WA training brings home national award
23 November 2004
An innovative training program for Western Australia’s prison community received top honours at the 2004 Australian Training Awards held in Melbourne tonight.
The WA Department of Justice won the Australian Training Initiative Award for Auswest Specialist Education and Training Services, a training program for the state’s prison community.
The program is delivered by 40 education personnel, 30 industrial training personnel, and more than 100 casual tutors. Courses range from horticulture to hospitality, and reach 6000 prisoners a year in the state’s 12 prisons and six work camps.
A crucial factor in the judges’ decision was the positive impact of the program on prisoners’ lives and Auswest’s role as an agent for reform in local prisons and government policy.
According to ANTA chairman, David Hind, Australia’s key to keeping ahead of international competitors is world-class employers committed to training and training providers who can meet the skill needs of businesses and individuals.
The Australian Training Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of apprentices, trainees and students as well as the contribution of enterprises and training providers to skilling Australia.
The awards are hosted by the Australian National Training Authority and supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES CONTACT:
Jan Martin 0418 875 547
Alison Carbery 0409 070 507
Samantha Murray 0407 898 724