Graduates were joined by friends and family, employers, AGA field officers, VIP guests and event sponsors who gathered at Marvel Stadium for an uplifting and exciting night of celebration.
Attendees were entertained by event MC Vince Sorrenti, who kept the laughs flowing throughout the evening.
Guest speaker and apprentice turned outdoor educator, Beau Miles, used his lived experience to encourage all 368 guests in attendance to find adventure in the everyday.
Self-described as 'offbeat and NQR', Beau has created several short documentary-style films which follow him as he crosses the Bass Strait in a sea kyak, runs a marathon around his Gippsland property, and completes his 'man vs. commute' series.
Inspiring the crowd with an interactive Q&A session, Beau urged attending graduates to continue following their passion as they move forward with their careers.
In all, eleven awards including Best Overall Trainee and Best Overall Apprentice, were announced on the night.
These awards recognised the exceptional achievements of each of the nominees, and acknowledged the dedication shown by recipients.
AGA Field Officer Rob Paladino was full of praise for graduate James Chol, winner of the Construction and Trades Award as well as recipient of the Best Overall Apprentice Award.
"James is an inspiring young man who has worked extremely hard to complete his apprenticeship and acquire the skills needed to succeed in the industry. James would one day like to be in a position where he could host future AGA apprentices and pass on what he has learnt throughout his own journey."
Acceptance speeches from each of the award recipients provided the highlight of the evening, with many expressing heartfelt thanks to family, employers and field officers.
For some, it was the support received from their employers and AGA field officers that enabled them to complete their qualification.
Shannon Voss-Smith, 2019 graduate and winner of the Carol Hammett Award, explains. "The AGA awards and graduation night was a great opportunity to celebrate my journey and achievements with my family, colleagues and other AGA apprentices & trainees. The staff at AGA have supported me throughout my traineeship, guiding me to further my skills and knowledge which has changed my life for the better."
AGA would like to once again congratulate all 2019 graduates on their hard work and determination, as well as thank the evenings' sponsors, without whom events like this would not be possible.
2019 AWARDS AND RECIPIENTS:
Auto, Engineering & Utilities Award - Daniel Bartels
Business, IT & Finance Award - Jessica Russell
Construction Trades Award - James Chol
Health, Education & Disability Award - Samantha Syme
School Based Apprentice/Trainee Award - Declan Clayton
Bob Low Memorial Award - Aimee Sanders
Carol Hammett Award- RTO Student of the Year - Shannon Voss-Smith
Safety Award - Aidan Boland
Indigenous Apprentice/Trainee Award - Teleigha Saunders
Best Overall Trainee Award - Jessica Russell
Best Overall Apprentice Award - James Chol
2019 EVENT SPONSORS:
MAS National
IntoWork Australia
BJS Insurance Group
AEGIS
Casello
City of Darebin
City of Yarra
Empressit
Holmesglen
Moreland City Council
Stockdale
Apprenticeship Employment Network
CBUS
Corporate Traveller
Custom Fleet
C2
Gippsland Motor Group
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