Strategies to address the skilling issues facing Queensland manufacturing and recognition of industrys' achievements were the focus of the 2011 Manufacturing Skills Conference and Awards Night.
The 2011 Conference included speakers from industry heavyweights such as Atlas Heavy Engineering, Varley Specialty Vehicles, Gladstone Industry Leadership Group, Teys Bros and Worley Parsons.
Delivered by QMI Solutions through Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) - a
skills centre of excellence that works closely with the Queensland Government to ensure the long-term competitiveness and capability of the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
QMI Solutions CEO Jim Walker said skills are one of the crucial areas the industry needs to address to ensure its survival. “Manufacturers need to address four key issues to survive: having the right skills to meet demand; ensuring their processes are efficient; having the capability to deliver; and looking for innovative ways to improve business,” Walker said.
Manufacturing Skills Queensland General Manager Erik Salonen said the Conference preceded the second Industry Awards night which recognised the contributions of individuals, employers and training organisations to the industry.
The ten Award categories attracted sponsorship from industry and were won by:
Manufacturing Trainee of the Year
Penelope Gardner
sponsored by SkillsTech Australia
Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year
Rob Schrodter
sponsored by MIGAS
Manufacturing School-based Apprentice and/or Trainee of the Year
Peggy Keats
sponsored by PARTEC
Peggy Keats accepts her Award from Minister for Manufacturing Jan Jarratt and Award Sponsors Partec
Manufacturing School of the Year
Rochedale State High School
sponsored by Atlas Heavy Engineering
Manufacturing VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year
Wayne Tierney
sponsored by Bremer Institute of TAFE
Registered Training Organisation of the Year
Bremer Institute of TAFE
sponsored by AMWU
Small-to-Medium Employer of the Year
Payton Kitchens
sponsored by Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE
Large Employer of the Year
Queensland Alumina Ltd
sponsored by the Australian Industry Group
Manufacturing Indigenous Apprentice of the Year
Laubry Saylor
sponsored by TORGAS
Industry Champion Award
Rex Vegt - Atlas Heavy Engineering
Rex Vegt accepts his Award from MSQ General Manager Erik Salonen and Minister for Manufacturiing Jan Jarratt