Mackay technician secures national award
23 November 2004
A 23-year-old electrical technician who dreams of running his own security business is Australia’ best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student.
Brendan Bishop from Advanced Alarms Mackay claimed the title of 2004 ATSI Student of the Year at the Australian Training Awards at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne tonight. Brendan said his apprenticeship had secured his future and had given him a range of career paths to consider.
“I absolutely encourage others to give training a go. I started with nothing, and I now have a qualification that will take me anywhere I want to go,” he said.
Brendan completed his apprenticeship through local group training company MRAEL Ltd, working at his host employer Advanced Alarms Mackay. He received a Certificate III in Engineering (Electronic Security and Alarm Systems) from the Southbank Institute of TAFE.
Brendan’s long term goal is to run his own security business and expand into the field of telecommunications through additional training. Along the way, Brendan plans to pass on his enthusiasm for electronics to other young members of the community, including participants in the local indigenous youth employment scheme.
The judging panel was particularly impressed by Brendan’s enormous enthusiasm for his chosen career and passion for his field of study. They also commented on Brendan’s strong determination to achieve a better future through learning, and his ability to communicate this have made Brendan an excellent role model for younger people in his community.
According to ANTA chairman, David Hind, a highly skilled Australian workforce is key to growing the national economy and to ensuring Australia remains competitive internationally.
“Students like Brendan are proof positive that vocational education and training is the pathway to a great career,” Mr Hind said.
Sandra Stewart from Mildura in Victoria was runner up in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category.
Brendan was one of many successful Queenslanders. Far north Queensland nursery Mad About Plants received the Prime Minister’s Small Employer of the Year Award. Industry awards were won by Gold Coast builder Boss Developments in the Construction and Property Services category, and Greenslopes Private Hospital in the Community Services and Health category.
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.
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