2010 award winners - Department of Business and Employment

Award winners

2010 award winners

Student categories
VET in Schools Student of the Year Sponsored by McArthur River
	Winner Elle Megaw - Certificate II and III in Hospitality School: Darwin High School RTO: Charles Darwin University Elle has been involved in the hospitality industry for some time and as a result of the work experience she has gained, she was able to complete both her Certificate II and Certificate III in Hospitality in a short period of time. Elle believes hospitality is a great industry and loves the fact that she gets to meet and work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Travel has become another passion of Elle’s, especially after spending 12 months on a student exchange program in Colorado, USA in 2008. Elle is keen to further develop her skills and go on to complete her Certificate IV level qualification. 'Communication, time management and people skills are all important to a successful career and this course has helped me hone these skills ready for the adult work environment.'
	Runner up Brienna Logie - Certificate II in Tourism School: Kormilda College RTO: Charles Darwin University
School Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year - sponsored by Group Training NT
	Winner Yazmin Brown - Certificate III in Automotive Technology (Light Vehicle) School: Casuarina Senior College RTO: Charles Darwin University Employer: Kerry’s Automotive Group Yazmin not only enjoys working on cars and getting her hands dirty, she races speed cars at Darwin’s Northline Speedway in her spare time. Yazmin has been volunteering at the sprintcar titles and monster trucks from the age of 11 so it seemed a natural progression for her to undertake a Certificate III in Automotive Technology (Light Vehicle). As a female apprentice mechanic in a predominately male dominated industry, Yazmin recognises she is setting standards and is proud of being able to demonstrate a consistent, motivated and mature approach to her work. Yazmin has also been involved in the diversionary program for young people in Darwin. Yazmin helps by instructing clients in maintenance tasks and generally making sure that young people feel welcome and valued. 'I am proud to think I have set an example for other women wishing to become involved in the automotive industry or any male dominated industries.'
	Runner up Taylah-Jane Lewis - Certificate II in Business School and RTO: Nhulunbuy High School Employer: Group Training NT Host Employer: Rio Tinto Alcan
Vocational Student of the Year - sponsored by Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET)
	Winner Amy Lewis - Certificate III in Youth Work RTO: Australian Red Cross Employer: YouthWorx NT It was always a goal of Amy’s to work with students in the education field. After completing Year 12, Amy found herself broadening her knowledge in a variety of ways. Amy has travelled to remote communities, and worked for five years in the disability field at the Nemarluk and Henbury School as well as at Marrara Christian College where she feels she has gathered extensive life skills. As well as being a volunteer at Arafura games and at World Master Games, Amy has organised social events, holidays and gatherings that bring together people who have a disability. Completing her Certificate III in Youth Work has given Amy the confidence to know she is competent in working with young people and she now considers herself a mentor. Amy is now passionate about extending her education and inspiring others to do the same. 'I encourage, support and recommend to all people, of all ages to follow through with their educational aspirations. It’s not too late and the rewards are awesome!'
	Runner up Jaimi Johnson - Certificate II in Sports Coaching and Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation RTO: Taminmin High School Employer: YMCA Palmerston Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year - sponsored by Australian Apprenticeships NT
	Winner Solomon Renata - Certificate II in Engineering RTO: Charles Darwin University Employer: Rio Tinto Alcan Solomon has a positive outlook on life. Always wanting to work in the mining industry, he moved his family to Nhulunbuy for the opportunity of a rewarding career. Solomon has recently completed his Certificate II in Engineering, and with his increased confidence in his new skills, has gone on to further training. Completing this traineeship has provided Solomon with independence and confidence. He’s an enthusiastic parent and supports his community with his involvement in rugby and basketball. Solomon is determined to succeed and share his own experiences to encourage and support other Indigenous people. He is proud to be leading by example with his work and training and ultimately looks forward to being a leader for his family and community. 'I value the fact that I can get a qualification while working on the job. I took the opportunity and my life has turned around for the better.'
	Runner up Leanne Tonson - Certificate III in Aged Care RTO: Australian Red Cross Employer: Red Cross Hostel
Trainee of the Year - sponsored by Australia Post
	Winner Michael Molina - Certificate IV in Information Technology (General) RTO: Charles Darwin University Employer: Group Training NT Host Employer: Territory Technology Solutions Although Michael’s passion lay in the ICT industry, his knowledge of computers was limited and he had never undertaken tertiary education nor worked in this type of environment. During the three years of his traineeship in a Certificate IV in Information Technology, Michael advanced to senior workshop engineer. Thanks to his training, Michael’s communication and leadership skills advanced and he now confidently shares his knowledge with his workmates, assign job priorities and provide clarification to customers. Michael has long aspired to be a software developer and this traineeship has provided him with the opportunity to work on projects specifically in his area. 'Traineeships are an excellent opportunity to gain and develop a broad range of skills. Employers also benefit by getting workers who are flexible and capable of acquiring new skills in an efficient manner.'
	Runner up Nicholas Woo - Certificate II in Conservation & Land Management RTO: Charles Darwin University Employer: Group Training NT Host Employer: Vegsol NT
Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year - sponsored by Rio Tinto Alcan
	Winner Graham Havens - Certificate III in Carpentry RTO: Charles Darwin University Employer: Nowland Builders Back in 2006, Graham assisted a workmate on weekends, to install a kitchen over a 12 month period which also involved minor house renovations. It was about this time that Graham realised that working with his hands was far more enjoyable for him than his office ‘day job’. With a career as a builder in mind, Graham researched and then undertook a Certificate III in Carpentry. Graham happily admits that although this qualification dramatically improved his communication skills with other tradesmen and his attention to detail on-site has improved, he hasn’t quite carried it over to cleaning up after himself at home. Graham hopes he’s redeemed himself by building and fixing structures around his house. Graham is now taking on the challenge of a Certificate IV in Carpentry which has taken him from working in a small remote community, to Darwin and Brisbane, and back to Elcho Island. Graham has found his passion and hopes one day he can help communities in need in a volunteering capacity and later pass on his skills and experiences as a lecturer to other apprentices. 'Without doubt the value of the learning that took place during my apprenticeship has given me a great sense of achievement and self esteem, both in myself and in the wider community.'
	Runner up Bevan Holmes - Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical Heavy Vehicle / Plant / Earth Moving / AGMC) RTO: Charles Darwin University Employer: Buslink

Organisation categories
Training Initiative Award - sponsored jointly by Chamber of Commerce NT and INPEX
	Winner Charles Darwin University (CDU) In collaboration with the Department of Resources Fisheries Group and the NT Police Marine Fisheries Enforcement Section, Charles Darwin University successfully delivered the Certificate II in Seafood Industry (Fisheries Compliance Support) course to 21 remote marine rangers. The rangers represented nine of sixteen coastal marine/sea ranger groups and all attained their Certificate. This was an outstanding outcome for the first-time delivery of a course designed specifically for Indigenous marine rangers.
	Runner-up Laynhapuy Homelands Association Inc.
VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award - sponsored by Mr Richard Ryan
	Winner Howard Pullen - Charles Darwin University Charles Darwin University lecturer, Howard Pullen is a shining example of an engaged educator. He has delivered state of the art innovative programs to electrotechnology students. Howard is dedicated to developing green technologies and imparting this knowledge to students here and whilst volunteering overseas in developing countries. The Northern Territory electrotechnology industry has benefited greatly from Howard’s passion for his trade.
	Runner-up Helen Grant - Taminmin College
VET in Schools Excellence Award - sponsored by Conoco Philips
	Winner Nhulunbuy High School (NHS) NHS is a small RTO but from small things quality accomplishments emerge. NHS runs a suite of courses catering for local industry in mining, hospitality, retail and business. Their students are in demand in the local community and all find apprenticeships or some form of employment. As NHS is small they are able to offer a highly personalised service which matches their students well with potential employers. NHS has doubled their VET enrolments since last year and this upward trend looks like continuing due to the popularity of the courses. NHS have enjoyed participation as finalists or winners in Northern Territory Training Awards over the last few years and are very proud of what they have achieved, and the respect they have gained in the community for the quality of their training.
	Runner up Taminmin College
Small Business of the Year - sponsored by NTICN
	Winner Stone Island Hairdressers Stone Island Hairdressers has been operating in Darwin for 12 years, and is owned by Colette Forsyth and Fiona Knox. In a busy environment like a hair salon, training is paramount to the whole team delivering high quality services every time, all the time. Stone Island Hairdressers ensures every apprentice or stylist who works there is fully equipped and confident to provide the highest level of quality and value for money. Stone Island Hairdressers understands that training is at the core of their industry, and their business is built around the belief that only through continually training their team, they can provide the quality service their clients have come to expect.
	Runner Up Northern Stainless Pty Ltd
Employer of the Year - sponsored by Southern Cross Television
	Winner Department of Health and Families The Department of Health and Families (DHF) is committed to building a culture that values professional development and lifelong learning. It recognises that a positive learning environment assists to attract and retain quality employees. The Department is successfully using VET to train health leaders of the future and create pathways that dramatically increase job opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Territorians. DHF has implemented a number of VET programs including apprenticeships, leading edge leadership and management programs and extensive training in alcohol and other drugs. These initiatives have resulted in increased Aboriginal employment in the critical skills shortage areas of Aboriginal health and alcohol and other drugs and are contributing to improved health outcomes for Territorians.
	Runner-up Darwin City Council
Training Provider of the Year - sponsored by East Arnhem Shire Council
	Winner Charles Darwin University (CDU) CDU is a dynamic and robust multi-sector education provider which aims to provide its students with qualifications that will enable them to work anywhere in Australia. CDU provides unique pathways for students from school-based vocational training through the advanced research degrees. In 2009, CDU provided training in more than 260 VET qualifications ranging from non-award courses through to Certificate I - IV, and Advanced Diploma courses. Despite the substantial size of the organisation, it prides itself on delivering quality VET training to reflect the ever changing industry needs.
	Runner up Eagle Training Services