The Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year Award is presented to an individual who is undertaking a traineeship and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training. State or territory training award winners of this category are automatically finalists for the Australian Training Awards and will compete at the national level.
When Ben Nedwich was announced as Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year his reaction was one of ‘total surprise’. But for anyone who had seen Ben in action the award wouldn’t have come as such a shock. Already, Ben had proven to be a high achiever, receiving the Sunrise Rotary TAFE Queensland East Coast Trainee/Apprentice of the Year Award 2015, the Overall Student of the Year Award 2015 and Gold Medal in the Business Services Section of the WorldSkills Australia National Competition in 2016.
Ben is delighted not just for himself but for putting his hometown of Bundaberg on the map as a provider of the highest quality training and workforce.
"The award exemplifies that it doesn’t matter where you’re located - it’s the quality of training that counts. I certainly couldn’t have achieved what I have without the people around me who have supported and trained me, all the while being very generous in imparting their knowledge and experience. They are a huge part of my success."
Ben undertook a Certificate III in Business Administration while completing his traineeship at Bundaberg Regional Council. He found his training an ideal way to combine practice and theory while gaining a qualification which would provide an excellent launching pad for further learning and career progression.
As winner of an Australian Training Award he has recently been appointed an Australian Apprenticeships Ambassador to share his story to inspire others.
"One of the most important aspects of the Australian Training Awards is that they highlight the importance and benefits of training and recognise people who are prepared to go above and beyond in contributing to their workplace and the community. I’ve seen first-hand how quality training can benefit people and turn their lives around. My goal is to spread that message far and wide so that other people can enjoy the same opportunities that I have had."