Awards recognise commitment to training excellence

The Toowoomba Chronicle,Thursday, December 02, 2010

AN apprentice and a student from Toowoomba are among winners of key awards in the Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) Excellence Awards.

Rodney Reid from Toowoomba was announced as the winner of the Construction Training Centre Construction Apprentice of the Year Award.

And Joseph Frey of Toowoomba was named as the winner of the Sarina Russo Construction School Student of the Year Award.

The building and construction industry's night of nights took place last month at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The CSQ Awards encompass all members and levels of the building and construction industry and, this year a record number of nominations were submitted.

As the winner of the award, Rodney Reid showed exceptional commitment to training.

The judges said: "Rodney Reid is leading hand as third-year apprentice for FK Gardner and Sons and is due to complete his apprenticeship in early 2011. He has a wealth of experience, a strong work ethic and is extremely motivated.

Rodney is a great role model for other young apprentices."

Rodney Reid was thrilled to win such a prestigious award win such a prestigious award and said on the night:

"It is an honour to win this award and a great start to my career," he said.

"I have to thank FK Gardner and Sons for the insight, training, effort and the time they have spent with me and the opportunities they have presented to me. I am proud to be a part of their team.

"Thanks to my family for their support throughout my apprenticeship."

Judges said of Joseph Frey - "Joseph Frey will complete stage one of his electrical apprenticeship by the end of 2010. The judges noted his dedication to training - he went to TAFE during the school holidays. Joseph is a natural leader and is a role model or indigenous youth with his mature outlook."

Joseph Frey was thrilled to win such a prestigious award and said on the night: "I am very surprised and honoured to win these awards; this is a great start to my electrical career," he said.

"I must thank The Apprenticeship Company and my parents for their support."

CSQ chief executive officer Brett Schimming said the work that took place within the industry, in terms of a commitment to training, was truly outstanding.

"The CSQ Excellence Awards was a fantastic event," he said.

"It is great to have the opportunity to recognise those who have demonstrated a commitment to training and CSQ would like to congratulate all of the winners."