MTA Queensland recognises industry’s best

By Neil Dowling on 6th December 2022 Personnel Articles Leotta, MTAQ Awards

THIRD-year auto-electrical apprentice Britain Leotta of Mackay Transit Coaches has been named Apprentice of the Year at the recent 2022 Motor Trades Association of Queensland awards.

Recognising business owners, entrepreneurs and apprentices from across the state, the industry awards aim to shine a spotlight on excellence and commitment to the Queensland automotive industry.

Highlighting achievements of MTA Queensland members and MTA Institute apprentices over the past 12 months, the awards had four categories presented on the night, including the Apprentice of the Year Award, Community Award, Innovation Award, and the Women in Industry Award.

Apprentice of the Year Britain Leotta (20) impressed not only with his passion for the job and skill level, but with his initiative, bringing a range of new and exciting ideas to the workplace, including using his interest in the relatively new area of 3D printing to manufacture cost-effective replacement parts.

The Community Award was presented to The Garage Miami, for which part of its mission statement to “become the first choice for locals”. It sponsors the Broadbeach Cats AFL Club, Burleigh Golf Club, Bond Pirates Rugby Union Club, Burleigh Bowls Club, Magic United Soccer Club, and the Miami Nippers SLSC.

Benzina Zero, which offers a collection of compact, energy-efficient electric scooters and mopeds was presented with the Innovation Award. The company launched in Australia earlier this year and now has 10 outlets across the country with an aim of growing to 25 by the end of the 2023 financial year.

The final award for the night was the Women in Industry Award, presented to Brendale-based Skid Control. For the past seven years, Skid Control has hosted regular driver training and performance events across Queensland.

Recognising a noticeable lack of support for women looking to participate, the team introduced the “She’s in Control” series, a female-only initiative focused on teaching women performance driving in slide, high-performance track, and dirt rally environments.

MTA Group CEO Rod Camm described the MTA Queensland Industry Awards as “a chance to recognise and celebrate the individuals and businesses working to make our industry better”.

“This year’s finalists were of extremely high calibre, and it was truly spectacular hearing about their achievements from the last 12 months. I congratulate all our finalists and winners for their hard work, effort, and determination,” he said.