Sunshine Coast Education Institutions win industry accolades
Two Sunshine Coast education providers collected three prestigious awards for their leading role in Queensland's international education sector last night.
Parliamentary Secretary for Trade Michael Choi MP said that last night's Queensland Education and Training International Awards for Excellence were held to recognise the State's top achievers in the international education and training sector, with the University of the Sunshine Coast and the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE in a prominent pool of just 16 award recipients recognised.
"Ms Rachel McKay from the University of the Sunshine Coast collected the Queensland Student Ambassador of the Year award for her work through the University of the Sunshine Coast's Global Opportunities Program.
"Rachel has proved herself as an exemplary ambassador for Queensland and the University," Mr Choi said.
"The Global Opportunities Program itself also collected an award in the Outward Mobility category for making exchanges accessible to all students.
"The program has achieved significant participation among students with learning, medical and physical disabilities, as well as mature-age and Indigenous students.
"Established in 2004, the Global Opportunities program has grown to provide a high-quality international study experience through collaboration with partner institutions to become a leading outbound exchange program in Queensland.
"Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE collected the Best Practice in International Collaboration in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector for their involvement in delivering VET qualifications to Pacific Island students.
"To date, more than 2,584 students from Pacific Island countries have applied, 746 students have enrolled, and 121 students have graduated with improved local, regional and international employment opportunities," Mr Choi said.
"The Queensland Education and Training International Awards for Excellence are part of a Queensland Government program to recognise the State's international education and training institutions, students and educators for their contribution to building and sustaining the State's international education industry.
"These State-based Awards , which are four years old, are unique in Australia. They recognise, celebrate and showcase local institutions and individuals that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the international student experience," Mr Choi said.
"In 2008, more than 84,000 international students from over 160 countries chose Queensland as their study destination.
"These students studied across the four education sectors - higher education, vocational education and training (VET), English language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), and schools.
"The international education and training industry sector contributes over 17,000 full-time equivalent jobs to the Queensland economy.
"It's important to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of this vital export industry to Queensland's economy, and also to the cultural fabric of our State.
"By highlighting examples of best practice, we will continue to build Queensland's reputation as a quality provider of international education and training services," Mr Choi said.
Parl Sec Media contact: Alec McConnell 322 51835 or 0407 547 236
Last updated 11 September 2009
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