Top students named at the 2018 NSW Training Awards – Southern & South Western Sydney
Media release | 28 June 2018
Training Services NSW Executive Director David Collins has congratulated Kristy Blacka and Tara Proberts-Roberts on taking out top honours at the 2018 NSW Training Awards for the Southern and South Western Sydney region held tonight in Lidcombe.
Kristy of Bomaderry, who studied Engineering (Mechanical Trade) at TAFE NSW while working at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), was named local Apprentice of the Year.
Tara of Camden, who trained in Civil Construction at TAFE NSW while working on the WestConnex project, was named local Trainee of the Year.
“Kristy and Tara have both excelled in non-traditional trades for women and proven to be among the State’s best and brightest Vocational Education and Training (VET) students,” Mr Collins said.
“While Kristy and Tara are exceptional VET talents, the quality of all finalists and winners at the Southern and South Western Sydney Awards has provided a great 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 young people that VET is a great pathway for a rewarding career,” Mr Barilaro said.
“They also 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 eligible 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,” Mr Barilaro said.
For more information on VET in NSW: vet.nsw.gov.au
2018 Southern & South Western Sydney Awards Winners
Apprentice of the Year
Winner | Kristy Blacka |
Trained by | TAFE NSW |
Employer | ANSTO |
VET Course | Engineering Mechanical Trade – Cert III |
Town | Bomaderry |
Trainee of the Year
Winner | Tara Proberts-Roberts |
Trained by | TAFE NSW |
Employer | CPB Dragados Samsung joint venture (WestConnex) |
VET Course | Civil Construction - Cert II |
Town | Camden |
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner | Michelle Brown |
Trained by | TAFE NSW |
Employer | Ability Links NSW |
VET Course | Diploma of Visual Arts |
Town | Campbelltown |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year
Winner | Mark Tinelt |
Trained by | TAFE NSW |
| Employer | Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation |
VET Course | Diploma of Counselling |
Town | Dulwich Hill |
School Based Apprentice – Trainee of the Year
Winner | Ariana Costas |
Trained by | Australian Training Company |
Employer | Leisure Employment Australia |
VET Course | Sport and Recreation - Cert II |
Town | Bexley North |
VET in Schools Student of the Year
Winner | Caitlin Neckovski |
Trained by | Sydney Catholic Schools |
VET Course | Kitchen Operations - Cert II |
Town | Dolans Bay |