Highlighting the achievements of MTA Queensland members and MTA Institute apprentices, the 2022 Industry Awards saw four categories presented, including the Apprentice of the Year Award, Community Award, Innovation Award, and the Women in Industry Award.
Taking home the Apprentice of the Year Award was Britain Leotta, a third-year automotive electrical apprentice from Mackay Transit Coaches.
It was a momentous occasion for the 20-year-old, who has impressed not only with his passion for the job and skill level, but with his initiative.
Leotta has brought a range of new and exciting ideas to the workplace, including using his interest in 3D printing to manufacture cost-effective replacement parts.
Working with Mackay Transit Coaches has given Leotta experience across a wide range of vehicles, where he has been able to grow his skillset and further ignite his passion for the trade.
Next up was the Community Award, which was presented to The Garage Miami. With part of their mission statement to ‘become the first choice for locals,’ it is evident that the community is at the heart of The Garage Miami’s business operations. Among the many organisations that the business currently sponsors is 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.
The Innovation Award followed, presented to Benzina Zero. Benzina Zero is leading innovation through a collection of compact, energy-efficient electric scooters and mopeds. Officially launching in Australia earlier this year, Benzina Zero currently has 10 outlets across the country, with an aim of growing to 25 by the end of the 2023 financial year. They have also signed up to the B-Cycle Battery Stewardship program, helping to reduce, recycle, and reuse old batteries.
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 have 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.
“The MTA Queensland Industry Awards are a chance to recognise and celebrate the individuals and businesses working to make our industry better, MTA Group chief executive Rod Camm says.
“This year’s finalists were of extremely high calibre, and it was 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 says.
MTA Queensland would like to thank event Platinum Supporters Spirit Super, BUSY At Work, and Capricorn for their support of the event.
