An apprentice electrician on BHP Billiton's Nickel West project has been named WA Apprentice of the Year.
Emma Stevenson was last night announced the winner of the prestigious award by Training and Workforce Development Minister Terry Redman at the WA Training Awards.
The 31-year-old was among a group of outstanding high achievers recognised across 14 individual and organisation categories at the awards ceremony at which more than $100,000 in cash and prizes were awarded.
Mr Redman congratulated all the winners for their hard work and achievement in the State's training and vocational education sector.
"Ms Stevenson has shown herself to be a worthy winner and has completed a qualification as an electrical tradesperson and instrument technician in an industry which traditionally does not attract a large number of women," he said.
"As a mature-age student, her example also encourages anyone considering a return to study to make the step. Her success should inspire other West Australians to embrace training as the foundation of a successful career."
Natasha Farr, from Geraldton, was named WA Vocational Student of the Year while Joshua Antunovich of Piara Waters was awarded WA Trainee of the Year.
WA Employer of the Year was awarded to McDonald's in Ascot while Hampton Senior High School in Morley won the WA VET in Schools Excellence Award.
"The WA Training Awards recognise the outstanding efforts of apprentices, trainees and vocational students as well as the contributions of trainers, training providers and employers," the Minister said.
"These awards are a tough competition and all the finalists and winners are fantastic examples of what can be achieved by getting involved in WA's training sector."
Several of last night's winners will now have the opportunity to be recognised on the national stage as part of the Australian Training Awards, to be held in Perth in November.
Fact File
Minister's office - 6552 6700
Winners of the 2013 WA Training Awards:
WA Apprentice of the Year
Emma Stevenson, Booragoon
WA Trainee of the Year
Joshua Antunovich, Piara Waters
WA Vocational Student of the Year
Natasha Farr, Geraldton
WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Ryan D'Souza, Thornlie
WA School Based Apprentice of the Year
Henry Kemp, Nedlands
WA Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Training Award
Marjan Ghadirian, Warwick
WA Trainer of the Year
Jacky Cheng, Broome
WA Small Business of the Year
Barber Drilling Pty Ltd, Victoria Park
WA Employer of the Year
McDonald's Australia Ltd, Ascot
WA VET in Schools Excellence
Hampton Senior High School, Morley
WA Training Initiative
Durack Institute of Technology, Geraldton
WA Small Training Provider of the Year
Taylorweir International School of Hairdressing, Northbridge
WA Large Training Provider of the Year
Kimberley Training Institute, Broome
WA International Training Provider of the Year
Central Institute of Technology, Perth
