Business owners, entrepreneurs, and apprentices from across Queensland have been recognised for their excellence and commitment to the Queensland automotive industry at the 2023 Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) Industry Awards Gala on Saturday, 11th November.
Highlighting the incredible achievements of MTA Queensland member businesses and MTA Institute (RTO. 31529) apprentices over the last 12 months, the 2023 Industry Awards saw six award categories presented, including the Apprentice of the Year, Community Award, Innovation Award, Women in Industry Award, and new on the award program, the Small and Large Business Awards for Excellence.
The Large Business Award for Excellence was awarded to AMA Group Ltd, a leader in the Australian collision repair industry, supported by a leading Australian distributor of vehicle collision parts. With a focus on developing the automotive workforce through building leadership capability, AMA Group have delivered considerable growth in their Queensland apprenticeship program over the last 12 months.
In the evening’s other awards, Townsville-based Alexander Body Works took out the Community Award, the Sunshine Coast’s British Off Road won the Innovation Award, Hatice Hutchinson, owner of All Car Engine Reconditioning Services in Yatala was presented with the Woman in Industry Award, and Melissa Smith, a fourth-year AUR30320 - Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology apprentice from Crank Auto Electrics and Air Conditioning in Deception Bay was crowned Apprentice of the Year.
MTA Group CEO Rod Camm said, “The Industry Awards are an opportunity to highlight the individuals and businesses in our communities who deliver success every day and lead the way in driving progress in the automotive industry. We are privileged to be able to celebrate them in person at such a spectacular event.
“As an industry, we continue to face skill and labour shortages, rising costs of goods, and rapid evolution of the automotive landscape at the hands of electrification. However, we continue to face these challenges head-on and it is the actions of those honoured at the 2023 Industry Awards Gala that are leading the way. I sincerely congratulate all award finalists and winners and look forward to following the stories of them all as they continue to forge their paths forward in the automotive industry.
MTA Queensland would like to thank platinum supporters Spirit Super and Capricorn for their support of the 2023 Industry Awards Gala.