2011 NSW Group Training Award - Winners Announced

A horse farrier, a laboratory technician, and an Aboriginal land project worker are amongst the winners of this year’s NSW Group Training Awards which recognise our best apprentices, trainees and their host employers.

A total of five individuals and two organisations were honoured at a gala dinner at The Westin, Sydney, attended by more than 300 guests. The Parlimentary Secretary for Tertiary Education & Skills, Ms Gabrielle Upton, MP, gave an opening address and highlighted the importance of Vocational Education & Training in NSW. Ms Upton joined with sponsor representatives to bestow the Awards.

Staged annually, The NSW Group Training Awards recognise individual and employer excellence within the group training industry reflecting the importance of group training programs in developing a skilled Australian workforce.

JAKE FREERICHMOND – 2011 NSW GROUP TRAINING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Horse farrier, Jake Freerichmond, was named Apprentice of the Year at the 2011 NSW Group Training Awards.

Jake completed his apprenticeship at well-known Northern Beaches farriers, Fruin Forge. He has enjoyed working with giraffe trainers at Taronga Zoo to correct foot problems encountered whilst living in captivity, and has also worked with high profile horse trainer Gai Waterhouse fitting horseshoes to various breeds of horses.

His win recognises his achievements in Certificate III Farriery while employed by the Australian Training Company. He ranked number one in his class at TAFE for three consecutive years, and participated in Australia’s Top Apprentice Farrier competition where he ranked third overall.

Jake now operates his own farriery business with an extensive client list, as well as helping with the supervision and training of first year apprentices at Fruin Forge. Jake is an inspirational tradesperson whose passion and commitment to his industry is obvious to everyone who has worked with him.

REBECCA CONNELL – 2011 NSW GROUP TRAINING TRAINEE OF THE YEAR

Rebecca Connell, a laboratory technician at Eraring Energy is an ambitious and talented 21-year-old has demonstrated her aptitude for working with chemicals and has developed exemplary technical skills. Rebecca predominately worked across dilutions at the organisation creating standards and reagents for chemical analysers within the power station.

Rebecca also participated in the 2011 ‘Today’s Skills, Tomorrow’s Leader’ program at the AIS in Canberra run by Group Training Australia. During the week-long residential program at the Australian Institute of Sport Rebecca met the Governor-General and honed her leadership skills.

Rebecca has completed her Certificate IV Laboratory Techniques at the Hunter Valley Training Company through flexible learning. She now plans to undertake a Diploma of Laboratory Techniques and followed on by studying either a Chemical Engineering Degree or generic Science Degree at University.

CENTENNIAL COAL – 2011 NSW GROUP TRAINING LARGE HOST EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

Fassifern-based coal mining and marketing company, Centennial Coal has been training a diverse range of trainees, cadets and apprentices for the past 15 years, with around 100 people getting a start through the organisation’s programs over the last 5 years.

Centennial Coal provides a variety of on the job training within the mining industry such as mechanical engineering, black coal operations, and surveying. Currently the organisation has nine underground coal mines, two new mine projects and a mine extension project underway making them one of New South Wales’ largest coal producers.

Centennial Coal has enjoyed an ongoing business relationship with two group training organisations – Hunter Valley Training Company and Central West Group Apprentices. They are committed to providing local trainees, apprentices and cadets a comprehensive educational and training program to ensure a rewarding future.

SMITH BRICKLAYING – 2011 NSW GROUP TRAINING SMALL HOST EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

North Wagga Wagga bricklayers, Smith Bricklaying, have been training apprentices since 2008, and have successfully introduced a series of fully qualified bricklayers to the workforce. Working closely with GTES, they have continued to demonstrate their willingness to take on disabled and out of trade apprentices under the guidance of owner Nigel Smith.

Nigel Smith completed his studies at the same TAFE as his apprentices, has an outstanding relationship with the TAFE teachers and is heavily involved in on the job monitoring and training assessments.

The NSW Group Training Award for Host Employer (Small) of the Year recognises outstanding organisations with fewer than 20 employees. Currently the Smith Bricklaying employs three qualified tradesmen and two apprentices.

TERANCE SAXBY- 2011 NSW GROUP TRAINING APPRENTICE/TRAINEE OF THE YEAR – DISABILITY

Terance Saxby – who is employed by MEGT’s Indigenous Apprenticeship and Traineeship Network (IATN) – was named Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Disability at the 2011 NSW Group Training Awards.

A mature aged trainee, 51-year-old Terance worked on local Aboriginal land projects in the Blacksmith and Swansea area whilst also juggling daily care of his elderly mother.

Terance has been determined to not let his hearing impairment discourage or hinder him from pursuing his goal of being an active member in the community. His employer and workmates have all recognised his contribution to the success of Office of Environment and Heritage’s Land Alive Project - Batahbah Aboriginal Land Council.

ALEXANDER HACKETT - NSW GROUP TRAINING APPRENTICE/TRAINEE OF THE YEAR - SCHOOL BASED

Alexander Hackett is a young Clunes who resident has been undertaking his apprenticeship at local Ballina host employer, Sidney and Richardson. He has been exposed to a great range of on-the-job work experience including septic tank installations, drainage, rough-ins, guttering and various other trades such as plastering, building, tiling and carpentry.

His win recognises his achievements in Certificate III Plumbing while employed by Hunter Valley Training Company. He is the first School Based Apprentice to study Plumbing in the 125-year history of Trinity Catholic College, Lismore.

This Award marks one of many achievements attained by Alexander in the past year. In 2010, he was a finalist at the Northern Rivers Awards for the School Based Apprentice category and was awarded the Consistent Effort for School Based Apprentices Award.

THOMAS LIBBESSON - NSW GROUP TRAINING APPRENTICE/TRAINEE OF THE YEAR - INDIGENOUS

Nominated by MG My Gateway, Thomas Libbesson was chosen from an outstanding field of candidates for recognition as the NSW Group Training Apprentice/Trainee of the Year – Indigenous.

During his apprenticeship at Lend Lease, Thomas quickly demonstrated his commitment to the building and construction industry and showed his leadership potential. He has worked on a number of high profile sites including the large and challenging multi-million dollar Charlestown Square Redevelopment project for the past three and a half years.

He was MG My Gateway’s 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year in 2010, and achieved outstanding academic results throughout his studies. Thomas is now undertaking his Certificate IV Building & Construction and plans to complete his Diploma Building & Construction and further pursue his career with Lend Lease.

Issued: 9th September 2011