Member for Sydenham, Natalie Hutchins, today encouraged students who have achieved their training goals to nominate for the 2015 Victorian Training Awards.

Now in their 61^st year, the Awards celebrate the achievements of Victoria’s training system and recognise collaboration and innovation by students, teachers, employers and training providers from across the state.

Natalie Hutchins has stated that the Awards highlight how training gives students the skills they need for a prosperous career.

Last year’s Victorian Vocational Student of the Year, 24-year-old Chris Avery, has used the exposure and prize money to support his bespoke men’s tailoring business ahead of the upcoming launch of his first commercial menswear line in London.

Following his win, Mr Avery was named one of Melbourne’s top five independent fashion designers by The Guardian and his menswear pieces have appeared at fashion shows in the United States and Saudi Arabia.

There are 15 categories open to organisations and individuals, including trainees, apprentices, school-based apprentices, vocational students, indigenous students, teachers and trainers. Winners are announced during National Skills Week and receive $10,000.

In 2015, the public will be able to vote on the most deserving finalist in the People’s Choice Prize, which will encourage greater community participation in the Awards.

This year, a new category has also been introduced specifically for community-based Learn Local organisations. The inaugural Victorian Community Training Provider of the Year award recognises the role Learn Locals have in developing skills and confidence among those facing barriers to education, including young people, newly-arrived migrants and the unemployed.

The stories of past winners demonstrate how important training is. It gives students the skills they need to lead a successful career, supporting our economy and jobs now and into the future.

Nominations for the 2015 Victorian Training Awards close on 1 May, 2015 at 4.30pm. Nominations can be lodged online at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/awards/Pages/vta.aspx

 

Quotes attributable to Member for Sydenham, Natalie Hutchins

“If you’ve found work or further education by completing a training course, an apprenticeship or a traineeship, I encourage you to give it a go and nominate.”

“The Andrews Labor Government believes in investing in skills and training because by doing it now, together we can create the jobs and leaders of the future- and these awards are about inspiring that.”

 

 

2015 Victorian Training Awards categories:

Individual categories

• Victorian School-based Apprentice of the Year Award
• Victorian Vocational Student of the Year Award
• Victorian Koorie Student of the Year Award
• Victorian Apprentice of the Year Award
• Victorian Trainee of the Year Award
• Victorian VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award

Organisational categories

• Victorian Small Employer of the Year Award
• Victorian Employer of the Year Award
• Victorian Community Training Provider of the Year Award*
• Victorian Small Training Provider of the Year Award
• Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year Award
• Victorian Industry Collaboration Award
• Victorian VET Client Service/Support Excellence Award
• Victorian VET in Schools Excellence Award
• Victorian Employer Award for Apprentice Development

 

*New category for 201