WA's best celebrated at Training Awards

• 15 winners recognised in the State's most prestigious training awards

The achievements of Western Australia's vocational training sector have been celebrated at the 18th annual Western Australian Training Awards.

The awards showcase the State's vocational high achievers across 14 individual and organisation categories.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Murray Cowper said he was impressed by the dedication and hard work shown by this year's winners, who were chosen from 46 finalists.

"The exceptional standards they have shown give me every confidence that the future of our vocational education and training sector is in great hands," Mr Cowper said.

"This year's individual winners highlight the diversity offered by the State's training sector and span a range of industries from boilermaking and carpentry to stage management and interior design.

"I congratulate all winners on a significant achievement in their field and wish every success to those who will go on to represent this State at the Australian Training Awards in November."

The WA Training Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees and vocational students and the contribution employers, trainers and training providers make towards WA's world-class training system.

Individual winners get a $7,000 grant for further study or professional development.  Depending on the category, organisations receive $8,000 worth of prizes, provided by sponsors.
 

"A world-class training system and well trained workforce is essential to the State's economic future," the Minister said.

"Now, more than ever before, West Australians know there are different pathways to achieving qualifications and success in their careers."

The 2012 Western Australian Training Award winners are:

• WA Apprentice of the Year - Samuel Goodall
• WA Trainee of the Year - Nicola Howe
• WA Vocational Student of the Year - Stephen Moore
• WA School-based Apprentice of the Year - Timothy Gossage
• WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year - Nathan McGuire
• WA Trainer of the Year - Guy Truss
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Training Award - Maria Lima Villahermosa
• WA Small Business of the Year - Ceiling Solutions
• WA Employer of the Year - Main Roads WA
• WA Small Training Provider of the Year - LabTech Training Pty Ltd
• WA Large Training Provider Year - Challenger Institute of Technology
• WA International Training Provider of the Year - the Australian College of Applied Education
• Winners of the VET in Schools Excellence Award - MPA Skills and John Forrest Secondary  College
• Training Initiative Award - JSW Training and Community Services.

The 2012 WA Training Awards attracted more than 200 entries.

      Fact File

• Liberal-National Govt has funded more than 500,000 training places at a cost of $1.9b
• Further $99.1m provided in 2012-13 State Budget, including $38.2m to cover the Commonwealth funding shortfall for 2012 and 2013 through new National Partnership
• Govt invested more than $90m on capital projects in training sector since Sept 2008

Minister's office - 6552 5700