Articles
2011 Victorian Training Awards
On 2 September 2011 The Department of Education and Early Child Development held its 57th annual Victorian Training Awards (new window) at Crown Casino’s Palladium Ballroom.
What’s it about?
The awards night seeks to recognise the outstanding efforts of students, staff and TAFE providers.
With award categories including the Vocational Student of the Year Award and the Victorian Small Training Provider of the Year Award, the ceremony highlights the achievements of individuals within the TAFE field.
The award not only focuses outstanding achievement, but also provides award recipients with a $10,000 cheque to help further their studies.
Finalists also receive $500 in acknowledgement of their efforts.
The Awards
Winners on the night included:
Student of the Year: Lisette Mill
As well as undertaking volunteer work and completing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Lisette partook in a bushfire recovery program and designed a program to make cigarette butt bins. With this award under her belt, Lisette looks forward to working with VicRoads, EPA and Local Councils.
Victorian School-based Apprentice of the Year: Jessica Pendlebury
This award recognised Jessica as the first secondary student to also study a degree as part of a school-based traineeship. Judges also recognised that while completing VCE and a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, Jessica also took the time to mentor other students who were completing their veterinary certificates, train puppies, to be an active member of her school student representative council, and to participate regularly in hockey and softball.
Victorian Apprentice of the Year: Colin Wilson
Colin is currently completing a Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery). He has worked alongside chefs Gordon Ramsay and Neil Perry and has won multiple awards including the 2010 Iron Apprentice. He aspires to extend his passion for cooking by opening a restaurant.
Victorian Trainee of the Year: Amanda Divola
In 2010 Amanda opened up her own successful small business, Sweets & Treats Café while still studying a retail certificate at Bendigo TAFE. This effort has also been recognised by her TAFE, which awarded her their own Student of the Year award. Amanda has also been nominated for the 2011 Loddon Powercor Excellence Award in the Food, Wine, Hospitality and Young Achiever division.
Showcasing students' talents and achievements
TV & radio personality Tom Williams hosted the night, sharing how he underwent a carpentry apprenticeship after school.
Keynote speaker and Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Peter Hall, said that he was "absolutely stoked" to sport a suit designed by a current TAFE student in Advanced Fashion. Mr. Hall endorsed higher education programs, noting that "learning can transform lives and provide opportunities to play a more rewarding part in society."
During the night, it was emphasized that TAFE programs in the country are integral because they play a crucial role as "part of economic development." Most recipients came from rural and regional Victoria.
The night also saw TAFE students display their crafts during the evening. From the intricate table decorations to performances on and off stage, the night showcased the diversity TAFE programs have to offer.
The awards opened with a tapdancing performance to Jimmy Barnes’s "Working Class Man". The audience was then treated to a fashion parade in which fashion students staged a catwalk accompanied by Lady Gaga’s "Edge of Glory". The outfits were driven by a domestic theme where models' outfits mirrored a staircase, a car, a fireplace and one dress that was lit up by hundreds of fairy lights.
Students' silhouettes were projected onto four large canvases stationed in each corner of the room. Each revealed the processes involved in preparing a catwalk, each corner revealing a makeup, hair and costume design demonstration.
Can I enter for next year’s awards?
Skills Victoria invites students to apply for the 2012 Victorian Training Awards. Being involved in the awards can provide valuable advice from experts from within the field. The achievement can provide a boost to your resume too, and it's a good way to reflect on your progress through your studies.
Applications must be written by the individual applying, and must align their acheivements with the award division they are applying for.
Finalists must attend an interview in Melbourne with the judging panel. The closing date for applications is Friday 6 May 2012. For more information, jump onto the Victorian Training Awards website (new window).
For more articles about Study & training, check out our Articles archive.
Articles Written by Laura L
Reviews written by Laura L
Disclaimer
The content of these stories and articles are provided for information and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed are those of our roving reporters/editorial team members and do not necessarily reflect those of the Victorian Government. While every endeavour is made to ensure the currency, accuracy and authenticity of content, it can not be guaranteed. The Victorian Government does not accept any liabilities for any loss, damage, cost or expense you or others might incur as a result of the information or advice (or the use of it) on this website or in the articles. People using the site should undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr