EMPOWER
RECOGNISING OUR BEST IN AUSTRALIAN VET 2023 National Careers Institute Passion, excellence and extraordinary achievements in Vocational Education and Training were showcased and celebrated at the 30th annual Australian Training Awards held in Hobart, on 17 November. Winners from across Australia shared their inspiring stories of achievement, resilience and dedication at a gala event attended by over 700 guests representing all corners of Australia’s VET sector. Showcasing the best individuals, businesses and training organisations in Vocational Education and Training, the Australian Training Awards rewards and recognises apprentices, trainees, VET students, teachers, practitioners, employers, and training providers from around Australia.
“Winners shared inspiring stories of achievement, resilience, and dedication at a gala event attended by over 700 guests.” 18
Presented by The Hon. Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Skills and Training, Mary Faraone, a respected leader in the Vocational Education and Training sector, both nationally and internationally, was the first to be awarded, receiving The Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award. With a career spanning more than 40 years, Mary was acknowledged for her outstanding leadership and lasting contribution to VET practice and skills development in Australia. Taking out the top student awards this year were Amy Hunt, named Apprentice of the Year, Bridie Searle, Trainee of the Year, Jessica Addo, Vocational Student of the Year, Emma Brown, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year and Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino, Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year. The sixteen available awards featured recipients from a wide variety of sectors, from energy, engineering and construction to health care, fitness and transportation. The Minister, Brendan O’Connor presented West Australian, Amy
Hunt with the 2023 Apprentice of the Year award. Amy is the only woman – and youngest cable jointer – at her worksite. Drawn to the fast-changing environment of the power industry, Amy completed a Certificate III in ESI - Power Systems - Distribution Cable Jointing. As a young female apprentice in the energy sector and a non-traditional female role model, Amy says she brings a new perspective to the work group. In his keynote speech at the Princess Wharf, Minister O’Connor praised the winners and the 75 finalists for their dedication, passion, innovation and mentorship. “There has never been a better time to be part of the VET sector, whether you are a student, mentor, or teacher,” Minister O’Connor said. “The awards highlight the best of the best, from electrotechnology and project management to business studies and community services, and more. It’s particularly inspiring to see a women in a non-traditional role win the Apprentice of the Year award. I’m equally inspired to see, that of the five national student awards, three were won by First Nations students.”