Top students named at the 2018 NSW Training Awards – Western Sydney & Blue Mountains

Media release | 22 June 2018

Training Services NSW Executive Director David Collins has congratulated Jacob Malcolm and Gerard Samson on taking out top honours at the 2018 NSW Training Awards for the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region held tonight at Oatlands.

Jacob of Elderslie who studied Electrotechnology at TAFE NSW while working at Coca-Cola Amatil was named Apprentice of the Year. Gerard of Winston Hills who trained in Business at Train Australia while working at Westpac has been named Trainee of the Year.

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

“Jacob is a standout apprentice at Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) where his bosses say he has leadership potential. They are accelerating his apprenticeship so he can qualify for an Electrical Maintenance position which will soon be available.

“Gerard has excelled in his traineeship with Westpac where he has shown a strong work ethic. His manager says he views everything that comes across his desk as an opportunity to make a difference to work colleagues and customers.

“While Jacob and Gerard are exceptional VET talents, the quality of all finalists and the six winners at the regional awards 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 for selection 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 students 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 Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Awards Winners

Apprentice of the Year

Winner

Jacob Malcolm

Trained by

TAFE NSW

Employer

Coca-Cola Amatil

VET Course

Electrotechnology - Electrician – Cert III

Town

Elderslie

Trainee of the Year

Winner

Gerard Samson

Trained by

Train Australia

Employer

Westpac

VET Course

Business - Cert II

Town

Winston Hills

Vocational Student of the Year

Winner

Kealoana Stevenson

Trained by

TAFE NSW

VET Course

Advanced Diploma in Music Industries

Town

Tregear

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year

Winner

Lowana Mcdougall

Trained by

Australian College of Commerce and Management

Employer

National Australia Bank

VET Course

Financial Services - Cert III

Town

Lethbridge Park

School Based Apprentice – Trainee of the Year

Winner

Tayla Dangerfield

Trained by

Australian College of Commerce and Management

Employer

National Australia Bank

VET Course

Business Services - Cert II

Town

Glenmore Park

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Winner

Pariselle Hughes

Trained by

The Hills Regional Skills Centre

VET Course

Business Services - Cert II

Town

Yagoona