Queensland manufacturers should get ready to be recognised at the 2012 Manufacturing Skills Awards, which will take place in Brisbane on 18 May 2012.
Nominations are now open for the yearly Awards, which “reward outstanding contributors to the Queensland manufacturing industry,” according to the company that runs the program, QMI Solutions.
The Awards are part of Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s (MSQ) annual conference (MSQ is a division of QMI Solutions), 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 contributions to the Queensland manufacturing industry.
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,” 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.
Townsville boilermaker Rob Schrodter, who won the Apprentice of the Year award in the previous year’s program, encourages Queensland manufacturers to get involved.
Schrodter 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,” he 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.”
Visit www.msq.org.au/skillsconference/2012/ to make a nomination. Applications close on Sunday 18 March 2012.