Nominations are open for Queensland trainees, apprentices, trainers and training organisations to nominate for their chance to win a prestigious Queensland Training Award.

State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan, encouraged local people to apply to be recognised for their hard work in training.

“These awards celebrate and acknowledge the hard work of Queensland’s top training achievers,” Mr Ryan said.

“I encourage eligible apprentices, trainees and trainers – along with employers, training and community-based organisations – to apply."

Mr Ryan said the Queensland Training Awards was an opportunity to shine a light on our state’s highest achievers in training.

“By continuing to recognise and celebrate Queensland’s outstanding achievers in training, we can continue to raise the bar in our successful Vocational Education and Training sector in Queensland,” he said.

“The awards will also give some of Queensland’s winners the chance to compete at a national level and be recognised at the Australian Training Awards."

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the Queensland Training Awards program had a long history in Queensland, with 2018 being its 57th year.

“These awards have never been so important,” she said.

“Training and upskilling Queenslanders is vital to making sure we can continue to have the largest job growth in the country.

“There is no nomination fee and regional coordinators are available to answer questions about the awards and provide support through the nomination process.

The Queensland Training Awards are run by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

Award categories range from Vocational Student of the Year and VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year to Community Training Initiative of the Year.

Nominations close on Friday March 16. For more information on all 14 award categories, how to nominate and eligibility criteria, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.