Training Awards
The ACT winner of the Employer of the Year Award is
The Vikings Group
Since 1979, The Vikings group has grown from a single, one room club, to grow to own and operate five licensed clubs throughout the Tuggeranong area. Boasting over 60000 members and affiliations with 52 sporting clubs, the Vikings Group is a major employer in ACT’s Tuggeranong valley with staff in excess of 300.
Vikings believes that the quality of its staff is a pivotal reason for the success of the company and that is why they invest so much in training.
The club is committed to the community in many ways, having donated over $2 million to community and charity organisations.
This commitment to the community is reflected in the Vikings approach to training and development. The training program in place at Vikings has been evolving over the past five years, with each year providing new and exciting initiatives to improve the functionality and enjoyment of the program. It is in place to ensure members receive a level of service that exceeds their expectations.
The ACT winner of the Small Business of the Year is
ACT Catering Services
ACT Catering Services (Hill Station) has an excellent reputation for fine food, excellent service, and a business that is professionally run. In 2005, Hill Station became the fourth restaurant in Canberra and the first in the ACT to be accredited by the Restaurant & Catering Association of Australia.
Hill Station provides opportunities to their trainees unlike some of their competitors by making almost all of theirs products from scratch. Directors Peter and Lyn also encourage staff and apprentices to contribute to new menus, hence promoting greater pride in their work.
Communication and flexibility with staff allows a productive and committed team. “Commitment from staff is a reward we gain from commitment to staff”
The ACT winner of the Business of the Year – Vocational School Placement Award is
The Production Hub
The learning experience The Production Hub has developed for VET students is designed to cater to their individual interest and experience as well as giving them an opportunity to experience a number of key facets of the industry that they would otherwise have limited access to. Students have something to occupy their attention at all times of their work experience. The students are asked to complete meaningful, actual work. The VET student’s genuine involvement in actual work activities promotes a sense of being part of a team and an understanding of what would be required of them in the workforce. Translating the theory students have learnt at school into practice in a real commercial environment is The Hub’s goal.
The ACT winner of the VET in Schools Excellence Award is
St Edmunds College
The Hospitality program at St Edmunds College allows students to attain nationally recognised competencies. The program has been specifically designed to ensure that all students understand the overall structure of the Tourism and Hospitality industry. Students are exposed to a simulation of a practical industry environment working in the new Hospitality Skills Centre (opened 2006 with Federal Government Funding). Throughout the program students acquire and build specific skills essential to become a competent student in this subject area. The program enables students to develop pride in themselves and confidence that they will meet industry expectations.
The ACT winner of Training Initiative Award is
MBA Group Training & PBS Building Pty Ltd
The “Kids Assist” program is the first training program to focus on High School students. This initiative has been implemented to assist year 10 students that are deemed to be “at risk” of not finishing year 10.
MBA Group Training and PBS raised the bar in Australia for Vocational Education and Training, as while the idea of vocational training is not a new or innovative concept, the delivery to year 10 students through a program such as Kids Assist is.
This program has helped identify and develop a flexible and alternate pathway, increasing the commencement, retention and completion rate for those in training in the building and construction industry.
The Large Registered Training Organisation of the Year
Canberra Institute of Technology
Canberra Institute of Technology is the ACT and region’s leading training organisation. It provides career and life opportunities for individuals and partners with the industry to develop programs that will improve the skills of their workforces. As a publicly owned educational institution with Registered Training Organisation status Canberra Institute of Technology specialises in providing vocational education and training (VET) for all people in the ACT and surrounding region. Canberra Institute of Technology is an integral part of the community, encouraging business and industry to adopt accredited training and fostering community appreciation of the value of vocational education and training.
The Small Registered Training Organisation of the Year
Australian Business Academy
The Australian Business Academy is a Registered Training Organisation that has the highest industry and Government accreditation available in the areas in which it provides training.
They are actively committed to providing comprehensive and caring services for its students and graduates and provide Student Managers to support and assist them regularly.
The Academy’s valued partnerships with its students, industry, education providers and the community provide a dynamic and challenging learning environment for its students and staff.
The ACT winner of the Vocational School Student of the Year Award is
Matthew Cools
Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation
Matthew is an outstanding young person who is carving out a journey into the Outdoor Recreation industry. Matt has developed a deep personal love of leading, instructing, and sharing his knowledge and enjoyment of adventure activities. For such a young adult he has a very strong passion to help other people participate in peak experiences, gain personal development and self understanding, self confidence, high powered teamwork and leadership. Matt believes in helping people to unleash their full life potential and love of life.
ACT winner of the Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year Certificate II Award is
Paul St Ledger
Certificate II in Information Technology
Paul chose a career in the Information Communication Technology industry because he is faced with new challenges every day. Paul finds his work rewarding and vasly interesting. Paul believes that as we move into the 21st Century, Information Technology is an increasingly essential part of our lives and he wants to be right in the middle of it. Through his Australian School Based Apprenticeship, Paul says he developed skills that he will use for the rest of his life.
The ACT winner of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student, Australian Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award is
Denise Dixon
Certificate IV in Drug and Alcohol
In 2004, Denise enrolled in the CIT Yurana Centre for Indigenous Australians after a 31 year absence from any formal means of education and training. Since then she has completed a number of qualifications including the Certificate II in Learning options for Indigenous Australians in 2005, the Certificate IV in Youth Work in 2007, and in 2008, the Certificate IV in Alcohol & Other Drugs Work. She has recently commenced study to gain an Advanced Diploma in Youth Work.
Denise has overcome a great deal of adversity in her time and uses her life experiences, along with her training to help people from both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous backgrounds get back on their feet.
Combined with her passion to help others, Denise also shares a passion for the arts having performed at many events, including the 2000 Olympic Torch relay at Parliament House.
ACT winner of Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year Award is
Clinton Scott- Knight
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Clinton has found the completion of a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to be invaluable in his role as General Manager, Operations for Indigenous Training Pathways. By undergoing a traineeship himself, Clinton believes he has a greater understanding of the Vocational Education and training system, enabling him to implement and manage Indigenous traineeship programs into the Public and Private sectors.
Clinton holds a keen interest in Indigenous affairs and is actively involved in community events. In 2005 he formed an Indigenous Rugby League team to compete in the annual Aboriginal Rugby League knockout. Such is Clinton’s dedication they have competed every year since.
“Knowledge is power, but more importantly knowledge is empowering, and the combination of my own work and training and my understanding of the vocational education and training system will enable me to empower others through education, training and employment
ACT winner of Australian Apprentice (Apprentice) of the Year Award is
Rachael Keiley
Certificate III in Plumbing
Rachael completed her Certificate III in Plumbing this year. The registered “Journeyman Plumber” attributes her training to giving her independence and the necessary work skills required in her current role as an Assistant Estimator. In this role she uses customer service and managerial skills to liaise with contractors, price and quote jobs, as well as visiting various job sites throughout Canberra. Rachael believes that effective communication only occurs when a person has been explained information, an idea, or given direction, and completely understands what is being said to them by the other person.
Rachael is actively involved in the promotion of Australian Apprenticeships having delivered presentations to high school students on the value of trade qualifications and is currently involved in a video production promoting the benefits of entering into an apprenticeship. Rachael was also awarded the honour of representing fellow apprentices in a meeting with the Prime Minister.
ACT Vocational Student of the Year Award
Elizabeth Jordan
Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy
Elizabeth has forged a successful and fulfilling career with the help of Vocational Education and Training. She completed the Advanced Diploma in Naturopathy at the Canberra Institute of Technology and has since gone on to build a steady client base.
Elizabeth is a firm believer in Vocational Education regarding it as the gift that keeps on giving. She has gained self confidence, self discipline, and self expression. She appreciated being given the opportunity to undertake a vocational pathway that did not preclude career advancement upon graduation.
Elizabeth has been approached by the Richmond Fellowship to educate disadvantaged youth on health and wellbeing in conjunction with their Outreach programs and is currently collaborating with the editor of Bungendore’s local newspaper on a regular column where she would dispense naturopathic advice and write articles on complementary therapies.
The winner of the Australian School Based Apprentice of the Year Certificate III is
Natasha Lilley
Certificate III in Sport and Recreation
Natasha is currently undertaking a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation. She values the “hands on” approach that a traineeship offers and has learnt such skills as professional client interaction, how to work within a team, effective communication with colleagues and improved customer service skills.
Natasha holds a strong passion for sport and fitness and has recently gained an accreditation in swim teaching that she was able to earn in conjunction with her Certificate III training.
On top of all this Natasha is a school House Captain where she organises the athletics and swimming carnivals as well as charity fundraising, all the while upholding the schools reputation.
John Scott Memorial Award
Barrie Cooke
Norm Fisher Award
Anne Houghton
ACT Training Excellence Awards Sponsors
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Small Business
