Finalists announced for WA Training Awards

• 45 finalists announced in the WA Training Awards 2023
• Recognising outstanding achievements in the vocational education and training sector
• Winners will be announced at presentation ceremony in September

The training sector's brightest stars have been recognised, with Training Minister Simone McGurk today announcing 45 finalists in the WA Training Awards 2023.

The annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements in the vocational education and training (VET) sector, recognising the State's best apprentices, trainees, employers and training organisations.

This year, the awards acknowledge the State's elite achievers across 13 categories. There are 31 finalists vying for eight individual awards and 14 finalists up for five organisation categories.

Lucas Farrell of Gwelup did not want to reach the end of his working life without making a significant contribution to his community.

A career change to community services saw him study a Certificate IV in Community Services, leading him to being an instrumental part of developing a course bringing computer literacy to seniors.

Lucas is now a finalist in the WA Vocational Student of the Year category. 

As a proud Wajarri Yamatji woman, Angela Dann of Wilson is one of four finalists in the WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category.

Completing a Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways at South Metropolitan TAFE has enabled Angela to develop a new-found passion, while also learning skills that can better support her community.

The 2022 South Metropolitan TAFE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year says her training has sparked a love for shipbuilding, design and manufacturing, which she credits to the rotations of work placement opportunities.

As well as being recognised as the best in the State, individual award winners will receive $3,000 to further their training or kick-start their career. Organisation winners will be recognised as industry leaders.

Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony in September and may go on to represent WA at the Australian Training Awards in Hobart in November.

Comments attributed to Training Minister Simone McGurk:

"Our State's skills sector provides incredible opportunities for Western Australians, helping them to develop job ready skills that are highly valued by employers.

"The WA Training Awards celebrate the best-of-the-best in vocational education and training, from young apprentices through to well-established organisations.

"It is wonderful to take a moment to celebrate their achievements and acknowledge the incredible efforts in this field.

"Congratulations to all of this year's finalists, who are already great ambassadors for Western Australia's training system."

Profiles of 2023 WA Training Awards finalists

INDIVIDUAL FINALISTS

WA Trainer of the Year 2023

Samantha Chamberlain – Beeliar
Lecturer – North Metropolitan TAFE in Fitness and Sport Certificate III and IV

Samantha has delivered the Certificate III and IV in Fitness and Sport for 12 years and is now the head of program for sport, fitness and legal qualifications. Her devotion to sport and fitness, and desire to see the industry improve, drives her work for continuous improvement and innovation while delivering her training. 

Understanding her students and identifying their preferred learning style has enabled Samantha to tailor her teaching style in order for her students to succeed.

She says helping them to build their self-confidence while developing skills and then going on to have thriving careers of their own, is what she finds most rewarding about her job.

Holly Gudsell – Craigie
Lecturer – North Metropolitan TAFE Certificate III and IV in Education Support

A teaching position in a remote Aboriginal community in Fitzroy Crossing was the catalyst for a change in career direction for Holly, as she discovered an interest in Aboriginal education.

Having previously worked as a teacher and then abroad teaching English in Kenya and China, it was while lecturing in Education Support at North Metropolitan TAFE that Holly was approached to develop and deliver a new program for the Department of Education to upskill Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officers (AIEOs) across Perth Metropolitan Schools.

Here she delivered a "mixed-mode" course which successfully supported Aboriginal students through the Certificate III and IV in Education Support.

Casey McCagh – Tarcoola Beach
Lecturer – Central Regional TAFE in Certificate I in Business to Diploma of Business/Leadership and Diploma of Project Management

Having delivered training for 17 years, Casey is a highly experienced trainer who has delivered qualifications ranging from a Certificate I in Business to a Diploma in Business, Diploma in Leadership and Management and Diploma in Project Management.

With a keen interest in continuous professional development, she also holds numerous qualifications of her own while maintaining the roles of course coordinator and advanced skills lecturer at Central Regional TAFE. 

She is a dedicated trainer who is continuously developing innovative and customised training solutions for her students. She has also delivered a range of training via various platforms to large businesses and government.

Natalie Smith – Stirling
Lecturer Nursing – North Metropolitan TAFE

As the head of program for the nursing portfolio at North Metropolitan TAFE, Natalie is a highly experienced, skilled and committed trainer who has been delivering a Diploma of Nursing for 11 years.

Natalie's commitment to inclusive teaching and assessment practices ensures her students enjoy their learning, and are engaged throughout their training.

Her training style is fun and energetic, and she champions vocational education and training for its practical, hands-on learning experience and the various career pathways it can lead to.

WA International Student of the Year 2023

Federica Ceretta – High Wycombe
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained at: Australian Institute of Workplace Training

Despite a love of caring for and working with children, there were limited opportunities for Federica to pursue this as a career in her home country of Italy. Coming to Australia was the realisation of a long-held ambition, which she first announced to her parents at the age of six.

Federica started working as an au pair in Perth and travelled all over Australia, but says Perth is the place she loves the most and calls home.

She says studying for her dream job in Perth helped to change her life and only six months after qualifying she has moved from being an educator to an assistant director at the childcare centre where she works.

Camille Haller – Yanchep
Diploma of Event Management
Trained at: South Metropolitan TAFE

Coming from Switzerland, Camille loves the cosmopolitan feel of Perth, being a city with ready access to road trips and getaway options.

Camille first lived in Perth while working as an activities coordinator for an international school and this led to a passion for event management. Camille says her unusual mix of having great attention to detail but big-picture thinking is ideal for the events space because she can multitask while ensuring everything is running perfectly.

Returning to Europe for a break, she ended up staying there longer than planned due to COVID travel restrictions, but said it was a perfect opportunity to reflect and decide that she wanted to return and pursue a career she loved.

Goodness Omogbadegun – Canning Vale
Diploma of Screen and Media (Game Animation and Game Art)
Trained at: North Metropolitan TAFE

Growing up in Nigeria, pursuing a career as an animator was not an option, so when he was asked by his family what he wanted to do, Goodness said architecture because he liked drawing.

His bachelor's degree in engineering gave him plenty of exposure to Computer Aided Design (CAD), which he loved, so Goodness began to teach himself other drawing programs.

When he decided to finally commit to his first love, Goodness looked across Australia for the best courses and landed on Perth. He says aside from the amazing education he has received, he has enjoyed the warmth of the community welcoming him.

Esther (Po Yan) Wong – Margaret River
Diploma of Hospitality Management (Cookery)
Trained at: South Regional TAFE

After studying business at Hong Kong College of Technology and working for four years in hospitality, Esther decided she wanted to travel and see the world.

In 2017, she began a working holiday in Margaret River and is still there, having extended her trip, completed an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) course and completed her Certificate III and IV in Commercial Cookery. One of the things she enjoyed most about completing her qualifications was it allowed her to extend her cookery skills beyond Asian cuisine.

Esther says that she loved studying in Western Australia, finding Margaret River where she now works, a beautiful, natural environment with friendly people.

WA Cultural Diversity Training Award 2023

Olga Hurina – Duncraig
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
Employed by: Gold Corporation
Trained at: North Metropolitan TAFE

In March 2022, Olga made the difficult decision to move to Western Australia from Ukraine on a humanitarian visa after the outbreak of war. Her husband encouraged her to make the journey, even though he could not leave due to the national ban on men emigrating.

Olga chose her course because she had experience in legal compliance in Ukraine and wanted to contribute to safer working environments.

So determined was she to perfect her English, that she recently moved from living with her sister-in-law to an Australian host family who did not speak her language, and says they have been like second parents to her.

Crismar Jimenez Diaz – Treeby                 
Certificate I in EAL (Access)
Trained at: South Metropolitan TAFE

Crismar did not speak a word of English when she arrived in Australia as a political refugee from Venezuela. She arrived with her two young children and husband, and realised very quickly how important a grasp of the language would be to help her settle into a new life with her family.

While it has taken her time to adjust to the hotter climate, she loves Western Australia and loves how friendly people are in her new home city. She says the support she has received has been extraordinary.

Crismar says while her writing and reading skills are strong, the hardest aspect of learning English has been speaking, but she has recently won a university scholarship to revalidate her nursing degree.

Saed Mohammad (Amir) Musavi – The Vines
Certificate IV in Fitness
Employed by: Chasing Better 247
Trained at: North Metropolitan TAFE

After arriving from Afghanistan with hopes of starting a new life, Justin's world was upended in 2020 when he was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic condition of the eye, which caused him to lose 60 per cent of his sight.

After feeling hopeless for months, he decided to aim for a new goal and after graduating his English course, he enrolled to study fitness, using accessibility aids to complete his coursework successfully.

Since discovering this pathway, Justin says his life has been transformed. He has found his passion and fulfilment working as a personal trainer, assisting people to reach their personal fitness goals while supporting his family.

WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2023

Angela Dann – Wilson
Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways
Trained by: South Metropolitan TAFE
Employed at: Programmed

As a proud Wajarri Yamatji woman, completing a Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways at South Metropolitan TAFE has enabled Angela to develop a new-found passion, while also developing new skills that can better support her community.

Her training has sparked a love for shipbuilding, design and manufacturing which she credits to the rotations of work placement opportunities with host employers BAE Systems Australia, Future Engineering and Hoffman Engineering.

Angela was also named South Metropolitan TAFE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2022.

Anthony Nelson-Burns – Aveley
Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
Trained by: Australian Skills Group Pty Ltd
Employed by:  Fortescue (FMG) Mining

Completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade with Fortescue Mining was life-changing for Anthony. It has provided him with newfound confidence, personal and professional growth as well as allowing him to become a mentor to his children.

Having received unwavering support from his employer and lecturers at Australian Skills Group during personal hardships, he was able to navigate through and successfully progress his studies to complete his apprenticeship. 

The experience has helped shape the person he has become – capable, empathetic and resourceful. He is now ready to tackle any obstacles and plans on continuing his training pathway in engineering.

Indie Oakley – Denham
Certificate II in Civil Construction and Certificate II in Resource and Infrastructure Work Preparation
Trained by: Motivation Foundation - Civil and Mining Academy
Employed at: Erceg and Co Pty Ltd

For Indie, undertaking a Certificate II in Civil Construction has enabled him to build his confidence, as well as develop new skills for his chosen career pathway in the construction industry.

Through his traineeship with Erceg and Co, Indie gained new machine operating skills working on mining machinery which he enjoyed immensely.

Indie continues to champion the vocational education and training sector within his school community, sharing his training journey with classmates. Indie has been offered a full time position when he finishes his studies and has plans to eventually work overseas within the construction industry.

Brendan Stack – Balga
Certificate IV in Employment Services and Certificate IV in Career Development 
Trained by: Worklinks
Employed at: Joblife Employment

Brendan is a proud Yamitjii man from the Meekatharra area who is dedicated to using his lived experience to assist in the future outcomes of other Indigenous Western Australians.

After completing a 12-month traineeship with Joblife Employment while studying a Certificate IV in Employment Services and Certificate IV in Career Development, Brendan secured full time employment with Joblife. 

He is empowered to be a positive agent for change, championing disadvantaged people in his community while assisting others to overcome barriers to secure long-term employment, but most importantly, Brendan is proud to be a role model for his nephew.

WA Vocational Student of the Year 2023

Ayomide Afolabi – Coogee
Certificate III in Dental Assisting         
Trained at: North Metropolitan TAFE

Ayomide was studying an undergraduate commerce degree when a close friend suffered trauma to his teeth and jaw in a car accident. Thanks to emergency dental treatment, his friend's quality of life was restored, but the impact of this event persuaded Ayomide to pursue dentistry.

After applying and receiving university offers, he decided to defer and instead enrol at TAFE in a Certificate III to get a realistic idea of the work and his career path.

The course provided him with a broad range of experiences from radiography to infection control and cemented his ambition to become a dentist, which he is now working towards in a post graduate degree.

Kai Baharthah-King – Currambine
Advanced Diploma in Cybersecurity
Trained at: North Metropolitan TAFE

In these days of heightened digital security awareness, Kai was an early starter in the industry.  Being home-schooled, he attended cyber security workshops and was able to satisfy his thirst for knowledge by completing multiple online courses and competitions.

First enrolling in TAFE at the age of 15 to complete his Certificate III, he progressed through to the Advanced Diploma and secured a part time job as a security analyst at Woodside, following a recommendation from his lecturer at only 16.

Now full time at Woodside, he is the youngest security analyst on staff and cites attending the AISA conference in Melbourne – where he was a national cybersecurity finalist – as a particular highlight.

Lucas  Farrell – Gwelup
Certificate IV Community Services    
Trained at: North Metropolitan TAFE

A switch from construction to community services was a big leap to make, but Lucas had reached the halfway point in his career and felt he did not want to reach the end of his life having made no significant contribution to his community.

While never having been an academic, Lucas was confident in his determination and was instrumental in developing a course to bring computer literacy to senior Australians.

Lucas says that alongside the knowledge and practical skills he learned in the community service sector, the self-development and self-awareness he gained from training was an unexpected and added bonus.

Stefanie Wright – Burns Beach
Diploma of Nursing
Trained at: North Metropolitan TAFE

Working as a medical receptionist, Stefanie witnessed first-hand the positive impact the healthcare industry had on patients' lives. Naturally empathetic and caring in nature, she realised that nursing was her calling and made the decision to retrain.

She credits the outstanding quality of training in simulations and on practicums with the amazing experience she has enjoyed to date, and her success in winning a scholarship from the Department of Health.

She later received a job offer from her practical placement in Geraldton but also won a place at St John of God Subiaco where she will start her career.

WA Trainee of the Year 2023

Lorrienne McCormick – Baldivis
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
Employed by: Ventia PTY LTD through Protech
Trained at: Training Institute Australasia

For most of her young adult life, after her parents moved away from her home town of Broome, Lorrienne was working to survive rather than working to build a career.

After the birth of her first child, her situation changed, and she was able to take the time to change her life through a traineeship. She credits the flexibility of the program as a major bonus while studying.

Her experience in the mining industry has sparked a passion for safety in the workplace and she has now completed a Diploma and is studying towards a Masters of Business Administration with a view to getting a management role.

Jack Morris – East Perth
Certificate III Defence Industry Pathway Program
Employed by: BAE Systems Australia
Trained at: South Metropolitan TAFE 

With two grandfathers – one in the navy and one in bomber command – it is not surprising that Jack had a long-term interest in a career with defence.

He applied to the Defence Industries Pathway Program while working fulltime at BAE systems, which allowed him to work through rotations in drafting and design, procurement, planning and technician roles.

Jack says his journey, while hard work, has strengthened his desire to contribute to the building of Australia's defence capability, while satisfying his drive to continue learning. His success also led to him starring in 'The Other Force – Start something' advertising campaign in 2023, to showcase the Defence industry workforce and encourage other young people to start a career in the industry.

Hannah Morrison – Toodyay
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Employed by: Toodyay Early Learning Centre              
Trained at: Central Regional TAFE

When being away from home at university was not working out for her, Hannah looked to her local TAFE to be close to home. While at school, she had been deeply affected by a trip to the Philippines where she had witnessed how different the lives of young people were and it inspired her to pursue her a new career path.

Following her passion for working with children and advocating for children's rights, she applied for a three-month trial at Toodyay Early learning Centre and after only four days in the role was offered a full time traineeship.

Hannah now enjoys presenting at the TAFE where she once studied, to inspire future educators to the sector.

Anna-Lee Van Zyl – Ridgewood
Certificate III in Business
Employed by:  WPC Group   
Trained at: AMA Training Services

Having felt a university pathway was not for her, Anna-Lee decided on a traineeship so she could learn real-world problems and earn while she was learning, straight out of school.

Anna-Lee chose the real estate industry for its future career options, and as well as developing a passion for the job, loved the experience of being able to take what she had learned while at work and apply it immediately to meet course requirements.

Working for Professionals the Kelly Team as a receptionist, her employers have been so impressed with her that Anna-Lee is heading for a career in property management, and getting her sales licence through further training.

WA School-based Apprentice of the Year 2023

Bronte Baxter – Floreat
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained at: Australian Institute of Workplace Training
Employed by: The Akidamy School of Early Learning

Bronte's dedication to her chosen career pathway in Early Childhood and Education is evident through her strong dedication for supporting young children through developmental milestones and her ability to implement thoughtful initiatives for the children she cares for.

After entering the Future's Program in Year 10, where Bronte could complete both school and work towards her dream career, she completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, while continuing to excel at school. She is now enrolled in the Diploma which she is completing as a traineeship.

Samuel Beck – Balcatta
Certificate III in Sport and Recreation
Trained at: North Metropolitan TAFE
Employed by: BlueFit – Leisure Employment Australia

While completing a school-based traineeship to gain a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation, Samuel has gained a wealth of experience. Aligning with his passion for sport and physical activity, he has gained practical experience in lifeguarding, swim school teaching and basketball coaching, among other interpersonal skills.

Pursuing an alternative career pathway is key for Samuel, as he has been able to learn through hands-on training, which he says complements his style of learning. It has helped him to develop new skills and confidence while he says the pathway is intellectually fulfilling, rewarding and an excellent route to success.

Jemma Carbonell – Henley Brook
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained by: CTAS Education
Employed by: Malvern Springs Early Learning Centre

Being one of nine children was one of the deciding factors that influenced Jemma to choose her career pathway. She has a natural affinity for working with children and is currently completing a school-based traineeship while working towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. 

The qualification has enabled her to learn new skills on how to attend to children's needs and importantly, how to communicate effectively.

Jemma says the traineeship has assisted her personal growth and development, allowing her to gain an insight into the industry, and cementing her chosen career pathway. She is inspired to work towards achieving her Diploma.

Robert Nicolosi – Kewdale
Certificate III in Sport and Recreation
Trained at: North Metropolitan TAFE
Employed by: BlueFit – Leisure Employment Australia

Robert's love for sport and fitness was the motivation behind him undertaking a traineeship with Leisure Employment Australia. While working at BlueFit – Belmont Leisure Centre, Robert has gained a range of new skills while completing a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation.

Described by his employer as a team player and leader, and the only trainee kids sport coordinator they have ever had, speaks volumes about Robert's willingness to learn and lead.

Robert is well on his way to fulfilling his career aspirations of becoming a physical education teacher.

WA Apprentice of the Year 2023

Katie Hayward – Ardross
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Employed by:  Komatsu
Trained at: South Metropolitan TAFE

Following a successful career in the UK merchant navy navigating oil tankers, Katie decided to make the leap and switch careers after meeting her wife and moving to Australia.

As an openly LGBT+ identifying individual, Katie was also determined to be able to bring her full self to work, and be a role model to others.

Having always loved the electrical side of her work, Katie has finally achieved her long-held ambition to qualify as an electrician and enjoys the opportunities that the mining sector affords, including her work on a significant project to retrofit electric drive dump trucks into autonomous vehicles.

Riely Stammers-Hozier – Margaret River
Certificate III Automotive Electrical Technology
Employed by: Margaret River Auto Electrics               
Trained at: South Regional TAFE

From a young age in rural WA, Riely was fascinated with technology – at age eight he had already taught himself how to adjust the speed limiter on his quad bike.

His two-week school work experience placement resulted in an apprenticeship offer, which led to his qualification in automotive electronics and a continuing fascination with the impact electrical systems have on a huge range of vehicles.

As well as loving his job, Riely is keen to share his experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community of acceptance in the industry. He also wants to raise awareness about mental health issues and the importance of diversity, especially in regional and rural locations.

Amy Hunt – Kingsley
Certificate III in ESI – Power Systems – Distribution Cable Jointing
Employed by: Western Power
Trained at: Power Training Services

Having a close relationship with her father, a panel beater, and her brother, a sign writer, inspired Amy to follow in their footsteps and pursue a similar lifestyle through a trade apprenticeship.

Amy's interests, however, were in the power industry – a fast-changing environment she knew she would enjoy. She cites her experience working on low and high voltage electrical cables as having opened her eyes to the implicit value of safety; both on an individual level and within a team.

As the only female and the youngest cable jointer at her worksite, she also credits her training experience with enhancing her leadership and communication skills.

Matthew Piercey – Eaton
Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
Employed by: BHP (formerly Bunbury Machinery)
Trained at: South Regional TAFE

Upon leaving school, Matthew was not sure what he wanted to do and ended up dropping out of the university pathway he was enrolled in. Stagnating in labouring jobs, life changed for him following advice from a friend which led to him winning an apprenticeship in mobile plant technology – an industry he had never considered – realising his passion was in problem-solving and diagnostics.

Now working in the mining industry, he loves the changing landscape and evolving technology, which means he is constantly upskilling.

As a mature-aged apprentice, Matthew is keen to promote an apprenticeship as a pathway that anyone can begin at any time they want to change their life.

ORGANISATION FINALISTS

Small Employer of the Year

EK Contracting

EK Contracting was established in 2019 to service WA in the civil and mine sector.

Their vision is clear – generate a steady work stream to upskill workers and offer career advancement opportunities to ensure everyone has an opportunity to shine. EK offers training and employment opportunities to Indigenous people across WA through its connections with Indigenous land groups and organisations.

Gen X Engineering

Gen X Engineering is a respected and trusted provider of niche mechanical engineering services to the South West of Western Australia. The innovative and highly capable team provides a comprehensive range of solutions for their clients' bespoke needs.

Starting as a small team of only four employees, Gen X Engineering has grown to more than 25 employees and has proudly supported over 15 apprentices on their journey to become top quality tradesman. Gen X Engineering prides itself in creating diverse capabilities, innovation and continuous improvement to their experienced team members.

Venture Smart

Venture Smart Pty Ltd works on the Statewide Electrical Infrastructure Services Contract for Main Roads Western Australia. It services one of the largest state road networks in the world, covering 18,400km of highways and main roads across 2.5 million square kilometres, as well as 30 per cent of the state's electrical assets, including traffic signals and street lighting.

Venture Smart's parent company, Ventia, also works with Group Training Organisations to target minority groups for electrical apprenticeships – specifically women and Indigenous people – with the aim of changing the face of the transport industry.

Large Employer of the Year

Georgiou Group

Established in 1977, Georgiou Group has built a strong reputation for delivering complex and challenging projects across a range of sectors.

Georgiou strongly values the development of its people and has invested significant time and energy into providing learning pathways for employees. With 70 active trainees and apprentices in 2022, the Traineeship and Apprenticeship Program provides the opportunity to all permanent or long-term employees to undertake a traineeship or apprenticeship.

Georgiou's holistic strategy includes a range of programs, training delivery methods and partnerships to help customise learning – both on construction sites and in the office.

 
McDonald's Australia

McDonald's is proud to provide its employees with opportunities to grow, seeing training and development as an investment, not a cost. The organisation upholds strict standards to ensure employees are fully trained in each area of restaurant operations – from serving customers to performing equipment maintenance tasks.

A career at McDonald's does not end in the restaurants. There are corporate office opportunities, with thorough internal training and development, and policies for regular job rotation. With a practical approach to continuous improvement, McDonald's aims to foster a culture of lifelong learning and employees are actively encouraged to participate in both professional and personal development activities.

WesTrac

WesTrac prides itself on having people with the right skills, tools and operating environment to achieve success. Both the WesTrac Institute operating for over 30 years and the newer WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie provide exceptional settings to foster and facilitate the organisation's training culture.

WesTrac's apprenticeship program is highly regarded throughout the industry for turning out exceptionally qualified tradespeople. The program is in high demand, receiving more than 2,000 applicants annually for more than 50 new placements. There are numerous renowned WA mining companies who entrust their apprentice training to WesTrac due to its reputation for quality.

Industry Collaboration Award

Defence Industry Pathways Program – A Maritime Defence Industry Collaboration

The Defence Industry Pathways Program is an innovative industry collaboration designed to develop and ensure a pipeline of skilled workers for Australia's defence industry. The idea of a 'gap year' program was conceived at an industry round table in July 2020, with the defence industry identifying a critical need to build talent through a vocational education and training (VET) program.

The 12-month 'taster' program was designed to provide graduates with a broad understanding of the maritime defence industry through work placements focusing on career pathway options in the industry. In 2023, the program has 32 maritime Defence-host employers.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore

In October 2017, Rio Tinto Iron Ore announced a partnership with the Western Australian Government and South Metropolitan TAFE to develop new automation qualifications for the resource industry's pathways to jobs and skills of the 21st Century. Rio Tinto announced a provision of up to $2 million towards the initiative to develop and accredit the first nationally recognised Certificates in Automation and Remote Operations, with leading industry partners supporting the initiative through Automation Working Groups.

The automation qualifications build a much needed bridge between STEM in education and the workplace, and helps to meet both state and federal priorities for Future Skills across Australia.

The Art of Food – North Metropolitan TAFE and Sodexo

In 2020, Sodexo approached North Metropolitan TAFE to assist in developing an innovative solution that addressed their onsite skills gap.

Employing more than 500 catering personnel to serve tens of thousands of meals daily, Sodexo wanted apprentices to enter mine sites with a high level of knowledge. Unlike the traditional apprenticeship model, students complete six months of theory, followed by workplace implementation, skills progression, and eventual trade competency over the following six to 24 months.

The program was launched in July 2021 with 19 apprentices. With a further two intakes, the program has grown to include 47 active apprentices with four qualified.

Small Training Provider of the Year

Future Institute of Australia

Future Institute is a privately owned WA Registered Training Organisation specialising in leadership, management, business, sales and critical people skills training. The organisation builds strong relationships and works closely with each client to ensure that it provides them with the right solution, understanding that 'one size doesn't fit all'.

Future Institute's focus is to increase organisational capabilities through the targeted development and application of new skills, knowledge and expertise of participants. Not content with just ticking the boxes, Future Institute is passionate about making a difference in the lives of their participants and improving its client outcomes through developing workforce capabilities.

PMV

PMV Training is a dynamic electrical training institute based in Australia, renowned for its expertise in post-trade education. Established in 2005, PMV has campuses in Adelaide, Karratha, and a headquarters in Perth. The organisation also operates as a specialised engineering consultancy offering a range of services that comply with IEC and AS/NZS Standards, including HA Classification and Design, HA Audit, HA Remediation, and PV Solar and Battery Charger Design Verification.

PMV's steadfast commitment to delivering industry-based training programs has resulted in over 7,300 successful graduates, leading to enhanced industry safety practices and increased employment opportunities.

WA College of Agriculture, Cunderdin

The WA College of Agriculture, Cunderdin has a long-standing reputation for achieving exceptional VET outcomes through developing highly-skilled and employable graduates.

The college offers training opportunities that enhance the learning of all students, have a blend of theory and practical and a variety of courses that are relevant, interesting, engaging and support students to transition into a large variety of industries and pathways, inclusive of the agriculture and allied industries.

Training is conducted between the commercial farm of 4,000 hectares and state-of-the-art Trade Training Centre, with focus on excellence through innovation, passion and collaboration for all students, and strengthening the primary and trades industries.

Large Training Provider of the Year

Central Regional TAFE

Greater in area than the Northern Territory, Central Regional TAFE has the largest geographical footprint of all the TAFEs in Western Australia, encompassing 1.55 million square kilometres, or 58% of Western Australia.

This footprint comes with some unique challenges in supporting students, staff and industry across a wide area of Western Australia, but also provides opportunities for a diverse set of training products to accommodate the distinctive geographical conditions associated with the central region of Western Australia.

Strong industry partnerships in the region have enabled the organisation to offer local, distinctive courses with over 9,000 students unlocking their learning potential in 2022.

Insight Training Group Australia

Insight Training is a private Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivering a large scope of qualifications to the WA market. With a vision to improve and develop people's lives through the provision of affordable and accessible vocational training, the organisation is focused on being the RTO of choice in its industry sectors.

Insight has spent the past two years on the ground talking to people, understanding the real needs of its sectors and designing and delivering training programs that have really made a difference.

Through strong infrastructure, hiring strategies and innovative thinking, Insight has demonstrated outcomes in priority areas and helped increase employment opportunities in thin markets.