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Organisations - 2010 Winners and Finalists:
Individuals - 2010 Winners, Runners Up and Finalists:
Organisations – 2010 Winners and Finalists
Prime Minister’s Small Business of the Year
Winner
Diesel Electrics, Queensland

Diesel Electrics is a small business with a big commitment to training. Its 12 workers, including owners Anthony and Kellie Wenning, spend eight per cent of their work time on training while the apprentices spend an extra four hours a week studying. Recruits are welcomed with a five-day induction program that emphasises workplace safety.
Finalists
Littlehampton Child Care Centre, South Australia
Verriers Engineering Services, Western Australia
Skills for Sustainability – Educational Institution Award
Winner
Swinburne University of Technology (TAFE Division), Victoria

Swinburne University of Technology is one of Australia’s leading VET providers. Swinburne has a university-wide Sustainability Strategy, which includes a commitment that by 2015, 100 per cent of its programs will have sustainability embedded in the learning objectives.
Finalists
Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, Victoria
TAFE NSW - Sydney Institute, New South Wales
Australian Training Initiative
Winner
Tropical North QLD TAFE – SchoolTech, Queensland

SchoolTech is a partnership between Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE and regional high schools which allows students to combine senior studies with vocational training in the one location. Unlike the traditional block training model, students undertake all aspects of their learning and vocational development every week.
Finalists
Centre of Excellence for Students who are Deaf and hard of Hearing (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE), Victoria
Charles Darwin University (Northern Territory)
VET in Schools Excellence
Winner
Inner Melbourne VET Cluster Inc., Victoria

The Inner Melbourne VET Cluster is a not-for-profit association that brokers vocational programs for secondary schools in inner Melbourne. The cluster’s unique Host School Model gives schools with limited senior secondary curriculum offerings an opportunity to expand the vocational pathway for its students.
Finalists
Kimberley TAFE (Western Australia)
Nhulunbuy High School (Northern Territory)
Small Training Provider of the Year
Winner
Industrylink,Tasmania

Industrylink Training specialises in professional training for the hospitality industry. The company operates a fully operational à la carte restaurant and cocktail and tapas bar, and ensures its students receive high-quality training tailored to each student and employer’s needs.
Finalists
HELP Enterprises,(Queensland)
NECA College of Electrical Training (Western Australia)
Spectrum Education and Training (Victoria)
Large Training Provider of the Year
Winner
TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute, New South Wales

TAFE NSW—Western Sydney Institute leads the state in providing high-quality vocational education, training and workforce development services to industry and individuals. It delivers around 1000 courses that range from one-day short courses through to Advanced Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Finalists
Durack Institute of Technology (Western Australia)
Wide Bay Institute of TAFE (Queensland)
Employer of the Year
Winner
Crown Melbourne Limited, Victoria

Crown Melbourne Limited is an enterprise-based training organisation that has more than 1200 employees undertaking accredited training qualifications. Employees are offered a well-structured learning pathway, taking them from Certificate I qualifications through to a Certificate IV in Frontline Management.
Finalists
ETSA Utilities (South Australia)
Serco Sodexo Defence Services (Direct Nomination)
Innovative Business Award
Sponsored by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework

This award recognises an organisation which has demonstrated excellence in using Information Communication Technologies (ICT) to deliver education and training programs.
Wide Bay Institute of TAFE, Queensland

Wide Bay Institute of TAFE (WBIT) began using e-learning in the mid 1990s as a tool to increase access to training for learners unable to attend face-to-face classes due to distance or work commitments.
Today, WBIT has built strong partnerships with a number of industries, including retail, hospitality and community services, to provide more flexible and engaging training strategies which are tailored to meet the needs of geographically dispersed learners.
In 2009, WBIT collaborated closely with the Queensland water industry to develop the Water Online Program, which uses videoconferencing, point of view technology and online communities to deliver nationally recognised qualifications in water management.
The program uses social networking tools to build a virtual community. Learners access the online chat room, forums, instant messaging and the virtual coffee shop to connect with their trainers and their peers, regardless of distance or time differences. The program is delivering significant savings for water operators, eliminating transport and accommodation costs for remote learners to attend training. For these reasons, industry uptake has been extensive and the program is now delivered across Australia.
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Individuals - 2010 Winners, Runners Up and Finalists
Stella Axarlis Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year
Winner
Ms Yazmin Brown, Northern Territory
Certificate III in Automotive Technology (Light Vehicle)

Yazmin’s love of racing speed-cars lead her to study a Certificate III in Automotive Technology-Light Vehicle. She has also been involved in the Diversionary Program for young people in Darwin by instructing clients in maintenance tasks. As a female apprentice mechanic in a male-dominated industry, Yazmin is proud to demonstrate a motivated and mature approach to her work.
See the Northern Territory Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Runner up
Ms Alex Jones, New South Wales
Certificate III in Community Services - Aged Care Work

Alex is undertaking an Australian School-based Apprenticeship in Community Services-Aged Care Work Certificate III. Her employer describes her as a shining light for the future of nursing because of her ability to deliver inspired-care to each individual resident. On completion of her traineeship, Alex is planning a career in nursing and medicine.
See the New South Wales Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Finalists
Mr Jake Jones, Queensland
Certificate III in Carpentry; Certificate III in Information Technology

See the Queensland Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Rhylee Deas, Victoria
Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade

See the Victorian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Hudson O’Dwyer-Flynn, Western Australia
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician

See the WA Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Scott Phillips, South Australia
Certificate III in Carpentry

See the South Australian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Karpaagam Shanmugam, Tasmania
Certificate III in Retail Operations

See the Tasmanian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Megan Cox, Australian Capital Territory
Certificate III in Aged Care

See the ACT Training Excellence Awards for more information on winners in your state.
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Vocational Student of the Year
Winner
Mr Michael Hogan, Victoria
Certificates I and II in Automotive Electrics

Michael completed his Certificates I and II in Automotive Electrical Technology with Holmesglen TAFE. He now teaches there and operates his own auto-electric business. Michael won the Applied Technologies Department’s Student Excellence Award for his Certificate II qualification. He also completed a Certificate IV in Fire Technology and is a lieutenant in the Country Fire Authority.
See the Victorian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Runner up
Ms Heidi Scher, New South Wales
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

While working as a store manager for Howards Storage World, Heidi began studies in Training and Assessment with the aim of mentoring new store managers. She demonstrated exceptional skills in designing training programs that were engaging and effective for learners. Heidi is now undertaking a Masters of Business Administration at the University of Technology Sydney.
See the New South Wales Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Finalists
Mr David Smith, Queensland
Certificate IV in Frontline Management; Diploma of Management

See the Queensland Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Denese Smythe, Western Australia
Certificates III and IV in Community Services - Youth Work

See the WA Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Kristie Gum, South Australia
Diploma of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse

See the South Australian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Martin Ruzicka, Tasmania
Certificate IV in Small Business Management

See the Tasmanian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Amy Lewis, Northern Territory
Certificate III in Community Services - Youth Work

See the Northern Territory Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Sharon Dale, Australian Capital Territory
Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy

See the ACT Training Excellence Awards for more information on winners in your state.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Winner
Mr Rory Smeaton, Victoria
Diploma of Youth Work

Rory is an Indigenous Liaison Officer at Kangan Institute and is employed by the Football Federation and AFL Sportsready as a youth worker. In 2009, he completed a Diploma of Youth Work with Swinburne TAFE. Rory’s goal is to provide pathways to employment, education and community participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
See the Victorian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Runner up
Mr Russell Freeburn, New South Wales
Certificate IV in Retail Management

Russell has completed an apprenticeship in light vehicle mechanics, and also holds a Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training, and Certificates II and IV in Retail. He was offered a management position with Gibbo’s Auto Spares after completing his traineeship, making him their youngest ever manager. He has also received numerous awards from TAFE NSW.
See the New South Wales Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Finalists
Ms Paula Dean, Queensland
Diploma of Community Welfare

See the Queensland Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Eugene Winmar, Western Australia
Certificate III in Tourism; Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

See the WA Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Cherie Burnett, South Australia
Certificate III in Business

See the South Australian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Nickeeta Masatora, Tasmania
Diploma of Engineering - Drafting

See the Tasmanian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Solomon Renata, Northern Territory
Certificate II in Engineering

See the Northern Territory Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Darren Chong, Australian Capital Territory
Certificate III in Business

See the ACT Training Excellence Awards for more information on winners in your state.
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Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year
Winner
Ms Gabriella Morona, New South Wales
Certificate III in Agriculture

After completing her HSC, Gabriella commenced a Rural Skills-Agriculture Certificate III qualification while working on the family farm. She developed many new skills in areas such as irrigation and livestock husbandry. Gabriella has seen many changes including new machinery and the introduction of conservation farming techniques.
See the New South Wales Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Runner up
Ms Josephine Shannon, Queensland
Certificate III in Business

After 20 years out of the workforce raising seven children, Josephine resumed her career in office administration with a traineeship. She adapted quickly to the huge changes in technology and streamlined reporting processes in a workplace health and safety program. Joesphine was offered a position with Western Downs Regional Council the day after completing her traineeship.
See the Queensland Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Finalists
Mr Imran Khan, Victoria
Certificate IV in Drafting (Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services)

See the Victorian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Hayley Easter, Western Australia
Certificate IV in Agriculture

See the WA Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Sarah Fraser, South Australia
Certificate III in Business

See the South Australian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Lizzy Ziegler, Tasmania
Certificate III in Horticulture

See the Tasmanian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Michael Molina, Northern Territory
Certificate IV in Information Technology

See the Northern Territory Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Ms Emma Goodwin, Australian Capital Territory
Certificate III in Business

See the ACT Training Excellence Awards for more information on winners in your state.
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Australian Apprentice of the Year
Winner
Mr Jason Bryan, Tasmania
Certificate III in Electrotechnology

On leaving school, Jason gained an apprenticeship through TASTEC Group Training with host-employer BSH Electrical. He has won a best apprentice award every year of his apprenticeship while undertaking many other courses. Jason completed his Australian Apprenticeship in March and is now employed by BSH Electrical as a leading-hand electrician.
See the Tasmanian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Runner up
Mr Garreth Robbs, New South Wales
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Garreth commenced his cookery apprenticeship in 2007, and in 2009 and 2010 won a scholarship which enabled him to travel to London to work with well-known chefs. He has also travelled through France and Spain to learn extensively about food in both regions. Garreth is well on his way to achieving his goal of becoming an executive chef.
See the New South Wales Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Finalists
Mr Caleb Mayne, Queensland
Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical)

See the Queensland Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Callan Ridge, Victoria
Engineering (Mechanical)

See the Victorian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Emerson Lievense, Western Australia
Engineering (Electrical)

See the WA Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Alex Kulikovsky, South Australia
Certificate III in Plumbing

See the South Australian Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Graham Havens, Northern Territory
Certificate III in Carpentry

See the Northern Territory Training Awards for more information on winners in your state.
Mr Ross Ingham, Australian Capital Territory
Certificate III in Plumbing

See the ACT Training Excellence Awards for more information on winners in your state.
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