- Queensland was the top dog at the 30th Australian Training Awards in Hobart last night walking away with a record haul.
- Our state is best in the nation in six categories including TAFE Queensland receiving the nation’s highest accolade of being named best Large Training Provider.
- Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino, a year 12 student at far flung Weipa’s Western Cape College is Australia’s School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year while Australia’s Vocational Student of the Year is Cairns student Jessica Addo.
- Queensland organisations took out half of the nation’s Gold awards in the Business and Registered Training Organisation categories
Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino, a year 12 student at Weipa’s Western Cape College is Australia’s School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year.
While completing his Certificate II in Engineering, Kyezaya was the vice-captain and sports captain at his school and involved in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations program.
Australia’s Vocational Student of the Year is Jessica Addo. The award recognises her Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education through TAFE Queensland’s Cairns campus.
Jesssica was inspired to pursue a career in education after getting involved in her young daughter’s learning. She’s now studying for her Bachelor of Education and has plans to work in remote schools to make a positive change wherever she can.
TAFE Queensland is Australia’s Large Training Provider of the Year .
Queensland organisations took out half of the nation’s Gold awards in the Business and Registered Training Organisation categories:
- TAFE Queensland won Large Training Provider of the Year
- Brisbane-based All Purpose Transport was named Large Employer of the Year
- St James College, an independent school based in inner Brisbane, won the School Pathways to VET Award
- Bradford Institute of Advanced Education, won the Innovation in VET
Twelve Queensland finalists from Weipa to the Gold Coast represented the state at the Australian Training Awards.
Quotes attributed to Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer:
“This is a record result and to take out took out half of the nation’s Gold awards in the Business and Registered Training Organisation categories reinforces our training and skills sector is very strong and Queensland is on the right track.
“I am proud of all the Queensland finalists at the Australian Training Awards, just as they should be proud of themselves.
“The awards bring the best of the best of the country’s training talent together and I was privileged to be able to be with our Queensland finalists and celebrate their fantastic achievements.
“The Palaszczuk Government backed Queensland TAFE against those who wanted to shut it down and this showing at the Australian Training Awards highlights the strong position vocational education and training holds in Queensland, with apprentices, trainees, students, trainers, employers, training providers, and innovative training programs.
“The Palaszczuk Government invests more than $1.2 billion annually in training and skills and that investment is a driving force behind the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032
“It’s money very well spent. Congratulations once again to our winners.”
Quotes attributable to Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year:
“Having my parents here to share my win in Hobart warms my heart. This award means all the hard work and dedication that I’ve put into my traineeship and every little thing I do inside the workshop and outside has not been unnoticed or disregarded.
“Just getting to this level is a prestigious accolade and I am proud of myself and how far I’ve come and what I’ve achieved.”
Quotes attributable to Jessica Addo Australian Vocational Student of the Year:
“Through my success I hope I can inspire others to chase their goals. You can be successful at anything if you study hard and put the work in.
“The opportunities and support are there. You just need to be willing to give it a go. It’s important for me because I want to help Indigenous students succeed.”
Quotes attributable to TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer John Tucker:
“The award is a significant achievement and showcases TAFE Queensland’s commitment to training excellence and capability to constantly provide industry with job-ready graduates who are confident, capable, and who have the hands-on skills employers need.
“We know the power of training and skills and we are in the privileged position of not only being able to help our students to change their lives and achieve their career aspirations, but also enhance the social wellbeing and financial sustainability of the communities in which we work and live throughout Queensland.”
