2007 Tasmanian Training Awards Souvenir Programme [PDF 3.2MB]
Michael Wickham 2007 Apprentice of the Year
Michael is a Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical) apprentice at Rio Tinto Aluminium, Bell Bay.
Michael was working at Rio Tinto as an operator when he decided on a career change, undertaking an apprenticeship in 2004, at the age of 25. He won the Rio Tinto Apprentice of the Year award the same year, and has gone on to win a succession of Trade Excellence awards as he completed Certificate 3 and 4 in Engineering Mechanical Trade. His goal is to become a Mechanical Fitter with Rio Tinto and eventually to work in apprentice training.
Michael believes that there is a huge shortage of skilled workers in Australia and that apprenticeships need to be promoted more widely through schools and the community.
Evan Brett 2007 Trainee of the Year
A vocational education pathway proved preferable to University for Evan Brett of Latrobe. He has completed his Certificate IV in Community Services Work and is employed as Teacher Aide and Disability Support Worker in the Transitional Education Department at The Don College in Devonport.
Evan has always wanted to be a teacher and enrolled at The Don College intending to go on to a Bachelor of Education degree with the University of Tasmania. He found however that the hands on vocational learning suited him better than the formal academic stream and chose to enrol in a Community Services course at The Don College.
While undertaking his Certificate III in Community Services he was offered a Teacher’s Aide position at The Don College. His mission is to help young adults with disabilities through their transition to independent living and in his spare time is a volunteer swimming coach with Special Olympics Tasmania.
Wayne Lowery 2007 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
At the age of 53, with 15 years experience as a Disability Support Worker with Multicap, Wayne realised that he needed a formal qualification to continue to work in the community services industry. In 2006, he completed Certificate III in Home and Community Care and Certificate III in Aged Care Work with TAFE Tasmania in Burnie. He is currently enrolled in Certificate IV in Community Services Work.
Wayne found going back to formal education very stressful at first but now reports that it has greatly increased his skills and confidence and motivated him to continue his training to Diploma level.
His goal is to work with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre in Burnie, helping indigenous people with disabilities.
Natasha Johnstone 2007 Vocational Student of the Year
As Training Manager for Wrest Point, Natasha believes in continuous learning and has certainly practised it herself, from a starting point of Certificate III in Retail (Supervision) in 1997, to her current enrolment in a Diploma of Training and Assessment with Jenard Training and Personnel.
The Diploma will be her tenth vocational qualification in as many years.
She enjoys the challenge of working in the training industry and believes that Tasmania relies on effective training to build the workforce skills for future growth and prosperity.
Emma Ismawi 2007 VET in Schools Student of the Year
Emma Ismawi is a Year 12 student at Claremont College. She travels every day from New Norfolk to undertake her course which she hopes will lead to further study and a career in Graphic Design and Multimedia.
The talented young artist achieved the College’s highest mark in Computer Graphics last year, the first Year 11 student to ever do so. Work experience with a graphic designer led to the offer of an apprenticeship but she has decided to continue her education.
She has been playing the trumpet and cornet since Grade 5 and in 2004 travelled with the Derwent Valley Concert band to Denmark for the wedding celebrations of Prince Frederick and Crown Princess Mary.
Warwick Johnstone 2007 School-Based Apprentice of the Year
Warwick is a Certificate III Carpentry and Joinery apprentice with Meadson Constructions and studies at the Australian Technical College-Northern Tasmania in Launceston. He has always had an interest in pursuing a trade, with a particular interest in the building industry and he is aiming for a career in project management
Warwick believes undertaking a school-based apprenticeship has given him the opportunity of transition from school to work whilst still achieving academic results and furthering his education.
Warwick’s employer describes him as an excellent first year apprentice with an above average aptitude towards work and training.
Jamin Hibbs 2007 School-Based Trainee of the Year
Jamin is a business trainee with Roberts Ltd in Launceston. She is a Newstead College student and her training provider is Workstar.
Jamin believes that undertaking the business course has helped her gain the skills necessary to attaining a job after completing college. She plans to work full time in real estate and her goal is to run her own company.
Jamin is a popular student at Newstead College and a valued employee of Roberts Rentals where they are honoured to have her as “the face of their department”.
Heath Mollineaux 2007 Equity Award for a Vocational Student
Cerebral palsy sufferer Heath Mollineaux of Bellerive has overcome mobility and communication problems to complete a Certificate III in Business Administration with TAFE Tasmania, and is currently undertaking units in Certificate IV in Business Administration and Certificate IV in Community Services.
Heath sums up his philosophy like this: ‘when someone says or thinks that I can’t do something, it makes me more determined to prove that anything is possible.”
He intends to improve his qualifications and knows he can make a positive contribution in the workforce if given an opportunity.
John O’keefe 2007 Equity Award for an Apprentice
Automotive apprentice John O’keefe of Prospect was named winner of the Australian Apprenticeships Equity Award for an Apprentice or Trainee.
John has overcome a learning disability and is in his final year as an apprentice Motor Diesel Mechanic with Tasmania’s Own Redline. WISE Employment Tasmania assisted John in finding an apprenticeship and his perseverance, determination and ability has done the rest. Redline Managing Director Michael Larissey says that John has been an “inspiration to the company”. “We have seen John mature in stature into a competent tradesperson and an integral part of our maintenance team,” Mr Larissey said.
Registered Training Organisation of the Year
- TAFE Tasmania
- IndustryLink Training
Employer of the Year
- DJ Motors
Training Initiative Award
- The Federal Group
VET in Schools Excellence Award
- Rosny College
Equity Employer of the Year
- Tamar Valley Dairy, Launceston
- Fuchsia Fantasy, Lillico
