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