300 apprentices throughout Queensland. Apprentices cover all groups, including school-based, mature-age, apprentices with disabilities or learning difficulties, as well as culturally diverse backgrounds. BITA's aim is to deliver vocational training using flexible delivery methods that encourage participation in training for both apprentices and their employers. Under the flexible delivery model, training involves input from the apprentice, the employer and BITA.

Blue Dog Training, Brisbane
(07) 3166 3900
www.bluedogtraining.com.au

Established in 2005, Blue Dog Training (BDT) is a private training provider with approximately 40 000 short course enrolments and 1500 apprentices. BDT's passion for flexible and responsive training has created a training model that not only suits the learner, the employer and the industry, but is also cost-effective. Training is provided in areas including carpentry, engineering, concreting, and White Card and trade maths. BDT aims to implement innovative delivery strategies which provide truly flexible training.

SkillsTech Australia and Santos GLNG
Coal Seam Gas and Gas Transmissions Pipeline Operations Training Centre
1800 654 447
www.skillstech.tafe.qld.gov.au

In a ground-breaking training collaboration, Santos Gladstone Liquefied Natural Gas (GLNG) project and SkillsTech Australia have introduced Australia's first specialized coal seam gas (CSG) and gas transmissions pipeline operations training centre. The specialised training facility at SkillsTech Australia's Acacia Ridge Training Centre provides a much needed solution for the skills shortage in the CSG sector, replicating the working environment of a gas field. Santos GLNG will provide jobs for graduating students for the first 18 months of the program.