Top students named at the 2018 NSW Training Awards – Western NSW
Media release | 15 June 2018
Training Services NSW Executive Director David Collins has congratulated Mathew Harvey and Laura Van Uum on taking out the top honours at the 2018 NSW Training Awards for the Western NSW region held tonight in Orange.
Mathew who studied at TAFE NSW was named local Apprentice of the Year while Laura, who trained at TAFE NSW while working at Bathurst Regional Council, was named local Trainee of the Year.
“Mathew and Laura have proven to be among the State’s best and brightest Vocational Education and Training (VET) students,” Mr Collins said.
“Mathew was such a standout Engineering Fabrication apprentice that he went straight into a management role with his host employer PJL Group at the completion of his apprenticeship.
“Laura has also performed strongly as a business trainee across many different areas of Bathurst Council’s operations.
“While Mathew and Laura are exceptional VET talents, the quality of all finalists and winners at the Western NSW Awards provided a sparkling 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 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 Western NSW Awards Winners
Apprentice of the Year
Winner | Mathew Harvey |
Trained by | TAFE NSW |
Employer | PJL Group |
VET Course | Engineering - Fabrication Trade – Cert III |
Town | Orange |
Trainee of the Year
Winner | Laura Van Uum |
Trained by | TAFE NSW |
Employer | Bathurst Regional Council |
VET Course | Business Services – Cert IV |
Town | Bathurst |
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner | Tayla Constable |
Trained by | TAFE NSW |
| Employer | TC Rural (self-employed) |
VET Course | Diploma of Agriculture |
Town | Coolah |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year
Winner | Kathryn Robinson |
Trained by | Tranby National Indigenous Adult Education & Training |
| Employer | Family and Community Services, Bourke |
VET Course | Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Advocate |
Town | Bourke |
School Based Apprentice – Trainee of the Year
Winner | Reece Turner |
Trained by | TAFE NSW |
Employer | Wyalong Public School |
VET Course | Community Services - Education Support - Cert III |
Town | Wyalong |
VET in Schools Student of the Year
Winner | Madison Weal |
Trained by | Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst – Mackillop College |
VET Course | Hospitality - Kitchen Operations - Cert II |
Town | Bathurst |