The Australian Apprentice of the Year Award is presented to the most outstanding Australian Apprentice in Australia.
Winner - Kevin Baker - Victoria
Course: Certificate III in Electrical (Systems Electrician)
Employer: General Motors Holden Ltd
Training Provider: Victoria University
Kevin has a Certificate III and an Advanced Certificate IV in Electro Technology from Victoria University and has also commenced studies for an Advanced Diploma in Engineering. In addition to working at the Holden Engine Plant in Fisherman’s Bend, Kevin runs two businesses of his own in the automotive and computing fields.
Runner Up - Sarah Neill - South Australia
Course: Certificate III in Pastry and Bakery Cooking (Combined)
Employer: Hyatt Regency Adelaide
Training Provider: Regency Institute of TAFE
Finding an inspiring mentor within her industry is one of the major factors in Sarah’s success to date. Since beginning at the Hyatt Regency in early 2005, the final year Australian Apprentice has gained broad hotel experience, while developing her passion for cooking pastry and desserts. Earlier this year, Sarah attended three days of cross training in the Grand Hyatt in Singapore where she participated in a Callebaut chocolate course. A graduate of TAFE SA’s Certificate III in Food Processing (Retail Bakery), Sarah would one day love to open her own patisserie.
The Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year Award is presented to the most outstanding Australian Apprentice (Trainee) in Australia.
Winner - Tracy Sutton - Queensland
Course: Certificate III in Community Services
Employer: Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation
Training Provider: Cooloola Sunshine Institute of TAFE
Tracy’s interest in community groups such as the local swim club and Girl Guides gave her a feel for involvement in the community services sector. The opportunity arose for Tracy to become involved with the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation, where she worked on programmes directly aimed at giving communities in rural Queensland services and training that are normally unavailable to them.
Runner Up - Mathew Smith - South Australia
Course: Certificate IV in Frontline Management
Employer: Clipsal Pty Ltd
Training Provider: TAFE SA - Noarlunga Campus
Since beginning his traineeship at Clipsal in 2005, Mathew’s capacity for self development has seen him successfully complete seven external and eight internal Clipsal training courses. A graduate of Certificate IV in Frontline Management at TAFE SA, Mathew has recently been promoted from Supervisor to Manager in the metals manufacturing department and is directly responsible for about 50 employees. He recognises the value of constantly upgrading his skills and plans to train as a Manager at Clipsal. Mathew also finds time to be Vice-Captain of the South Adelaide Football Club.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award is presented to the most outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student in Australia.
Winner - Roeina Edmund - Queensland
Course: Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical)
Employer: Aero Enterprise
Training Provider: Aviation Australia
During her ten month course Roeina learnt everything from basic hardware identification and tool use to piston engine theory. Roeina dreams of one day becoming an astronaut but in the meantime is awaiting a physical exam for entry into the Defence Force. Roeina has a great passion for military aircraft and is currently undertaking flying lessons to move her closer to her goal.
Runner Up - Euroka Gilbert - Australian Capital Territory
Course: Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management (Indigenous Land Management)
Employer: ACT Parks Conservation and Land Management
Training Provider: TAFE Commission of NSW
Euroka is employed with Environment ACT as an Indigenous Trainee Ranger. For most of his traineeship Euroka has been based at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve working with the Wildlife Management team. Euroka’s excellent communication skills allow him to relate confidently to staff and managers across the organisation, as well as consultants and visitors to the Reserve. He has an exceptional ability to interpret his Indigenous heritage, effectively communicating concepts and issues to non-Indigenous people. Euroka was recently selected to be a mentor for the 2006 National Indigenous Youth Leadership Workshop, communicating the voices and issues of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
The Vocational Student of the Year Award is presented to the most outstanding vocational student in Australia.
Winner - Jason Walton - Tasmania
Course: Certificate IV in Community Services
Employer: Anglicare Tasmania Inc
Training Provider: TAFE Tasmania
In the last two and a half years Jason has completed a Certificate II in Information Technology and Certificates III and IV in Community Services at TAFE Tasmania. Jason received a Student of the Year Award when he completed Certificate III in Community Services in 2005. Jason will continue his studies when he enrols in a Diploma course at TAFE Tasmania later this year.
Runner Up - Craig Dearden - New South Wales
Course: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
Employer: Sofitel Wentworth Sydney Hotel
Training Provider: TAFE NSW - Ryde College
Craig recently completed an Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management and is currently studying for a Bachelor in Business Administration at Macquarie University. In 2005 Craig won Gold at Australia’s National WorldSkills competition before going on to win Bronze at the International Competition in Helsinki. This year he won first place in the 2006 WorldSkills Restaurant Service Demonstration Competition in Brazil. Craig is currently employed at the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney Hotel with plans to travel and work overseas in the future.
The Stella Axarlis Australian School based Apprentice of the Year Award is presented to the most outstanding Australian School based Apprentice in Australia undertaking a Certificate III or above qualification.
Winner - Emma Clark - South Australia
Course: Certificate III in Food Processing (Retail Baking) Combined
Employer: Maxima Group Training
Training Provider: Maxima Group Training
After securing weekend work at a bakery in her early teens, Emma realised baking was more than just a stop-gap measure. Emma is employed by Maxima Group Training and is currently placed at Coles in the Bakery Section, where she has learnt the importance of good time management as she combines studies with her Year 12 Certificate at Woodcroft College. Emma plans to study business management so she is equipped to run her own bakery business. She also would like to deliver industry training to help address skills shortages in the sector.
Runner Up 1 - Luke Norford - Queensland
Course: Certificate III in Civil Construction
Employer: BMD Constructions
Training Provider: Civil Train Queensland
Luke’s interest in practical hands-on skills in the outdoors led him to an Australian School based Apprenticeship in Civil Construction with BMD Constructions. Luke works in preparing housing development sites, which involves the laying of cables and pipes, ground levelling, roads and kerbing. Luke’s goal is to eventually go to university and complete a Civil Engineering Degree.
Runner Up 2 - Kristina Simeoni - Victoria
Course: Certificate III in Hairdressing
Employer: Tremayne Hair Salon
Training Provider: Pivot Point Hair Design College
Kristina is passionate and enthusiastic about her Australian School based Apprenticeship in Hairdressing. Currently in Year 12 at St Columba’s High School, she spends three days a week at school, one day a week at Pivot Hair Design College and two days a week working for Melbourne’s prestigious Tremayne Salon. Kristina also finds time to participate in many community service activities including volunteering for the Caroline Chisholm Society. Recently Kristina was awarded the Encouragement Award at the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association of Australia Student Award.