APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Matthew Bamborough  

GTO:  Electrical Group Training

After being a successful head chef and business owner for nine years, which included time working overseas, Matthew decided on a new career pathway in the electrical industry.  He has been described as an enthusiastic and dedicated worker by his host employer, and is considered a valuable asset to his team.  He is also seen as a mentor by some of the younger apprentices and has a passion to help them.  Matthew enjoys working in an industry with the opportunity to work in different areas of the electrical trade and has worked on many varied projects so far.  In his spare time Matthew is a member of his local SES which has allowed him access to other training courses.                             

TRAINEE OF THE YEAR

      Katie Sloper   

GTO:  Apprenticeships Australia

Katie has embraced her traineeship with enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism.  She takes pride in often being able to complete her work before deadlines and to the highest of standards.  Right through her studies, Katie has been able to relate this knowledge to her current workplace, including helping to organise the Apprentice Award Nights and providing input and suggestions to improve current procedures and making changes to the office.  Katie recently applied for an internal promotion with her host employer, Apprenticeships Australia which has led to a permanent position within the Karratha office.                              

INDIGENOUS TRAINEE OF THE YEAR

Neil Waina

GTO:  Kimberley Group Training

Passionate about his traineeship right from the beginning, Neil quickly developed beyond anyone's expectations.  During the 2nd Year of Neil's traineeship he was promoted to head ranger where he acted as a supervisor and took on the responsbility for overseeing, guiding and mentoring four other rangers.  Not afraid to step up and lead his team in the right direction, he has been viewed as a "great ambassador for his people".  Neil is also responsible for, and enjoys, educating visitors to be respectful of and learn about Wanjina Wunggurr Uunguu culture.

SCHOOL-BASED APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR 

Rowan Southwell

GTO:  Hospitality Group Training

Committed to becoming a highly skilled chef, Rowan likes to tell people about his passion for cooking and food at every opportunity.  Through his apprenticeship he has grown in confidence, developed communication, planning and organisational skills and believes it has been a non-stop learning experience for him.  Working in the hospitality industry can be challenging, but is pretty happy with his achievements so far and looking forward to completing his apprenticeship.

HOST EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR METROPOLITAN

Community Newspaper Group

GTO:  Workplace Services

Community Newspaper Group has developed a comprehensive training plan to enable all trainees to learn all aspects of their business - this has resulted in every trainee that has commenced their traineeship with Community Newspaper Group being offered full time employment.  The company strives to get young people involved in the industry and as a show of support each trainee is provided with a special project within their traineeship and are regularly assigned to "live" work.

HOST EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR REGIONAL

Water Corporation

GTO:  Group Training South West

The Water Corporation is committed to providing a variety of career entry opportunities and has developed an indigenous employment plan to help improve indigenous employment outcomes.  The Corporation has worked closely with GTSW to develop relevant training and development plans for their trainees, with the result being that all of their trainees have successfully integrated into the business, and have been able to enter the broader workforce as full time employees.

MARK ALLEN MEMORIAL TRUST SAFETY AWARD

Katie Sloper

GTO:  Apprenticeships Australia

Katie's determination and willingness to take on just about anything has helped her become successful within her studies and employment in Karratha.  Maintaining a professional approach at all times, Katie's high level of communication skills helped her to respond and deal with an OH&S incident within her workplace in a very mature way.  Katie's response to the situation and follow up by suggesting to management a methodology to ensure that a similar situation was far less likely to arise in the future led to an effective outcome.  Katie has also become involved in implementing new guidelines for staff safety within the Karratha office.