Winners

 
Apprentice of the Year

Megan Beasley

Megan is currently completing Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) with Federal Group at Country Club Tasmania in Launceston. Her training provider is the Tasmanian Skills Institute. 

Megan credits her apprenticeship for her increased confidence in and out of work. She enjoys music and plays several instruments, mainly piano, and participates in events such as the Launceston Music Competition, competing in jazz groups, soul/blues bands and accompanying vocal artists.
 

 
Trainee of the Year

Jessica Alexander

Jessica completed Certificate III in Business in February. During her traineeship she was employed by Work & Training Ltd at host employer Aurora Energy.  Jessica has since been offered, and accepted, a permanent position with Aurora.

As well as work and study Jessica is very active in the music, theatre and performance community in Hobart and is a member of the ARIA-nominated Southern Gospel Choir.
 

 
Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Joanne Crowden

Joanne studied for her Diploma in Community Welfare Work at the Tasmanian Skills Institute in Burnie, completing her studies in August.  Since beginning her learning journey in 2006, Joanne has gained Certificates II, III and IV in Community Service Work, Certificate III in Disability Work, Certificate III in Population and Health and Certificate IV in Youth Work.  Joanne now works for National Job Link as a Youth Pathways officer.

Part of Joanne’s work involves helping her young Aboriginal clients explore their culture and learning pathways which open new doors of understanding for them; reconnecting them with their land and their Community and learning what being Aboriginal signifies.
 

Alison Richardson

Alison is a self-employed hairdresser who owns two salons.  When she decided to expand her company in both the retail and service areas she identified additional skills and qualifications she would need to successfully attain her goals.  She completed a Diploma of Retail Management with Jenard Training and Personnel.  With the qualifications, knowledge and experience she has obtained by participating in VET studies, Alison has doubled her company's employee numbers and turnover within two years – a direct result of the benefits of VET programs.  She is currently re-developing the Vanadium Hair brand around a “green” concept – ensuring her salons incorporate as many environmentally friendly options, services and products as possible.

 
School-based Apprentice of the Year

Natasha Hill

Natasha is 18 years old and is enrolled in Certificate III in Agriculture. She is a year 12 student at the Tasmanian Polytechnic where she also studies photography and English.  Natasha is employed by STEPS Employment and Training Solutions at Murrayfield on Bruny Island. 

Natasha is passionate about agriculture and it has been her childhood dream to work on the land. Her work involves plant identification, weed control, caring for livestock, maintaining property and office duties. In shearing season Natasha works as a roustabout and her goal is to become a wool classer.
 

 
VET in Schools Student of the Year

Jessica Benge

At the tender age of 17, Jessica is focussed on working with children with a disability.  Her Certificates I and II in Community Service Work at the Tasmanian Polytechnic have given her a springboard from which to leap into further study.  Jessica’s work placements at respite day care centres and nursing homes further emphasised her passion for her chosen field.

When not working or studying, Jessica is a volunteer fire-fighter for the Port Sorell Fire Brigade. She plays soccer and is a keen drama student. A confident public speaker, Jessica won the state APEX public speaking competition and competed in the national competition in Queensland.
 

 
Equity Vocational Student of the Year Award

Aubert Ruzigandekwe

Aubert completed his Diploma of Youth Work and Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs Work at the Institute of TAFE Tasmania (now the Tasmanian Polytechnic).

Aubert is a survivor of the Rwandan Tutsis genocide.  Forced from his home, he was separated from his wife for four years before reuniting in Australia. Arriving in the country with no English, Aubert quickly learned the language with the help of the Adult Migrant English Programme, and his new Australian friends helped him understand the country’s culture.  Aubert was determined to create a new life in Australia and, realising he could help other refugees, decided to study for employment in the community services sector.

Aubert works full-time for Centrelink and on a part-time basis with disadvantaged young men in the Youth Care Shelter operated by Anglicare Tasmania.  He works voluntarily with young refugees, coaching soccer, and with Centacare supporting new arrivals.  He is also a member of the Rwandan Coffee Club which raises money by selling coffee. The proceeds go back to Rwanda to support survivors of genocide, who are amongst the most disadvantaged people in the country.

Aubert returns to Rwanda whenever he can to assist in truth and reconciliations processes
 

Employer of the Year

Norske Skog, Boyer

Situated in Southern Tasmania, the mill produced Australia’s first newsprint in 1941 and remains one of the state’s major employers with more than 430 employees.

Annual production is around 290,000 tonnes of newsprint and related grades. This represents about 40% of Australian consumption. The mill uses plantation radiata pine, regrowth eucalypt and recycled fibre, which is produced at Norske Skog Albury.
 

 
Small Business of the Year

Cyber Hair, Kingston

Cyber Hair is a cutting edge hair design salon which strives for excellence in all aspects of hairdressing.  The company aims for superior customer service through ongoing education in styling and hair care, keeping them at the forefront of hair artistry.

The business has 13 full time and two casual employees.
 

 
Training Initiative Award

Federal Group

The Federal Group is Tasmania’s largest private employer with around 2500 employees.  Federal Group businesses deliver tourism, hospitality and entertainment services.

Now in its third year, Federal Group’s Mise En Place cookery apprenticeship program is an example of innovation and collaboration with beneficial outcomes, particularly for the company’s apprentices, the Federal Group businesses and their partner RTOs – the Tasmanian Polytechnic and the Tasmanian Skills Institute, industry and Tasmania’s future chefs.
 

 
Registered Training Organisation of the Year

Australian Technical College Northern Tasmania

The Australian Technical College - Northern Tasmania prepares people for a career in the trades by providing students with the valuable combination of an opportunity to become an Australian School Based Apprentice and complete years 11 and 12, at the same time!

The college’s mission is to develop for our industries, students who have knowledge, skills and behaviours to become passionate and enterprising employees and citizens. The Australian Technical College – Northern Tasmania is directed by an industry led board, which has articulated a clear mission for the College.
 

 
VET in Schools Excellence Award

Port Dalrymple School Further Education Centre

The Port Dalrymple School Further Education Centre is a registered training organisation delivering adult learning and training. The School’s focus for adult or post-compulsory schooling is AQTF approved training packages, particularly flexible delivery and student-centred learning. All courses include a literacy and numeracy component and the school’s aim to construct a learning experience suited to the individual’s needs.

Some students are looking for re-entry into study, including many who did not complete secondary schooling. Others are clearly focused on a vocational qualification.  One major attribute of the centre is the social atmosphere and the co-operative learning culture.