2015 AUSTRALIAN TRAINING AWARDS

The Northern Territory’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector celebrated last month as Territorians brought home two national awards and named runner-up in a third award at the 2015 Australian Training Awards which were held in Hobart.
Nhulunbuy resident Karen Rose, who studied a Diploma of Logistics was named the 2015 Vocational Student of the Year, becoming the first winner from the field of logistics.
Karen credits her studies to helping her adjust to her changing work environment during the curtailment of operations at Rio Tinto Alcan.
“The winding down of operations at the Gove alumina refinery was stressful, but my focus on completing my diploma helped me through that difficult period,” Karen said.
“This is an immensely proud achievement personally but also as a representative of the Northern Territory and logistics.”
Philadelphia Hughes, who studied Certificate IV in Frontline Management at Charles Darwin University, was named 2015 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.
Philadelphia described her decision to study a VET course as life changing as she progressed from being a young woman who didn’t finish high school, to one who has now won a national award.
“It still hadn’t quite sunk in that I had actually won, because the other nominees in my category were so talented,” Philadelphia said the morning after the awards ceremony.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of the Training Awards next year, mentoring the finalist as they prepare for the national awards.
“The 2016 Australian Training Awards are being held in Darwin and I’m excited with the possibility of next year’s Territory finalists getting national recognition on home soil.
“Entering the training awards has helped me grow, especially in my self-esteem and my confidence.
“I really feel that I can achieve anything if I work hard enough. Also, I have met some truly inspirational people along the way and have made great connections,” Philadelphia said.
Katherine based electrical apprentice Taylor Fishlock was named runner-up 2015 Australian Apprentice of the Year.
All award winners at the Australian Training Awards received $5,000 and runners-up won $2,500.
Nominations for the 2016 NT Training Awards open 1 March 2016.
Follow the NT Training awards on facebook.com/NTTrainingAwards for updates. To find out what careers paths VET can offer, visit www.vet.nt.gov.au