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