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 |