2008 Australian Training Awards Winners and Finalists

Prime Minister's Small Business of the Year

Winner: Verriers Engineering Services (WA) Verriers Engineering Services is a family owned and operated business that has been supporting the transport, mining, agricultural and food industries for the past 62 years. With a strong belief that training should be an integral part of any business, Verriers Engineering Services has invested heavily in its staff. Its 13 employees include fitters, welders, trade assistants, general hands, office and administration staff and two Australian Apprentices. Verriers is tackling industry skill shortages through its commitment to employing unskilled staff and providing training through TAFE WA, in-house or through private registered training providers.

Australian Training Initiative

Winner: Group Training Northern Territory (NT) Group Training NT is a not-for-profit company aiming to increase the number of Australian Apprentices in the Northern Territory, and to improve the quality of training provided. The Group Training NT remote servicing ‘Working in Partnerships’ initiative engages Indigenous people in vocational education and training which leads to real jobs in their own communities. The initiative is making a difference in the lives of Indigenous people across the Northern Territory by partnering with the communities to establish real employment in remote regions. Its success can be seen in employment outcomes, completion rates and increasing demand.

VET in Schools Excellence

Winner: Central West TAFE (WA) Central West TAFE works alongside regional secondary schools to provide VET opportunities from its campuses in Geraldton, Carnarvon and Exmouth. In 2004, the TAFE partnered with Geraldton Senior College and Clontarf Midwest Football Academy to develop the Kicking Goals program. Kicking Goals is a holistic approach to engaging young Indigenous males in education and training, using football as the vehicle to engage and educate students at risk of not completing school. This innovative program meets the educational, social and behavioural needs of students and keeps them on track to achieve the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

Small Training Provider of the Year

Winner: Australian College of Training (WA) The Australian College of Training is a national leader in food and meat processing training and offers training via flexible delivery to students all around the world. Boasting a staff of 16, including four qualified food technologists, this internationally recognised trainer is committed to bringing structured learning and careers to its industry. The college delivers resources for more than 500 nationally accredited units of competency ranging from Certificate I to Diploma. In 2008 alone, the Australian College of Training has delivered targeted training to 660 trainees and 180 students.

Large Training Provider of the Year

Winner: Wodonga Institute of TAFE (VIC) Since adopting its learner-centred strategic plan in 2005, Wodonga TAFE has experienced extraordinary growth. Responding to the needs of learners and the business community, the TAFE provides workforce development solutions in an environment of labour and skills shortages, severe drought and social disadvantage. Wodonga TAFE has focused on developing an innovative individual learner management approach that increases work-based and flexible modes of delivery to suit both the learner and employer’s needs, particularly in rural and remote contexts in Victoria and throughout Australia. The TAFE ensures access to work-based learning through enduring partnerships with enterprises and community organisations.

Employer of the Year

Winner: Weir Minerals Australia (NSW) A global company that has been operating in Australia for 70 years, Weir Minerals Australia employs more than 600 operational and administrative staff, including 24 apprentices. Weir Minerals provides training opportunities to all employees to improve their skills and enable them to thrive in the challenging environment of manufacturing. Through a range of nationally recognised training programs, Weir Minerals Australia aims to enhance production efficiency, provide greater job satisfaction and boost opportunities for career progression. This investment is paying off, with more than 94 per cent of participants successfully completing nationally accredited courses in Competitive Manufacturing.

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 2008 Innovative Business Award is the Swinburne University of Technology - TAFE

The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence Trades and Skills Teacher of the Year Award

As part of The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence work to foster, acknowledge and reward excellence in trade skills teaching, national Australian Trades and Skills Teacher of the Year Award was presented at the Australian Training Awards.

The winner of the 2008 Trade Teacher of the Year Award is Brian Heim.

VET Researcher of the Year Award

This inaugural 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 2008 Researcher of the Year Award is Prof Roger Harris.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Winner: Michael Donovan (NSW) Course: Certificate III In Engineering Fabrication Trade Employer: Sydney Training and Employment Ltd Host Employer: AGI Engineering (Wollongong) Training Provider: TAFE NSW – Illawarra Institute Since commencing employment with AGI Engineering and his studies at TAFE, Michael hasn’t looked back. He was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award for gaining first place in both stage one and two of the Engineering Fabrication trade at TAFE. A Koori man from the Woddi-Woddi area, Michael comes from a culturally and spiritually strong family where his grandmother and father have been strong mentors. Michael takes a leading role with new apprentices in the workplace, teaching them basic skills and the importance of having a trade to further their employment opportunities.

Runner Up: Natasha Abbott (NT) Course: Certificate III in Business Employer: Newmont Asia Pacific—Tanami Operations Training Provider: Charles Darwin University One of six children, Natasha comes from Alice Springs where her parents instilled in her an appreciation for learning and contributing back into the community. As a Community Relations Officer, Natasha has a reputation for professionalism, local knowledge and strong communication skills which helps her build trusting relationships with her colleagues and community members. Natasha credits her studies through Charles Darwin University for helping to shape her future as she aims to become a leader in her community.

Australian Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Rachael Keily (ACT) Course: Certificate III in Plumbing Employer: Custom Plumbing Training Provider: Canberra Institute of Technology Rachael completed a Certificate III in Plumbing this year and says her training gave her the necessary work skills required in her current role as an assistant estimator. In this role, Rachael is required to liaise with contractors, provide quotes on work, and visit job sites throughout Canberra. Rachael is actively involved in the promotion of Australian Apprenticeships, delivering presentations to high school students on the value of trade qualifications, and is currently.

Runner Up: Daniel Crisp (NSW) Course: Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Systems Electrician) Employer: Downer EDI Engineering Power Pty Ltd Training Provider: The Australian Electrotechnology Industry Training Centre Daniel chose a career in the electrotechnology industry because of the numerous career paths and opportunities available. During his training he has been recognised for his commitment and passion, winning the National Electrical and Communications Association’s Clipsal National Communications Apprentice of the Year Award, overall National Apprentice of the Year Award, and the Downer EDI Engineering Power Apprentice of the Year Award. He hopes to work his way up to a project management position with his employer Downer EDI Engineering. Daniel is currently completing a Diploma in Electrical Engineering at TAFE, and plans to study Business Management in the future.

Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year

Winner: Matter Machar (VIC) Course: Certificate IV in Youth Work and Protective Care Employer: Link Employment and Training Group Training Host Employer: City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services Training Provider: Education Training and Employment Australia Due to his own personal experience as a refugee and his training and work experience, Matter is an effective advocate, role model and ambassador for other young people. Matter commenced studies for a Certificate IV Youth Services and Protective Care with Education Training and Employment Australia. Through his traineeship with LINK Employment and Training, Matter was placed at the City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services, running a basketball program for young people from diverse multicultural backgrounds. Matter works to increase programs for multicultural young people, and develops programs and activities to improve family and social support in the local community.

Runner Up: Clinton Scott-Knight (ACT) Course: Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Employer: TMS Training Provider: Learning Options Clinton has found the completion of a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to be invaluable in his role as General Manager of operations at Indigenous Training Pathways. By undergoing a traineeship himself, Clinton believes he has a greater understanding of the VET system, enabling him to implement and manage Indigenous traineeship programs in the public and private sectors. Clinton holds a keen interest in Indigenous affairs and is actively involved in community events. In 2005 he formed an Indigenous Rugby League team to compete in the annual Aboriginal Rugby League knockout.

Vocational Student of the Year

Winner: Jill Morris (NSW) Course: Diploma of Community Welfare Work Employer: Greater Western Area Health Service Training Provider: TAFE NSW—Western Institute Since leaving full-time work in administration to complete a Diploma of Community Welfare Work, Jill has embarked on a new career path. Jill works as a residential care nurse in mental health rehabilitation with the Greater Western Area Health Service and is now completing a Bachelor of Social Work through Charles Sturt University. She believes that completing her Diploma at TAFE and her ongoing studies at university are her biggest personal achievements to date. Jill is passionate about working with families and as she develops her skills she is very keen to get involved in preventative community development social work.

Runner Up: Debra Franks (WA) Course: Certificate IV in Youth Work Employer: Avonvale Primary School Training Provider: CY O’Connor College of TAFE Debra Franks draws on her own life experiences to encourage and empower students and other community members to gain skills for a positive future. Through her work as a school-based community liaison officer, Debra has developed programs to boost school attendance and achievement. After completing Certificates III and IV in Youth Work, Debra is now working towards a Certificate IV in Community Services Work with the aim of helping young people reach their full potential. Debra believes anything is possible and works tirelessly to instil this feeling of confidence in the young people she works with.

Stella Axarlis Australian School-Based Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Melinda Stephens (VIC) Course: Certificate III in Clothing Production School: Mansfield Secondary Employer: Jenni D Designs Training Provider: RMIT University (TAFE Division) Melinda pursued her passion for fashion by undertaking an Australian School-based Apprenticeship with Mansfield designer Jenni Duncombe. In addition to this hands-on exposure to the clothing production industry, Melinda also completed a Certificate III in Clothing Production through RMIT University (TAFE Division) while studying at Mansfield Secondary College. Melinda is a highly motivated and enthusiastic role model, mentoring younger students as a peer leader at her school. She has also been responsible for all aspects of a successful fashion show fundraiser, with other school and community organisations seeking her support for other fundraising events.

Runner Up: Brenton  Pearce (NSW) Course: Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery School: St Peter’s Catholic College Employer: Housing Industry Association Ltd Training Provider: TAFE NSW While studying construction in Year 11, Brenton commenced a Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery through TAFE NSW’s Hunter Institute, with recognition for the units he had completed at school. Brenton has demonstrated his outstanding employability skills both at school and in the workplace. He also demonstrated his construction skills through his work on a 70 metre wetlands boardwalk. During Year 11 and while participating in the accelerated construction course offered at St Peter’s, Brenton sat the HSC exam and achieved a Band 5 result, scoring the highest mark for the combined Year 11 and 12 students. In the future, Brenton hopes to study construction management at university.

Prime Minister’s Small Business of the Year

State	Name of Organisation
NSW	Midson Road Child Care Centre	Midson Road Child Care Centre is a long day care centre that caters for 50 children per day and has just celebrated its 10th birthday. The centre has established a culture of promoting and supporting staff development. Trainees benefit from a staff orientation program, continuous development opportunities and flexible employment practices to assist them in maintaining study and family commitments. Midson Road Child Care Centre has been recognised through a range of state and national awards, including Child Care NSW Trainee of the Year and Children’s Service of the Year in the Australian Child Care Awards.
VIC	Sweeney Todd Waste Disposal	Lara-based Sweeney Todd Waste Disposal has established itself as an environmentally friendly market leader in the specialised field of medical waste management. Sweeney Todd Waste Disposal has built a strong relationship with the Gordon Institute of TAFE to deliver targeted training for its staff. Through a combination of formal off-the-job training and extensive on-the-job training, workers gain an awareness of all aspects of the industry, including safety and company procedures regarding medical waste management. Staff further increase their industry knowledge and experience through job rotations which allow them to become multi-skilled across the business.
WA	Verriers Engineering Services	Verriers Engineering Services is a family owned and operated business that has been supporting the transport, mining, agricultural and food industries for the past 62 years. With a strong belief that training should be an integral part of any business, Verriers Engineering Services has invested heavily in its staff. Its 13 employees include fitters, welders, trade assistants, general hands, office and administration staff and two Australian Apprentices. Verriers is tackling industry skill shortages through its commitment to employing unskilled staff and providing training through TAFE WA, in-house or through private registered training providers.

Australian Training Initiative

State	Name of Organisation
NT	Group Training Northern Territory	Group Training NT is a not-for-profit company aiming to increase the number of Australian Apprentices in the Northern Territory, and to improve the quality of training provided. The Group Training NT remote servicing ‘Working in Partnerships’ initiative engages Indigenous people in vocational education and training which leads to real jobs in their own communities. The initiative is making a difference in the lives of Indigenous people across the Northern Territory by partnering with the communities to establish real employment in remote regions. Its success can be seen in employment outcomes, completion rates and increasing demand.
VIC	Swinburne Employability Skills Passport, Swinburne University of Technology–TAFE	The Swinburne Employability Skills Passport initiative provides students with a range of general skills which are vital for securing employment. The passport is a validated record of a learner’s development of skills during their course of study at Swinburne. Built on a partnership approach between students, teachers, support staff and workplaces, this initiative enhances the learning experience for students and provides them with valuable life skills ranging from communication and teamwork, through to problem solving and self management. Skills recorded on the passport will be helpful when applying for work or identifying further education.
TAS	Industrylink Training	Nicholas Platon founded Industrylink Training, when he felt that the hospitality industry was not recognised as a serious career path in Tasmania. Determined to change that mindset, Nicholas formed the company in 2006, with just three employees working out of a terrace house. In the past two years, the business has grown and now has its own classrooms, library and offices. In March this year, Industrylink Training opened its own restaurant and training facility in its new premises in the heart of Hobart.

VET in Schools Excellence

State	Name of Organisation
VIC	Geelong North VE&T Cluster	The Geelong North VE&T Cluster delivers VET courses to students from 12 secondary colleges in Geelong’s northern suburbs and a further three from the Geelong area. Currently 500 students are enrolled across 14 VET certificate courses which are delivered from Corio Bay Senior College. Students benefit from innovative and effective delivery of VET courses, and are encouraged to accelerate their VET studies by beginning in Year 10 and finishing in Year 11. The Geelong North VE&T Cluster allows colleges to broaden their curriculum, minimise administration, coordinate transport arrangements for students and minimise costs to students.
WA	Central West TAFE (in partnership with Geraldton Senior college and Clontarf Midwest Football Academy)	Central West TAFE works alongside regional secondary schools to provide VET opportunities from its campuses in Geraldton, Carnarvon and Exmouth. In 2004, the TAFE partnered with Geraldton Senior College and Clontarf Midwest Football Academy to develop the Kicking Goals program. Kicking Goals is a holistic approach to engaging young Indigenous males in education and training, using football as the vehicle to engage and educate students at risk of not completing school. This innovative program meets the educational, social and behavioural needs of students and keeps them on track to achieve the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
SA	Thebarton Senior College	The Skills Centre at Thebarton Senior College caters for students from backgrounds that are culturally, linguistically and educationally diverse. Through simulated workplaces, students gain nationally-recognised qualifications and a pathway to further training and employment in their chosen industry. The college provides flexibility through innovative timetabling so that students experience learning as they would in a real job. They clock on, clock off, working the same hours and experiencing the same conditions as they would in an actual workplace. On-site simulated workplaces include business administration, construction and an engineering workshop.

Small Training Provider of the Year

State	Name of Organisation
NSW	Directions Australia	Established in 1997, Directions Australia is a registered training organisation for the community services and health industry and provides accredited learning and development in disability work. Workers in this sector often find training challenging and Directions Australia works hard to ensure training is as accessible as possible. To help learners and client organisations, Directions Australia has developed flexible and consultative methods which give learners a leading role in deciding the delivery of their training. Through this approach, Directions Australia has increased completion rates to 78 per cent, double the national average.
WA	Australian College of Training	The Australian College of Training is a national leader in food and meat processing training and offers training via flexible delivery to students all around the world. Boasting a staff of 16, including four qualified food technologists, this internationally recognised trainer is committed to bringing structured learning and careers to its industry. The college delivers resources for more than 500 nationally accredited units of competency ranging from Certificate I to Diploma. In 2008 alone, the Australian College of Training has delivered targeted training to 660 trainees and 180 students.
TAS	Industrylink Training	Nicholas Platon founded Industrylink Training, when he felt that the hospitality industry was not recognised as a serious career path in Tasmania. Determined to change that mindset, Nicholas formed the company in 2006, with just three employees working out of a terrace house. In the past two years, the business has grown and now has its own classrooms, library and offices. In March this year, Industrylink Training opened its own restaurant and training facility in its new premises in the heart of Hobart.

Large Training Provider of the Year

State	Name of Organisation
ACT	Canberra Institute of Technology	As a publicly owned educational institution, Canberra Institute of Technology is the ACT and region’s leading training organisation, and specialises in vocational education and training. By partnering with industry to develop programs to improve workforce skills, it is able to provide career and life opportunities for individuals. Canberra Institute of Technology is an integral part of the Canberra community, encouraging business and industry to adopt accredited training, and fostering community appreciation of the value of vocational education and training.
QLD	Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE	The Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE in Brisbane has strengthened its services and reputation since the amalgamation of all non-trade sections from the former Yeronga, Logan and Moreton institutes less than two years ago. Offering more than 400 courses across 10 campuses, the organisation works hard to ensure the format and scheduling of its training programs suit both clients and students. Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE boasts close to 46 000 students annually with over 900 employees focussed on providing quality training.
VIC	Wodonga Institute of TAFE	Since adopting its learner-centred strategic plan in 2005, Wodonga TAFE has experienced extraordinary growth. Responding to the needs of learners and the business community, the TAFE provides workforce development solutions in an environment of labour and skills shortages, severe drought and social disadvantage. Wodonga TAFE has focused on developing an innovative individual learner management approach that increases work-based and flexible modes of delivery to suit both the learner and employer’s needs, particularly in rural and remote contexts in Victoria and throughout Australia. The TAFE ensures access to work-based learning through enduring partnerships with enterprises and community organisations.

Employer of the Year

State	Name of Organisation
ACT	The Vikings Group	Since its establishment in 1979, The Vikings Group has grown from a single one-room club, to five licensed clubs, boasting over 60 000 members in Canberra. The Vikings Group is a major employer in the Tuggeranong valley with more than 300 employees. The Vikings Group is committed to providing training and development opportunities for its staff with the training program continuing to evolve over the past five years, providing new initiatives to improve skills and job satisfaction. A strong supporter of the local community, The Vikings Group has contributed more than $2 million in donations to various organisations.
NSW	Weir Minerals Australia	A global company that has been operating in Australia for 70 years, Weir Minerals Australia employs more than 600 operational and administrative staff, including 24 apprentices. Weir Minerals provides training opportunities to all employees to improve their skills and enable them to thrive in the challenging environment of manufacturing. Through a range of nationally recognised training programs, Weir Minerals Australia aims to enhance production efficiency, provide greater job satisfaction and boost opportunities for career progression. This investment is paying off, with more than 94 per cent of participants successfully completing nationally accredited courses in Competitive Manufacturing.
SA	Pernod Ricard Pacific	Pernod Ricard Pacific is one of the world’s leading wine and spirit companies, with a large portfolio of international brands. In Australia, the company has 1200 employees working across the wine industry, from cellar operators to marketing staff. The company provides high quality training to all staff through a network of committed onsite workplace trainers and assessors who work in partnership with local registered training organisations. Pernod Ricard Pacific has adopted a demand-driven approach to workforce planning and recognises the importance of capturing skills and workforce needs, and translating them into training opportunities.

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.  All shortlisted Australian Training Awards organisational finalists are eligible for this award.

Presentation of Institute of Trade Skills Excellence Trade Teacher Excellence

As part of The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence work to foster, acknowledge and reward excellence in trade skills teaching, the inaugural national Australian Trade Teacher of the Year Award will be presented at the Australian Training Awards.

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

State	First Name	Surname	Certificate
ACT	Natasha	Lilley	Certificate III in Sport and Recreation
NSW	Brenton	Pearce	Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery
QLD	Rohan	Greer	Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Systems Electrician)
SA	Ricky	Foran	Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology (Diesel)
TAS	Melanie	McCoy	Certificate III in Children’s Services
NT	Graeme	Talbot	Certificate III in Conservation Land Management

Vocational Student of the Year
 

State	First Name	Surname	Certificate
ACT	Elizabeth	Jordan	Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy
QLD	Jenifer	Wycha	Certificate III and IV in Information Technology (Networking)
VIC	Lauren	Johansson	Diploma of Youth Work
WA	Debra	Franks	Certificate IV in Youth Work
SA	Julie	Cleaver	Diploma of Statutory Child Protection
TAS	Laura	Brothers	Diploma of Training and Assessment

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

State	First Name	Surname	Certificate
ACT	Denise	Dixon	Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work
QLD	Bernard	Pope	Diploma of Nursing (Pre-enrolment)
VIC	Linda	Bamblett	Diploma of Youth Work and Diploma in Business
WA	James	Palmer	Certificate IV in Teacher Assistant (Indigenous)
SA	Bernice	Lawton	Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management
TAS	Olive	Ralph	Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft
NT	Natasha	Abbott	Certificate III in Business