Tasmanian Training Awards 2007
2007 Tasmanian Training Awards Souvenir Programme [PDF 3.2MB]
Student Award WinnersMichael Wickham 2007 Apprentice of the Year 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. Business Award WinnersRegistered Training Organisation of the Year Employer of the Year Training Initiative Award VET in Schools Excellence Award Equity Employer of the Year |
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