Launch of fifth annual Italian-Australian Apprentice of Yr Award

30/4/96

Western Australia's longstanding links with Italy, the birthplace of thousands of local migrants, will be further fostered in an award to be launched by Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore tonight - the fifth annual Italian-Australian Apprentice of the Year Award.

"Outstanding young apprentices of Italian-Australian parentage will be honoured for high achievement in studies towards a trade certificate by the awards," Mr Moore said.

"Winners are sent on an all-expenses paid trip to Italy for further study or work experience."

The award is a joint venture of ANCOL (an Italian-Australian community association), the Italian Australian Business Association, the Italian Chamber of Commerce and a small number of community members.

It is supported by the Italian Consulate and the State Government through the WA Department of Training.

Mr Moore congratulated the award organisers for their efforts to encourage and reward excellence in WA's training system.

"It is only through ensuring our workforce is well trained that we will forge ahead as individuals and as a State," Mr Moore said.

"The young people who will be vying for this award are playing their part in ensuring this State maintains its position as an economic leader."

Mr Moore said the success of the award had spawned several similar awards in the Eastern States and overseas.

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444