An established family-owned business has taken out the top honour of Large Employer of the Year at the 62nd Queensland Training Awards.
The 2023 Queensland Training Awards provide the state’s top prize for outstanding achievements in vocational education and training (VET) statewide.
It recognises apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers and trainers, as well as training providers and employers.
Roz and Michael White’s Sunshine Coast supermarket White’s IGA was awarded Large Employer of the Year for prioritising training to their team of about 500 employees.
The business was also recognised for helping to develop a training platform that now supports more than 1400 stores.
Operating for more than 30 years, White’s IGA has engaged in different areas in the community, working with local schools to attract team members and support apprenticeships, local producers and customers to create a vibrant and diverse community.
Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton congratulated the Whites on their recent achievements.
“Being a regional winner is already an amazing achievement but taking home a state title is an incredible feat,” he said.
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“It is great to see White’s IGA win an award for their exceptional dedication to training and supporting their employees and community, and I hope this will inspire more locals and employers to pursue their own goals through vocational education and training.
“Congratulations to Roz and Michael White and all their staff members – not only have you made our region and community proud, but Queensland too.”
The state winners were announced at the Queensland Training Awards event at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, September 9.
White’s IGA was among 14 winners who took home state honours and is now in the running for national recognition at the Australian Training Awards in November.
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Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the Queensland Training Awards highlighted the state’s top achievers in training and showcased the power of skills.
“Congratulations to all the state winners at the prestigious Queensland Training Awards,” she said.
This year, statewide nominations increased by more than 40 per cent from last year, with over 210 regional finalists selected from more than 800 nominations.
For a full list of the statewide winners click here.
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