Nominations for the 2021 NSW Training Awards are now open.
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The regional launch of the awards was held at Gumnut Patisserie, Mittagong.
Last year the Illawarra and South East Regional NSW were successful in having three finalists in the state awards. They were:
- Apprentice - Joshua Nickl - Retail Baking.
- Trainee - Shayd Flegg - Early Childhood Education & Care
- SBAT- Cassandra O'Carroll- Conservation & Land Management
Joshua Nickl of Gumnut Patisserie went on to be award NSW Apprentice of the Year and said the awards were a huge eye-opener.
"The awards are an amazing opportunity with amazing people," he said.
"It shows what you can do with an apprenticeship and give back to the community. It also shows what a special region this year."
Tracy and Vicki Nickl, Joshua's parents and owners of Gumnut Patisserie said they were extremely proud of their son.
Also in attendance at the launch was the Illawarra and South East Regional Vocational Student of the Year Keeley Horton and School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Cassandra O'Carroll from Kiama.
Keeley, from Port Kembla, completed her Diploma in Counselling from TAFE NSW.
She said winning the regional award was a huge confidence boost.
"As the youngest member on my team, the award shows I can competently advocate for my client," she said.
"I encourage people to nominate and be nominated for the award and spread awareness."
Chair of the Illawarra and South East NSW Regional Vocational Training Committee (IVTC) Darryl Leslie said he was proud of the region and proud to see so many apprentices come through.
"It's all about getting nominated and getting out there and spreading the word about the awards," he said.
"We are proud to support businesses that support apprentices and support us."
So far there are more than 40 nominations with the nominations set to close on March 14, 2021.
Each year award winners represent the region at the annual NSW Training Awards in Sydney and may progress to the National Awards.
The role of the IVTC is to recognise and promote vocational education and training excellence in the region, particularly through apprenticeships and traineeships.
Regional Training Awards are held each year to recognise local achievements.
The Regional Training Awards are organised by the IVTC, which has been active in the region now for more than 50 years.
The region covers a large area from Helensburgh in the north to Eden in the south, and out to Cooma/Monaro, Queanbeyan, Yass, Goulburn and the Southern Highlands.
The Training Awards recognises outstanding organisations and individuals for their hard work and determination.
There are 12 award categories hosted in NSW.
Organisation Awards:
- Large Training Provider of the Year
- Small Training Provider of the Year
- Large Employer of the Year
- Medium Employer of the Year
- Industry Collaboration Award
Individual Awards:
- Apprentice of the Year
- Trainee of the Year
- Vocational Student of the Year
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
- VET in Schools Student of the Year
- School-based Apprentice/Traineeship of the Year
- VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
For more information or to apply, visit www.trainingawards.nsw.gov.au
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
