Mitchell Pogan, Western Downs Regional Council receive top honours at 2021 Queensland Training Awards

A hardworking council employee has taken home the top gong for his efforts in his traineeship, while Western Downs Regional Council were recognised for their innovative career development program.

WELL DONE MITCH: Western Downs mayor Paul McVeigh with Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year Mitchell Pogan and CEO Ross Musgrove. Picture: WDRC

The tireless efforts of a young council employee has net him the top gong at the state’s vocational awards, while Western Downs Regional Council’s career development program was also honoured.

The Queensland Training Awards celebrates apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers, trainers, and employers for best practice and innovation in the industry.

Council employee Mitchell Pogan exhibited these traits throughout his program and clinched the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year, while council was awarded the Large Employer of the Year.

Mr Pogan said he was honoured to receive the award and have his efforts recognised.

“It was my work as a trainee that helped shape the employee I am today, and it is an honour to have that hard work and dedication acknowledged by receiving this award,” Mr Pogan said.

Councillor Ian Rasmussen said it was fantastic to see one of their own celebrated and recognised for their achievements through council‘s Early Career Development Program.

“Our council prides itself on delivering dynamic and engaging career development pathways,” Cr Rasmussen said.

“It is a true credit to the organisation to receive the Large Employer of the Year and have one of our former trainees also go on to take out an award themselves.”

Mayor Paul McVeigh said he was proud of Mr Pogan’s achievements, and wanted to congratulate the other Western Downs finalists, which included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Kasey Hardy from Harness Energy Services, and Equity VET Student of the Year Tatum Kite from the Chinchilla Community Centre.

Mr Pogan, council’s organisational development team, and other Western Downs representatives will move onto the state finals held in Brisbane on September 4.