Top students named at the 2018 NSW Training Awards – New England

Media release | 29 June 2018

Training Services NSW Executive Director David Collins has congratulated Ashleigh Dallas from Kootingal and Justin Law from Gunnedah on taking out the top honours at the 2018 New England Regional Training Awards held tonight in Tamworth.

Ashleigh, who studied Hairdressing at TAFE NSW while working at Wavelengths 489 was named local Apprentice of the Year. Justin, who trained in Horticulture at Australian Training & Consulting while working at Mackellar Care Services, was named Trainee of the Year.

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

“Ashleigh was a standout apprentice who has an exceptional work ethic and a keen willingness to further her already considerable skills in hairdressing..

“Justin too is passionate about the horticulture trade and has developed great skills and confidence during his traineeship to the point where his innovations to the irrigation system at Mackellar have improved efficiency and safety of the system.

“While Ashleigh and Justin are exceptional VET talents, the quality of all finalists and winners at the New England 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 New England Awards Winners

Apprentice of the Year

Winner	Ashleigh Dallas
Trained by	TAFE NSW
Employer	Wavelengths 489
VET Course	Hairdressing – Cert III
Town	Kootingal

Trainee of the Year

Winner	Justin Law
Trained by	Australian Training & Consulting (ATAC)
Employer	Mackellar Care Services
VET Course	Horticulture - Cert III
Town	Gunnedah

Vocational Student of the Year

Winner	Jesse Britten
Trained by	TAFE NSW
Employer	Teys Australia
VET Course	Diploma in Workplace Health & Safety
Town	Tamworth

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year

Winner	Darren Finn
Trained by	TAFE NSW
Employer	Jobs Australia Enterprises
VET Course	Fitness - Cert IV
Town	Inverell

School Based Apprentice – Trainee of the Year

Winner	Emika Denzel
Trained by	TAFE NSW
Employer	Hunter New England Local Health District
VET Course	Health Services Assistance - Cert III
Town	Ashford

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Winner	Kieran Sullivan
Trained by	Public Schools NSW, Tamworth
VET Course	Agriculture - Cert II
Town	Uralla