Business owners, entrepreneurs, and apprentices from across Queensland have been recognised for their excellence and commitment to the Queensland automotive industry at the 2022 Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) Industry Awards Gala.
The 2022 Industry Awards saw four award categories presented on the night, including the Apprentice of the Year Award, Community Award, Innovation Award, and the Women in Industry Award.
Third-year auto electrical apprentice Britain Leotta from Mackay Transit Coaches claimed the much-coveted Apprentice of the Year Award.
According to the MTA, Britain has brought a range of new and exciting ideas to the workplace, including using his interest in the relatively new area of 3D printing to manufacture cost-effective replacement parts.
The Garage Miami (below) claimed the Community award for 2022, with the judges suggesting that it was evident that the community is at the heart of The Garage Miami’s business operations.
Among the many organisations the business currently sponsors are 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 was won by Benzina Zero (below), who is behind 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 the aim of growing to 25 by the end of the 2023 financial year.
They have also signed up for 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 (below).
For the past seven years, Skid Control has 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 CEO Rod Camm said.
“This year’s finalists were of extremely high calibre, and it was truly spectacular hearing about their achievements from the last 12 months. I congratulate all our finalists and winners for their hard work, effort, and determination.”
