Training Minister Peter Collier celebrated the successes of some of the State’s training elite, when he hosted the prestigious Western Australian Training Awards last night.
The awards recognised and rewarded the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees and vocational students, and the contribution of training providers and employers.
“The winners of each category, and indeed every finalist in the awards, are leaders in their field and testament to the strength of training in this State,” Mr Collier said.
With an enduring passion for the ocean and all its creatures, Geraldton aquaculture student Jon Arlow was named the WA Vocational Student of the Year 2009.
“Mr Arlow decided early on he wanted to become a fisheries officer and pursued his dream with a single-mindedness that is truly inspiring,” the Minister said.
“He undertook work experience and had a number of part-time jobs in fisheries-related industries, then after graduating from school, went on to complete a Diploma of Aquaculture through Central West TAFE.”
The highly coveted WA Apprentice of the Year 2009 went to electrotechnology systems electrician Blake McCarthy, who is also an active member of the Armadale Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
Mr McCarthy is employed in the Water Corporation’s engineering and construction services branch, which allows him to work outdoors and in different places.
WA Trainer of the Year 2009 was Bel Skinner, a music lecturer from Broome. Ms Skinner was recognised for her work with students in remote locations and for her innovative teaching practices.
Central TAFE was named WA Large Training Provider of the Year 2009 and Jobs South West Community Services received the WA Small Training Provider of the Year 2009 Award.
“The students, apprentices, trainees, trainers, employers and training providers who received a WA Training Award represent the very best WA’s training system has to offer,” Mr Collier said.
“In addition to recognising and celebrating outstanding individuals and organisations in training, these awards in turn encourage other Western Australians to embrace education and training as the foundation for success.”
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Winners of the WA Training Awards 2009:
WA Apprentice of the Year 2009 - Blake McCarthy of Seville Grove
Blake trained at Swan TAFE and is now employed by the Water Corporation as an electrotechnology systems electrician. He plans to undertake further qualifications to increase his skills and knowledge. He was a finalist in the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) 2007 Apprentice of the Year, and won a silver medal in the Electrical Group Training 4th Year Apprentice of the Year 2008. Blake is also an active member of the Armadale Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
WA Vocational Student of the Year 2009 - Jon Arlow of Geraldton
Growing up in Geraldton, Jon was surrounded by the ocean and dreamt of becoming a fisheries officer. His hard work, diligence and dedication to his studies led him to win many local awards, as well as a scholarship for the Diploma of Aquaculture at Central West TAFE. Jon has been invited to be a guest speaker at student and business events in the Mid-West, including the 2009 Midwest Student and Leaders Forum and the 2009 Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry Annual General Meeting.
WA Trainee of the Year 2009 - Adam Selby of St James
Adam started his first full-time career as an apprentice refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic when he left school in 1999. After working in the Middle East and West Africa to commission air conditioning systems on offshore oil and gas platforms, he applied to become a trainee process plant operator through Woodside’s Offshore Traineeship Program. Adam started training at the prestigious Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training (ACEPT) at Challenger TAFE, after completing a rigorous three month selection and recruitment process.
WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2009 - Salathiel McKay, of Karratha
With a strong interest in electricity and the electro technology industry, Salathiel applied for an instrument electrical apprenticeship with Woodside Energy Limited in 2004 and started as a first year apprentice in 2005. Based at the Karratha Onshore Gas Plant for the full term of his four-year apprenticeship, he graduated with a Certificate III in Electrical Engineering and a Certificate IV in Electrical Instrumentation from Pilbara TAFE.
WA Trainer of the Year 2009 - Bel Skinner of Broome
Employed by Kimberley TAFE, Bel works with students in remote locations as a music lecturer. She gives her students as much workplace training as possible, building relationships with local pubs and event organisers to get opportunities for her students to showcase their skills. She helped her students form a band, The Walkabout Boys, which has performed at various events, won many awards and is about to record its debut album with Australia’s premier indigenous music label, Skinny Fish.
WA School-based Apprentice of the Year 2009 - Daniel Lowe of Martin
Employed by Hospitality Group Training, Daniel is undertaking a school-based apprenticeship at John Wollaston Anglican School and Swan TAFE. He carries out his work placement experience at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel and Globe Restaurant in Perth, with a goal of becoming a chef and one day running his own restaurant.
WA Employer of the Year 2009 - Hollywood Private Hospital, Nedlands
Hollywood Hospital invests in its staff by providing quality training to those who help save lives. It ensures the skills of all 1,700 staff members are updated annually and also introduces new staff to the culture and values of the organisation. Hollywood places a large emphasis on retraining older members of staff to keep them in the workforce.
WA Small Training Provider of the Year 2009 - Jobs South West Community Services, Bunbury
The Bunbury-based training provider offers flexible training opportunities for youth at risk, people with disabilities and mature-aged job seekers in the South-West. The organisation provides tailored training to help trainees make an impact on future employers. The core value of the organisation is to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
WA Large Training Provider of the Year 2009 - Central TAFE, Perth
By investing in its staff, infrastructure and training delivery, Central TAFE is leading the way in delivering higher level qualifications. It is one of Australia’s biggest TAFE colleges and trains more than 25,000 students, including 1,300 WA-based international students and 2,500 overseas students. A strong commitment to providing high quality training and developing partnerships with external organisations has seen many former students excel in their chosen fields.
WA Training Initiative 2009 - ‘ASETS Through-care Model’, Department of Corrective Services, Perth
The department provides innovative training and support to prisoners who want to re-enter the workforce once released. Retraining prisoners is vital to their rehabilitation and the department’s high quality training opportunities increase the employability of prisoners. The main aim is to reduce re-offending rates by providing prisoners with long-term satisfying employment opportunities.
WA VET in Schools Award 2009 - Western Australian College of Agriculture, Cunderdin
The college provides a broad curriculum, dedicated staff and links to further education to ensure its students receive the best possible experience and meet the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Liaising with local industry and providing education and training through a combination of secondary school courses and national training packages ensures the college meets industry needs.