SA Awards Nominations Open

Awards showcase state’s top education and training
24 March 2009
The search for the State’s top vocational education and training students, employers, training
providers, schools and businesses begins today when nominations open for the 2009 South
Australian Training Awards.
Employment, Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien says the annual awards
recognise excellence across the state’s vocational education and training sectors.
“The awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of final year students, as well
as the business community in delivering the highest level of training and education,” Mr O’Brien
said.
“Education and training will continue to be vital in building our skills and workforce and these
awards are one way of recognising the achievements of businesses and organisations which take
an innovative approach to training.”
‘We only need to look at the calibre of past award winners are a testament to their talent and the
high quality education and training being provided in South Australia,” Mr O’Brien said.
2008 Apprentice of the Year Daniel Austin, a landscape gardener who trained at TAFE SA, says
being involved in the awards was a great experience, which has boosted his reputation in the
horticulture industry.
“Probably the biggest benefit was that the experience as SA Apprentice of the Year
and involvement in the national competition opened my eyes, as with many finalists, to the scope
of opportunity in our individual careers,” Daniel said.
“With the experience comes the mind set to challenge perceived limitations rather than accept
them, and I would encourage others to get involved.
“The networking opportunities were great during the awards process and since then. I hope that
winning the title will go a long way when applying for further opportunities.”
Employers, final year students, training providers, school and enterprises who excel in training
are invited to apply for one of the following award categories:
Student Awards
l
Apprentice of the Year
l
Trainee of the Year
Vocational Student of the Year
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students of the Year
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Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year
Enterprise Awards
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VET in Schools Excellence Award
l
South Australian Training Initiative of the Year.
l
Large Training Provider of the Year
l
Small Training Provider of the Year
l
Employer of the Year
The winners will be announced at the 2009 South Australian Training Awards gala dinner to be
held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday, September 4 and will have the opportunity to
represent SA in the national awards to be held in Canberra on November 19.
Prospective nominees are invited to attend a free workshop that provides advice on how they can
maximise their chances of winning an award.
Previous state and national winners will share their tips on preparing the perfect nomination and
how winning an award has propelled their career and businesses to new heights.
Workshops will be held on Wednesday, April 1 between 8:30 – 10:30 am and Monday, April 6
between 8:30 – 10:30 am at the Education Development Centre, Milner Street Hindmarsh.
Register your attendance by emailing satrainingawards@saugov.sa.gov.au or at www.
satrainingawards.sa.edu.au
To download a nomination form for the 2009 South Australian Training Awards also visit the
website. For more information on the Awards contact the SA Training Awards Coordinator on
8226 2335.
Nominations close on Friday May 29 2009.