Top students named at the 2018 NSW Training Awards – Central Coast

Media release | 28 June 2018

Training Services NSW Executive Director David Collins has congratulated Mitchell Earl from Lakelands and Ryan Gordon from Long Jetty on taking out top honours at the 2018 NSW Training Awards for the Central Coast held tonight in Tumbi Umbi.

Mitchell who studied Carpentry at TAFE NSW while working at North Construction and Building was named local Apprentice of the Year. Ryan, who trained in Financial Services at Australian College of Commerce and Management, while working at East Gosford & Districts Financial Services, was named Trainee of the Year.

“Mitchell and Ryan have proven to be among the State’s best and brightest Vocational Education and Training (VET) students,” Mr Collins said.

“Mitchell has been a standout apprentice who has excelled not only in the typical carpentry skillset but also in management and supervision of trades; implementing work, health and safety on sites and site administration.

“Ryan is a quick learner who has displayed passion, maturity and confidence in his role as a Trainee Customer Service Officer.

“While Mitchell and Ryan are exceptional VET talents, the quality of all finalists and winners at the Central Coast awards has provided a showcase of our world class VET sector and I congratulate them all,” Mr Collins said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro said regional winners would be eligible to compete at the NSW Training Awards state finals in September.

“The Training Awards pay tribute to our apprentices, students, trainees, educators and training providers from all over the state and show how VET is a great pathway for a rewarding career,” Mr Barilaro said.

“They provide a fantastic platform for us to celebrate the achievements of all those involved in the success of our Smart & Skilled VET system which provides students in NSW with high quality and affordable training.

“VET offers a strong alternative to university with graduates getting into work sooner, getting paid more on graduation, and getting training in occupations predicted to have the greatest new job growth over the next five years.”

For more information on VET in NSW: vet.nsw.gov.au

2018 Central Coast Awards Winners

Apprentice of the Year

Winner	Mitchell Earl
Trained by	TAFE NSW
Employer	North Construction & Building
VET Course	Carpentry – Cert III
Town	Lakelands

Trainee of the Year

Winner	Ryan Gordon
Trained by	Australian College of Commerce  & Management
Employer	East Gosford & Districts Financial Services Ltd
VET Course	Financial Services - Cert III
Town	Long Jetty

Vocational Student of the Year

Winner	Katayoon Karimodini
Trained by	TAFE NSW
Employer	Northern Women's Health Centre
VET Course	Diploma of Community Services
Town	Glenning Valley

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year

Winner	Payton Boyd
Trained by	TAFE NSW
Employer	Central Coast Local Health District
VET Course	Health Services- Allied Health Assistance - Cert III
Town	Chittaway Point

School Based Apprentice – Trainee of the Year

Winner	Ella-Jayne Raymond
Trained by	Kentucky Fried Chicken
Employer	Lakehaven KFC
VET Course	Retail Services - Cert III
Town	Gorokan

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Winner	Emma Peat
Trained by	Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Broken Bay
Employer	The Balcony Restaurant and Foot Locker
VET Course	Hospitality - Kitchen Operations - Cert II
Town	Tumbi Umbi