2009 Australian Training Awards Winners and Finalists

Australian Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Blake McCarthy (WA) Course: Certificate III in Electrotechnology - Systems Electrician Employer: Electrical Group Training Ltd. Current and Host Employer: WA Water Corporation Training Provider: Swan TAFE A firm believer in lifelong learning, Blake McCarthy holds more than 10 certificates and qualifications, including first aid, heights training and engineering. After gaining his electrical trade certificate and electrician’s licence earlier this year, he has become a valuable member of the Water Corporation’s engineering and construction services branch. Blake’s enthusiasm and desire to excel saw him finish his apprenticeship six months ahead of schedule and earn second place in the 2008 Electrical Group Training Fourth Year Apprentice of the Year award. Blake loves the outdoors and is an active member of the Armadale Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, where he is on call around the clock.

Runner Up: Craig Folker (Qld) Course: Certificate III in Engineering - Electrical/Electronic Trade Employer: Riviera Marine Training Provider: Gold Coast Institute of TAFE After spending most of his weekends boating, fishing and playing water sports, Craig Folker took to his Riviera Group apprenticeship like a duck takes to water. Helping build luxury boats for customers around the world means Craig strives for high quality workmanship. This trait has seen him win a host of awards, including Riviera Group’s 2008 Apprentice of the Year and the Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence in the electrotechnology category. Craig is now planning to join the Volunteer Marine Rescue organisation.

Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year

Winner: Jacqueline Vella (NSW) Course: Certificate III in Community Services (Disability work) Employer: North West Disability Services Inc Training Provider: TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute In 2007, Jacqueline Vella began work with North West Disability Services Inc. (NWDS) where she completed a Certificate III in Community Services (Disability Work). Jacqueline is now studying a Certificate IV in Community Services (Disability Work) and a Diploma of Disability Work through TAFE NSW. Not content with just studying, Jacqueline has also gained a number of promotions and has passed on her skills and knowledge by training others and received the inaugural 2008 NWDS Award for Outstanding Service Delivery. Jacqueline will study a Bachelor of Social Work at university and continue her work with NWDS as she prepares for a bright future.

Runner Up: Adam Selby (WA) Course: Certificate III in Process Plant Operations Employer: Woodside Energy Limited Training Provider: Challenger TAFE Adam Selby started his career as an apprentice refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic. Then, working in the Middle East and West Africa on offshore oil and gas platforms fuelled his desire to change careers. After a rigorous three-month selection process, he began a traineeship at the prestigious Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training (ACEPT) at Challenger TAFE. After completing on-the-job training for his Certificate II in Process Plant Operations at one of Woodside’s offsite plants, he began working as a process plant operator in November 2008. Dedicated to lifetime learning, Adam wants to become an industry leader and plans to complete a Certificate IV in Process Plant Operations.

Stella Axarlis Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Jacob Noonan (Vic) Course: Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) School: Padua College Mornington Employer: Tony Noonan Racing Training Provider: Racing Victoria Padua College student Jacob Noonan is currently completing a Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) through Racing Victoria. As an apprentice jockey, Jacob is not only gaining skills for riding, but also learning about managing horse health, organisation in a workplace and working as part of a team. Jacob was the only apprentice in his class to have already started race riding - with his father Tony Noonan. Jacob usually starts his day at 4am, while still achieving outstanding sporting and academic results at school. In the future, he hopes to compete as a jockey around the world.

Runner Up: Daniel Lowe (WA) Course: Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) School: John Wollaston Anglican Community School Employer: Hospitality Group Training Host Employer: Parmelia Hilton Training Provider: Swan TAFE Bentley Campus Apprentice chef Daniel Lowe believes variety is the spice of life. When he’s not serving up award-winning dishes, he keeps fit training in Tae Kwan Do, in which he holds a black belt. After developing a love of cooking at an early age, Daniel decided to do an Australian School-based Apprenticeship in commercial cookery. Training with some of Perth’s most well-known chefs taught him invaluable skills, which resulted in him being named 2009 Schools Apprentice of the Year at the Hospitality Group Training Awards. Daniel is always eager to share his recipes and believes good food doesn’t have to be confined to a commercial kitchen.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Winner: Dasha Newington (NSW) Course: Diploma of Aboriginal Studies Training Provider: TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute After finishing school, Dasha Newington worked in retail and business, aged care, counselling and social science. Dasha had always wanted to explore her Indigenous ancestry and completed a Diploma of Aboriginal Studies in 2008. One of Dasha’s teachers described her as ‘an advocate and ambassador, not only for education but also for Indigenous people’. As a recipient of the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship, Dasha completed an Indigenous research internship with Onemda, the Koori health unit in Melbourne. The only Indigenous student in the intake of 300 students, Dasha is now studying a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, her lifelong dream.

Runner Up: Salathiel McKay (WA) Course: Certificate III in Electrical Engineering and Certificate IV in Electrical—Instrumentation Employer: Woodside Energy Limited Training Provider: Pilbara TAFE - Karratha Campus Salathiel McKay gained a full-time position at Woodside Energy after completing a Certificate III in Electrical Engineering and a Certificate IV in Electrical - Instrumentation. An enthusiastic and passionate member of Woodside’s apprenticeship group, Salathiel was elected as the health, safety and environment representative. He also developed ‘apprentice away days’, which involved a group of Woodside apprentices volunteering in activities such as school and community clean-up days. It’s no surprise he won Woodside’s Apprentice of the Year High Achiever Award for an unprecedented four consecutive years, from 2004 to 2008. Salathiel now plans to undertake further training and enhance his career in electricity and electro-technology.

Vocational Student of the Year

Winner: Jason Bromley (SA) Course: Advanced Diploma of Community Services Management Employer: Incompro Training Provider: TAFE SA - Barossa Valley Campus Jason Bromley is an active member of the Adnyamathanha, Narungga and Yarliyandi communities, with traditional ties spanning the Flinders Ranges, Yorke Peninsula, Simpson Desert and South West Queensland areas. Jason has lived, worked and associated in these communities, as well as in the Adelaide and River Murray communities for most of his life. He chose to study an Advanced Diploma of Community Services Management because it is directly relevant to his work as the Director of Indigenous organisation, Guranda Services. In his job, he undertakes consultancies and holds community information sessions. Jason strongly supports training and mentoring.

Runner Up: Lisa Northam (NSW) Course: Certificate IV in Community Services Training Provider: TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute Lisa Northam completed a Certificate IV in Community Services with Open Training and Education Network (OTEN) and received an outstanding result, with an average mark of 99.14 per cent. Thanks to her study, she now volunteers as a telephone counsellor for Lifeline, where she is currently training to become a supervisor. Lisa received the 2009 TAFE NSW State Medal for Community Services Work and the 2009 TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute Student Excellence Award for Health and Community Services. Lisa plans to complete the new Diploma in Community Services Work at OTEN and hopes to become a family support worker.

Prime Minister's Small Business of the Year

Winner: Cyber Hair (TAS) Cyber Hair is a cutting-edge hair design salon located in Kingston, Tasmania. The business has 13 full-time and two casual employees. Cyber Hair has a reputation as a business that strives for excellence in all aspects of hairdressing. The company aims to deliver superior customer service by providing ongoing education in styling and hair care for its staff. This also keeps them at the forefront of hair artistry.

Skills for Sustainability

Winner: TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute (NSW) For more than 30 years, Northern Sydney Institute (NSI) has been a leader in providing skills for sustainability. NSI is the first and only TAFE in Australia to achieve the international standard for environmental management systems. In 2009, NSI became the first education institution recognised as a Sustainability Advantage Bronze Partner by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. Each year, over 3000 students study land, environmental and coastal management, developing skills to meet the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability, developing sustainable practices in building design and construction, and in hospitality. NSI is also ‘training the trainers’ in partnership with other TAFE institutes, universities, state government and industry

Australian Training Initiative

Winner: WA Department of Corrective Services (WA) The WA Department of Corrective Services is supporting prisoners to make the transition to community-based education and employment. The Through-care Program helps prisoners re-enter the community as job-ready, motivated individuals. Participants in the program earn accredited training qualifications while they are in prison and develop relationships with training providers, employers and industry, which can lead to further education and employment opportunities. In 2008, more than 4100 adult prisoners successfully earned around 17 000 units of competency in state and nationally recognised qualifications. Through this innovative and collaborative program, prisoners are taking the next step towards rehabilitation and developing skills for their future.

VET in Schools Excellence

Winner: WA College of Agriculture Cunderdin (WA) The WA College of Agriculture in Cunderdin provides quality education and training through a unique combination of secondary school courses and national training packages. With a proven record in delivering training, the college offers structured courses that give students time in the classroom, as well as practical experience in trade areas on the work farm. In 2008, 100 per cent of Year 12 graduates went on to employment or further education and training after completing the minimum Certificate II in Agriculture. This demonstrates how the WA College of Agriculture, Cunderdin is playing a part in developing today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce.

Small Training Provider of the Year

Winner: Blue Dog Training (Qld) Blue Dog Training began in 2005 to meet the needs of Queensland’s rapidly growing construction industry. The training model proved so successful it has been adapted by other trades. Since 2006, Blue Dog Training has worked with more than 750 employers to find training solutions for their staff and trained almost 1200 Australian Apprentices. It offers Australian Apprenticeship training, and a range of short courses. Blue Dog is achieving great results through its Comprehensive Assessment Training and Tracking system, which divides learning outcomes into self-contained ‘chunks of knowledge’ to engage students.

Large Training Provider of the Year

Winner: Swinburne University of Technology (TAFE Division) (Vic) Swinburne University of Technology offers a progressive approach to training, providing training programs from certificate to PhD level. Vocational learning is a key driver for Swinburne. The organisation works on developing and delivering tailored workforce training to meet the skills needs of businesses across a range of industries. Swinburne delivers a host of programs including The First Stop program, which re-engages young people in education; the Tap into Training program, which offers support and training to retrenched workers, sole parents and people over 40; and the VET in Schools program, which has links to 700 schools.

Employer of the Year

Winner: Hollywood Private Hospital (WA) Hollywood Private Hospital believes its 1,700 staff members are central to the success of its business. The 416-bed private hospital has its own training and development department, including a manager, five part-time clinical nurse educators and two part-time administrative staff. The hospital tailors training to suit a wide range of participants, including mature-aged workers, young people and migrants. The hospital encourages regular feedback to build an inclusive and supportive work environment. Committed to maintaining a team of staff to promote the values of the organisation and support training, Hollywood Private Hospital is at the forefront of private health care in Western Australia.

	Company	Industry
	The Manildra Group	Agri-Foods
	Queensland Alumina Limited	Manufacturing
	Hollywood Private Hospital	Community Services and Health
	Hastings Deering (Aust) Ltd	Resources and Infrastructure
	The Vikings Group	Services

Innovative Business Award

The Innovative Business Award, sponsored by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, recognises the way in which an organisation has successfully demonstrated excellence in the use of information and communication technology in the delivery of education and training programs to clients and workforce employees.

The winner of the 2009 Innovative Business Award is Blue Dog Training.

NCVER VET Researcher of the Year Award

This award, sponsored by The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) recognises the outstanding contribution of a researcher in the field of vocational education and training.

The winner of the 2009 NCVER VET Researcher of the Year Award is Chris Selby Smith (awarded posthumously).

Australian Apprentice of the Year

State	First Name	Surname	Certificate
WA	Blake	McCarthy (winner)	Certificate III in Electrotechnology—Systems Electrician
QLD	Craig	Folker (runner up)	Certificate III in Engineering (Electrical)
ACT	Geoff	Hepburn	Certificate III in Electrotechnology—Systems Electrician
NSW	Gavin	Press	Certificate III in Electrotechnology—Systems Electrician
NT	Raymond	Brown	Certificate III in Carpentry
SA	Ryan	Coats	Certificate III in Electrotechnology—Systems Electrician
TAS	Megan	Beasley	Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)
VIC	Mathew	Hall	Certificate III in Engineering—Mechanical Trade

Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year

State	First Name	Surname	Certificate
NSW	Jacqueline	Vella (winner)	Certificate III in Community Services (Disability Work)
WA	Adam	Selby (runner up)	Certificate III in Process Plant Operations
ACT	Peter	Jamieson	Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Contract Administration)
NT	Heath	Wheeler	Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics (Rail Operations)
QLD	Michael	Pope	Certificate IV in Competitive Manufacturing
SA	Lauren	Tiltman	Certificate III Business Administration
TAS	Jessica	Alexander	Certificate III in Business
VIC	Yuta	Kobayashi	Certificate IV in Sport and Recreation

Stella Axarlis Australian School-based Apprentice (ABSA) of the Year

State	First Name	Surname	Certificate
VIC	Jacob	Noonan (winner)	Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)
WA	Daniel	Lowe (runner up)	Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)
ACT	Alex	Agostino	Certificate III in Plumbing
NSW	Telecia	Wehlow	Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)
NT			Not contested
QLD	Priyanka	Luecke	Certificate III in Business Administration
SA	Mitchell	Silk	Certificate III in Electrotechnology—Electrician
TAS	Natasha	Hill	Certificate III in Agriculture

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Student of the Year

State	First Name	Surname	Certificate
NSW	Dasha	Newington (winner)	Diploma of Aboriginal Studies
WA	Salathiel	McKay (runner up)	Certificate III in Electrical Engineering and Certificate IV in Electrical—Instrumentation
ACT	Allison	Hoolihan	Diploma of Business (Administration)
NT	Richard	Baker	Certificate IV in Transport and Distribution (Aviation Flight Operations—Helicopter)
QLD	Vincent	Schrieber	Certificate II in Water Industry Operations
SA	Nat	Loadsman	Diploma of Statutory Child Protection
TAS	Joanne	Crowden	Diploma of Community Welfare Work
VIC	Tamara	Marshall	Certificate III in Hospitality—Commercial Cookery

Vocational Student of the Year

State	First Name	Surname	Certificate
SA	Jason	Bromley (winner)	Advanced Diploma of Community Services Management
NSW	Lisa	Northam (runner up)	Certificate IV in Community Services
ACT	David	Balfour	Diploma of Public Safety (Fire Fighting Management)   [Posthumous Award]
NT	Samantha	Ziegler	Certificate III in Business
QLD	Ariella	Anderson	Diploma of Visual Arts
TAS	Alison	Richardson	Diploma of Retail Management
VIC	Marie	Killeen	Diploma of Tourism
WA	Jon	Arlow	Diploma of Seafood Industry (Aquaculture)

Prime Minister’s Small Business of the Year

State	Name of Organisation
TAS	Cyber Hair (winner)	Cyber Hair is a cutting-edge hair design salon located in Kingston, Tasmania. The business has 13 full-time and two casual employees. Cyber Hair has a reputation as a business that strives for excellence in all aspects of hairdressing. The company aims to deliver superior customer service by providing ongoing education in styling and hair care for its staff. This also keeps them at the forefront of hair artistry.
NSW	Mick Fabar Constructions	Mick Fabar Constructions is a thriving building and construction company that has been operating in Orange, NSW for the past 10 years. The business is committed to developing apprentices and trainees in conjunction with Central West Group Apprentices, including the first female carpentry apprentice in the Orange region. Mick Fabar Constructions has developed Green Homes Australia, a new arm of the company, which builds quality green-smart homes that save energy and water. In recent times, Mick Fabar Constructions was awarded HIA’s Best NSW Efficient Home 2008, Keep Australia Beautiful—Best Garden Display Home 2008 and Tidy Towns Australia’s Award for Sustainable Home Design 2009.
QLD	Gilkatho Pty Ltd	Located in Milton, Queensland, Gilkatho is a coffee and equipment distributor that has been operating since the uptake of automatic machines in 1999. It primarily services hotels, businesses and homes in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Four of Gilkatho’s seven staff members are currently undertaking further study or training, and the organisation values a skilled workforce as an essential ingredient in its success. Gilkatho considers its staff’s individual job roles and career aspirations when planning training. Internal training sessions take place every week, and cover company-specific information such as pricing, warranties and product knowledge.
VIC	Wodonga Auto Centre	As Wodonga Auto Centre has grown, it has remained committed to developing the skills and understanding of its apprentices. Wodonga Auto Centre has given many apprentices their start. It is renowned for supporting skills development of its apprentices, including improved literacy and numeracy. The focus is in providing an environment that will help apprentices become good mechanics who can identify problems and find solutions. Business owner John Panlook’s holistic approach has helped many young people with low self-confidence to become competent, capable employees with the skills to administer a business and forge sustainable careers.

Skills for Sustainability

State	Name of Organisation
NSW	TAFE NSW – NORTHERN SYDNEY INSTITUTE (winner)	For more than 30 years, Northern Sydney Institute (NSI) has been a leader in providing skills for sustainability. NSI is the first and only TAFE in Australia to achieve the international standard for environmental management systems. In 2009, NSI became the first education institution recognised as a Sustainability Advantage Bronze Partner by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. Each year, over 3000 students study land, environmental and coastal management, developing skills to meet the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability, developing sustainable practices in building design and construction, and in hospitality. NSI is also ‘training the trainers’ in partnership with other TAFE institutes, universities, state government and industry.
NSW	TAFE NSW – NORTH COAST INSTITUTE	TAFE NSW—North Coast Institute is located in one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, which is home to ecologically significant natural environments. More than just an education institution, North Coast TAFE is also an asset manager, resource user, and community partner, demonstrating responsible stewardship of resources, and supporting others to do the same. North Coast TAFE’s Ecological Sustainability Policy ensures its staff and students are responsible for their environmental performance within their work and learning environment. By demonstrating an efficient and ecologically responsible workplace, developing the capability of their staff and partnering with industry, North Coast TAFE is leading the delivery of green skills in the NSW North Coast and beyond.
VIC	SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY	Swinburne University of Technology is a nationally and internationally recognised leader in sustainability, and an innovative, progressive institution. For Swinburne, the concept of sustainability is broad and includes interrelated environmental, sociocultural and financial considerations. Swinburne sees the significance of its responsibility to prepare tomorrow’s leaders for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. It recognises that students, businesses and our communities need to be equipped to deal with emerging issues. Swinburne employs a multi-faceted approach to incorporate sustainability principles in training programs and the organisation, providing leadership which inspires innovation and creativity.

Australian Training Initiative

State	Name of Organisation
WA	WA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIVE SERVICES (winner)	The WA Department of Corrective Services is supporting prisoners to make the transition to community-based education and employment. The Through-care Program helps prisoners re-enter the community as job-ready, motivated individuals. Participants in the program earn accredited training qualifications while they are in prison and develop relationships with training providers, employers and industry, which can lead to further education and employment opportunities. In 2008, more than 4100 adult prisoners successfully earned around 17 000 units of competency in state and nationally recognised qualifications. Through this innovative and collaborative program, prisoners are taking the next step towards rehabilitation and developing skills for their future.
NSW	TAFE NSW – NORTHERN SYDNEY INSTITUTE AND NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE	TAFE NSW—Northern Sydney Institute (Northern Beaches College) and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service developed a training partnership to support the strategic direction of Indigenous tourism in New South Wales. Authenticity and cultural integrity is a key element of tourism product development and, as such, requires community involvement and the support and approval of the community elders. The training program helps these communities to develop cultural tourism products at national parks, and as a result provide pathways to employment. The long-term goal is to build a sustainable business run by Indigenous communities and supported by local elders.
VIC	MARNI WAIENDI – CITY OF PLAYFORD	The Marni Waiendi Centre (which means ‘towards a future’) offers training which leads to employment, social inclusion and cultural participation to Indigenous Australians in the Northern Adelaide region. The initiative connects a network of agencies and local industry to provide a range of education, training and support services, including case management and mentoring. The centre is the result of the local government’s comprehensive training-to-employment strategy to meet the complex needs of its Indigenous community. Marni Waiendi is a whole-of-government model for achieving wellbeing, learning and employment outcomes for Indigenous people, which also addresses intergenerational poverty.

VET in Schools Excellence

State	Name of Organisation
WA	WA COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE CUNDERDIN (winner)	The WA College of Agriculture in Cunderdin provides quality education and training through a unique combination of secondary school courses and national training packages. With a proven record in delivering training, the college offers structured courses that give students time in the classroom, as well as practical experience in trade areas on the work farm. In 2008, 100 per cent of Year 12 graduates went on to employment or further education and training after completing the minimum Certificate II in Agriculture. This demonstrates how the WA College of Agriculture, Cunderdin is playing a part in developing today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce.
ACT	CANBERRA COLLEGE FUTURES PROGRAM	The Canberra College Futures Program delivers a specialised education program to students identified by the ACT Department of Education and Training as having a special need. The program offers Board of Senior Secondary Studies, accredited core courses and electives that prepare students for their future. This includes developing students’ literacy and numeracy skills, and offering electives in areas such as art, dance, photography, current affairs and physical education. This unique program has earned a reputation for excellence and exceeded its enrolment capacity for 2009. It displays best practice in vocational education and training for students with special educational needs.
NT	TAMINMIN HIGH SCHOOL	Established in 1983, Taminmin High School is located 40 kilometres south of Darwin. Taminmin offers a comprehensive range of senior secondary and vocational courses. It is also a registered training organisation, delivering nationally accredited courses in automotive, engineering, hospitality, racing, business, conservation and land management and rural operations. Its facilities include a mixed produce farm, a 150-hectare natural resource study area and an automotive, construction and engineering skills centre. Taminmin High School also delivers vocational education and training to schools and communities in remote locations. Developing out of a successful pilot, the training program continues to receive positive feedback and achieve outcomes in remote areas.

Small Training Provider of the Year

State	Name of Organisation
QLD	BLUE DOG TRAINING (winner)	Blue Dog Training began in 2005 to meet the needs of Queensland’s rapidly growing construction industry. The training model proved so successful it has been adapted by other trades. Since 2006, Blue Dog Training has worked with more than 750 employers to find training solutions for their staff and trained almost 1,200 Australian Apprentices. It offers Australian Apprenticeship training, and a range of short courses. Blue Dog is achieving great results through its Comprehensive Assessment Training and Tracking system, which divides learning outcomes into self-contained ‘chunks of knowledge’ to engage students.
ACT	REGIONAL GROUP TRAINING	Regional Group Training (RGT) is committed to supporting the vocational education and training market, consulting industry, recruiting industry experts and taking a flexible training approach. RGT delivers training through registered training organisations, provides employment opportunities through group training organisations and promotes vocational education and training through its Australian Apprenticeships Centre. RGT is committed to excellence in training and tailors training to suit the requirements of each organisation. The value of RGT’s leading practices can be seen in the success of its Australian Apprentices (including trainees), and the organisation’s continued success in the ACT Training Excellence Awards and WorldSkills competition.
VIC	ONE WORLD FOR CHILDREN	Geelong childcare and kindergarten operator, One World for Children, offers quality industry-based training for the children’s services industry. One World for Children has a unique training structure which allows it to tailor training programs to the specific needs of the child care industry. The training arm of the organisation is closely linked with the child care facility, sharing staff and providing practical experience for students. The organisation has also incorporated an online training program to provide more flexibility. As a responsive registered training organisation, One World for Children maintains a service that reflects current thinking and best practice ideals while maintaining ethical standards.

Large Training Provider of the Year

State	Name of Organisation
VIC	SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (TAFE DIVISION) (winner)	Swinburne University of Technology offers a progressive approach to training, providing training programs from certificate to PhD level. Vocational learning is a key driver for Swinburne. The organisation works on developing and delivering tailored workforce training to meet the skills needs of businesses across a range of industries. Swinburne delivers a host of programs including The First Stop program, which re-engages young people in education; the Tap into Training program, which offers support and training to retrenched workers, sole parents and people over 40; and the VET in Schools program, which has links to 700 schools.
ACT	CANBERRA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY	The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is the ACT’s largest publicly owned education institution and registered training organisation. CIT delivers more than 400 programs leading to nationally and internationally recognised qualifications. CIT also provides an expanding range of VET in Schools programs across the ACT and has learning centres located across five campuses and two flexible learning centres, with a third centre in development. Creative learning options are used in classrooms, distance and online learning, workplaces and simulated work environments. CIT is an organisation aiming for, and achieving. leadership through its vocational education and training practices in Australia.
NSW	TAFE NSW – WESTERN SYDNEY INSTITUTE	TAFE NSW—Western Sydney Institute provides vocational education, training and workforce development services to industry and enterprises, individuals and the community from Parramatta to the Blue Mountains. The institute also offers distance education with the Open Training and Education Network (OTEN), a specialist distance education and open learning provider for TAFE NSW, which delivers courses using an extensive range of media. In addition, the Sydney West International Education unit was established which provides educational services to approximately 1000 international students from around 35 countries. In 2008, Western Sydney Institute and OTEN delivered training to approximately 80 000 students.

Employer of the Year

State	Name of Organisation
WA	HOLLYWOOD PRIVATE HOSPITAL (winner)	Hollywood Private Hospital believes its 1700 staff members are central to the success of its business. The 416-bed private hospital has its own training and development department, including a manager, five part-time clinical nurse educators and two part-time administrative staff. The hospital tailors training to suit a wide range of participants, including mature-aged workers, young people and migrants. The hospital encourages regular feedback to build an inclusive and supportive work environment. Committed to maintaining a team of staff to promote the values of the organisation and support training, Hollywood Private Hospital is at the forefront of private health care in Western Australia.
ACT	THE VIKINGS GROUP	As a major employer in the ACT’s Tuggeranong Valley with over 300 staff, the Vikings Group is one of the most successful licensed clubs in the Canberra region. The Vikings Group believes staff development is key to survival in the increasingly competitive club industry. Its recruitment model focuses on providing more than just a job in hospitality. It’s about providing career opportunities that have diversity and opportunity. This includes external and internal training opportunities such as school education programs, opportunities for Australian School-based Apprenticeships across the organisation, and vocational placements in bar operations, club reception, administrative support and events management.
QLD	QUEENSLAND ALUMINA LIMITED	As one of Gladstone’s largest employers, Queensland Alumina Limited employs 1175 staff and more than 300 contractors, operating 24 hours a day to run one of the world’s largest alumina refineries. Over the past few years, the company’s training landscape has changed, as has its attitude to training. Queensland Alumina, like many organisations, considered training to be a cost. Now it understands training is a source of competitive advantage. As a result of training, Queensland Alumina has a centralised, systematic approach to refining and improving services, and staff benefit from a safer and more flexible working environment.