Record entries to MTAQ awards

By Neil Dowling on 5th December 2021 Personnel Articles MTAQ Awards

FOURTH-year light-vehicle mechanical apprentice Joshua Frampton from Cricks Auto Group has become Motor Trades Association of Queensland Apprentice of the Year in a gala event held to celebrate the achievement of MTA members.

Mr Frampton (26), who is close to completing his apprenticeship with Cricks in Maroochydore, thanked his parents, partner, and employer, and outlined his desire to keep “trying and trying to achieve some great things.”

Joshua Frampton – Apprentice of the Year Winner

The 2021 MTA Queensland industry awards gala also named Fionna Blackburne, the owner of Southeast Auto Mechanical in Beenleigh, as winner of the Women in Industry Award for her commitment to educating women in the community on basic vehicle maintenance skills and principles through the ‘Women on the Move’ program.

The MTA said Fionna’s business took out the Community Award in 2018 “and she has continued to expand education programs in recent times, taking them to local schools and universities, while continuing to be an advocate for the many employment opportunities available to women in the automotive industry.”

In the other award categories, Bill Robertson Toyota in Gladstone was awarded the Community Award for its long-standing support of the Gladstone and Central Queensland communities, while Electric Mobility Solutions Australia (EMoS Australia) took out the Innovation Award.

MTA Group CEO Rod Camm said: “The MTA Queensland Industry Awards provides the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the individuals and businesses who are making exceptional contributions to the betterment of the industry through community and innovation leadership, and excellence in their discipline.

“We are privileged to be able to celebrate them in person at such a spectacular event.

“As an industry we have faced, and indeed continue to face, shortages in both skilled labour and parts and supplies, and challenges with the pace of new technological advancements.

“However, we continue to face these head-on, led by individuals like those recognised in the 2021 Industry Awards.

“I sincerely congratulate them all and look forward to following them as they continue to lead the industry into the future. I also applaud the field of strong candidates who made the finalist group. You are all outstanding and I congratulate you all.”