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