Sunday 26 June 2016
TWO women from the Northern Tablelands were acknowledged last Friday night as the New England’s best young up-and-coming employees in the region’s 2016 NSW Training Awards.
Inverell-based Light Vehicle Technician Courtney Harrison was awarded Apprentice of the Year and Uralla Shire Council Human Resources Officer Bridget Doran was named the Trainee of the Year.
“It’s great to see young women from our local towns shining among the best and brightest of the region’s apprentices, trainees, educators, employers and training providers,” said Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, who attending the 10th annual awards in Tamworth on Friday night.
“The future of regional communities depends on us training and retaining young people with talent and ambition.
“The quality of the finalists and winners at the New England regional awards was outstanding, showcasing the world-class vocational education and training offered in the region. I congratulate all participants and especially the winners.”
Mr Marshall was also proud to see many Northern Tablelands students feature with awards in other categories.
Macintyre High School student Bailey Gardner took out the School Based Apprentice or Trainee Student of the Year. He’s studying to become a Stock and Station Agent, working with Bob Jamieson Agencies. Talia Crisp, also of Macintyre High, was the runner-up.
Diploma in Work Health & Safety student Jody Crowe Jones won the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year. Jody is an employee of the NSW Department of Education in Armidale. Moree Plains Shire Council’s Garry Prince won a Highly Commended in the same category.
Armidale Community Mutual Group employee Katrina Freeman was the runner up in Vocational Student of the Year. Katrina is studying a Diploma of General Insurance.
Automotive Mechanical Technology (Light Vehicle) Certificate III student James Birmingham was runner up Apprentice of the year. He works at John Fowler Automotive & Engine Reconditioning in Armidale.
Moree Plains Shire Council administrative staff member Alisa Martin was highly commended in the Trainee of the year category. She is studying for her Business Administration Certificate IV.
Mr Marshall commended the NSW Training Awards as a great vehicle for acknowledging young people who are really making a big effort as they start their careers.
“From retail to engineering and training for people with a disability, the opportunities in vocational training are huge. Recognition should also go to the local businesses helping students get on-the-job experience to kickstart their careers,” he said.
Vocational education and training in NSW is a fantastic pathway to work across many industries, for people of all ages, Mr Marshall added.
The Courtney and Bridget and the other award winners will go on to be considered for selection to compete at the NSW Training Awards in September.
“The State awards celebrate the achievements of the best in vocational training in NSW and I wish Courtney and Bridget and the other award winners the very best of luck in the State finals,” Mr Marshall said.
“These awards provide a platform for us to celebrate the achievements of all those involved in the success of Smart & Skilled which provides eligible students in NSW with high quality, affordable training.”