South Australia’s information technology, education, electricity distribution and hospitality sectors are among those represented in the 2020 Australian Training Awards (ATA).
Cementing South Australia’s reputation as an innovative leader in vocational education and training (VET), six individuals and five organisations will showcase their training achievements and fly the state flag in the national awards program, which will announce its winners on Friday 20 November.
“In a year when we’ve all faced so many challenges, it’s exciting to see such strong examples of South Australia’s training success,” Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said.
“South Australia continues to lead the nation in apprenticeship and traineeship commencement growth, with latest national training data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) showing South Australia recorded a nation leading 11.9 per cent increase in paid training commencements for the year to March 2020 (compared to a 7.9 per cent decline nationally).
“Our state representatives and national finalists in the Australian Training Awards are testament to South Australia’s exceptional VET performance and I congratulate each of them on their achievements.”
South Australia’s national finalists in the ATA’s individual award categories include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Clarice Goddard of Adelaide, Certificate III in Business Administration (Tauondi Aboriginal College)
- Apprentice of the Year – Joshua Nicolo of Happy Valley, Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications (PEER)
- School-based Apprentice of the Year – Stephanie Verrall of Paralowie, Certificate II in Kitchen Operations and currently undertaking Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CEG - Training Partnerships)
- Trainee of the Year – Phoebe Storey of Wilmington, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (TAFE SA)
- Vocational Student of the Year – Ebony Springall of Reynella East, Certificate III and IV in Education Support (Fast Track Training Australia)
- VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year – Steven Skinner of Aberfoyle Park, Lecturer (TAFE SA)
In the ATA’s organisation award categories, South Australia is represented by:
- Training Provider of the Year – PEER, Albert Park
- Small Employer of the Year– ORBE, Norwood
- Medium Employer of the Year – Outside Ideas, Forestville
- Large Employer of the Year– SA Power Networks, Keswick
- Industry Collaboration – ASC Shipbuilding, Department for Education, TAFE SA (Shipbuilding Readiness Training Program)
The Chair of the Training and Skills Commission Michael Boyce OAM said that against the backdrop of COVID-19, the calibre of submissions from those vying to represent the state in this year’s Australian Training Awards was exceptional.
“Now, more than ever before, it is critical that South Australia leverages its strength in education and training to increase the skills of its workforce and support jobs, growth and industry development,” said Mr Boyce.
“The organisations and individuals shortlisted and selected to represent our state in the ATA are shining examples of the passion, commitment and excellence of South Australia’s VET sector and terrific ambassadors for our state.”
