Cheyne PearcePark Operator

Cheyne is a family man, a surfer and a proud environmentalist. He was a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician until his late thirties when he decided to follow his passion of protecting the environment.

Cassandra O’CarrollCertificate II in Conservation and Land Management

"Cassandra O’Carroll is thrilled to be undertaking her School-based Traineeship in the threatened species section of the environmental services department of Shoalhaven City Council.

During the devastating 2019/20 bushfires, Cassandra was able to apply the scientific skills she had learnt at the Kiama Community College and helped injured wildlife."

Arielle AbrahamsCertificate III in Community Services

A School-based Traineeship was the perfect opportunity for Arielle Abrahams to develop herself, gain skills-based qualifications and accelerate her career while helping others in a career that she is passionate about.

Samuel HeffernanCertificate III Sport and Recreation

"My VET experience was incredibly valuable and has helped shape the person I am today. I am so grateful that I started my career by completing my VET course", said Sam. "I gained nationally recognised training while studying on my terms, and developed networks and experienced incredible opportunities that I never could have dreamed of."

Tradesmen On TimeSmall Employer of the Year 2017

"Ever seen sparks fly when a tradie doesn’t show up as promised? Chris Lehmann has - so much so that he founded Tradesmen on Time to build a team of sparkies and apprentices committed to providing outstanding technical skill and top customer service.

A small electrical contracting firm providing electrical, data and air conditioning services in greater Brisbane, Tradesman

Braden HellmuthCertificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade

Braden’s VET experience has helped him to become the go-to man for technology and innovation in his workplace. His passion for agriculture was sparked as a teenager when he picked fruit in his school holidays. After high school he was encouraged to attend university. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science he was drawn back to working on the land.

Trent CaldwellDiploma of Marketing and Communication

Trent Caldwell was looking for a new career that he was passionate about. With an interest in marketing, he enrolled in a Diploma of Marketing and Communication at North Metropolitan TAFE.

Kate Jansen2019 Apprentice of the Year Award Finalist

When Kate Jansen was growing up food was always involved in family time. This ignited a passion in her that made her want to share food with anyone and everyone who wanted it.

The passion grew to the point Kate knew she had to become a chef.

Breanna CassidyCertificate III in Business

"With an interest in art, design and business, Breanna Cassidy kick-started her career with a traineeship by enrolling in a Certificate III in Business.

Before embarking on her VET journey, Breanna was selling art online and fulfilling commissions. When Breanna was introduced to the idea of a traineeship she saw an opportunity to pursue a career in a field that she loved.

Jaylie MaddafordCertificate III in Process Plant Operations

"For Jaylie Maddaford, persistence and VET were the keys to entering her dream industry.

She first attempted to enter the oil and gas industry out of high school, 10 years prior to commencing her VET journey. With her goals firmly set on the industry, Jaylie put plans in motion. In 2009 Jaylie studied a Certificate II in Business Administration.

Matthew KingRunner-up, 2019 VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year

Matthew King is a trainer at Swan Trade Training Centre (STTC) where he delivers the pre-apprenticeship Certificate II in Electrotechnology. With a passion for working with young people, Matthew believes through great teaching you can shape the next generation.

"VET is a great pathway, and VET in schools is an awesome way for students to start their journey"

Dale DhamarrandjiCertificate III in Mobile Plant Technology

Dale Dhamarrandji is a proud Yolngu man and is the first Yolngu apprentice to have completed a heavy diesel apprenticeship at Rio Tinto Operations on the Gove Peninsula.
Dale said his apprenticeship taught him an immense amount of discipline and perseverance – qualities and attributes that are helping set him up for life.

Caitlin RadfordMixed Crop Farmer

Caitlin Radford is a fifth-generation farmer from Moriarty on the North West Coast of Tasmania. She grew up living on the land and has always loved the agricultural industry. In 2018, Caitlin started her Certificate III in Agriculture as a part-time apprentice and through the family farming business. Now she works as a mixed crop farmer.

Debbie BlowNational Achievement Award 2020

For over 20 years Debbie (Deb) Blow has been an outstanding leader in health nursing education and training. Her strength has been to create partnerships and models to respond to shortages in skilled nurses and health workers, and, further improve the practical skills in university graduates and improve the overall quality of training in health and nursing.