2009 ACT Excellence Award Winners
ACT Vocational School Student of the Year
Samantha Crane
Qualification: Certificate II in Business, Certificate II in Hospitality
College: Mackillip Catholic College
Samantha Crane values the experience and opportunities that studying vocational subjects has given her at Mackillop Catholic College. Ms Crane demonstrates a strong commitment to her school studies and a result, completed a Certificate I in Business Administration and a Certificate I in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) by the end of Year 11. Ms Crane was eager to begin training in Event Management and felt the combination of hospitality and business administration would assist her in that area. As an employee of the Vikings Auditorium, Ms Crane works as an Australian School-based Apprentice which has assisted her to further determine her skills and interests. As a result, Ms Crane has developed an interest in working with children, thus, has decided to investigate a career in children’s services and education.
ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year Certificate II
Joel Byatt
Qualification: Certificate II Automotive Service and Repair
RTO: Canberra Institute of Technology
Employer: Janrule Pty Ltd
Joel Byatt is currently working towards a Certificate II in Automotive Service and Repair as an Australian School-based Apprentice. Mr Byatt believes his school-based apprenticeship at Canberra Toyota Belconnen has given him the opportunity to chase his career dreams. Mr Byatt has gained skills and knowledge that will assist him in the next stages of his apprenticeship as well as areas outside his apprenticeship. After having no intentions of going to college, Mr Byatt jumped at the opportunity to complete an Australian School-based Apprenticeship and has since received numerous certificates for his efforts and achievements in his studies.
ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year Certificate III
Alex Agostino
Qualification: Certificate III in Plumbing
RTO: Canberra Institute of Technology
Employer: Ready 4 Plumbing
Alex Agostino is completing a Certificate III in Plumbing with Ready 4 Plumbing via an Australian School-based Apprenticeship. Mr Agostino is interested in all aspects of the plumbing industry and plans to become a fully qualified Plumber/Gas Fitter. As a result of his school-based apprenticeship, Mr Agostino has become more confident with his dealings with clients and supervisors and has learnt to work professionally during times of stress and heavy workload. Mr Agostino aims to complete further study to assist him to own and operate his own business. Ultimately, Mr Agostino would like to own his own business and have the opportunity to employ apprentices, both his age and mature age, as he sees a plumbing career as one with plenty of scope for growth.
ACT Vocational Student of the Year
David Balfour (awarded posthumously)
Qualification: Diploma in Public Safety(Fire Fighting Management)
RTO: ACT Emergency Services Agency
David Balfour commenced his career as a firefighter with the ACT Fire Brigade in 1997. Mr Balfour achieved the rank of Senior Firefighter (Qualified) and had been found suitable for promotion to the rank of Station Officer. Mr Balfour’s commitment to training is demonstrated in his achievement of a Certificate II and a Certificate III in Firefighting Operations and additional qualifications in workplace training and assessment. Furthermore, Mr Balfour was an instructor in various disciplines within the ACT Fire Brigade including Gas Fire, specialised vehicles such as the Breathing Apparatus support vehicle and Critical Incident Stress Management. In addition to training delivery, Mr Balfour was also a coach and mentor for new recruits and was well respected by his students.
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Allison Hoolihan
Qualification: Diploma of Business Management
RTO: Canberra Institute of Technology
Allison Hoolihan completed a Certificate IV in Business (Governance) in 2007 and then continued studying to complete a Diploma in Business Administration in 2008. She worked in an administrative role for many years before completing a qualification. Studying a formal qualification in business administration has enabled Ms Hoolihan to gain more on an emotional level while also upgrading her skills. She strongly believes you are never too old to learn and that you learn something new every day. Ms Hoolihan is currently enrolled in a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to assist her reach her goal of teaching Business Administration to Aboriginal youth.
ACT Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year
Peter Jamieson
Qualification: Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Contract Administration)
RTO: MBA Group Training Ltd
Employer: MBA Group Training Ltd
Peter Jamieson has a strong interest in project management and a passion for the field of construction. Mr Jamieson believes the combination of practical on-site training and off-the-job theory is an ideal method to develop his skills and earn qualifications. After already completing two qualifications, Mr Jamieson is now completing a Diploma of Building and Construction (Management).
Through his traineeship, Mr Jamieson has gained an insight into the building industry and has a better understanding of the vast knowledge and experience required to make critical decisions in the workplace. Mr Jamieson believes learning never stops and is integral to life and his personal development.
ACT Australian Apprentice of the Year
Geoff Hepburn
Qualification: Certificate III Electrotechnology Systems Electrician
RTO: Canberra Institute of Technology
Employer: Network Electrical Services
Geoff Hepburn completed a Certificate II Systems Electrician Apprenticeship with Network Electrical Services Pty Ltd this year. His journey in the electrical industry began at the age of 15 when he started working with a friend of his father’s on weekends. By the time he finished Year 10, Mr Hepburn knew that he wanted to do an apprenticeship and began looking for an employer to take him on as an apprentice. When announced the winner of the ACT Apprentice of the Year, Mr Hepburn thanked Network Electrical for giving him the opportunity.
