Wagga Wagga City Council employee, Imogen Young-Maloney, has been named the NSW Trainee of the Year at the Skills NSW Training Awards 2025 and will now go on to represent the state at the Australian Training Awards in Darwin in December.
Imogen, who is a Business Support Officer in Council's People and Culture Team, was announced the winner of the state-level award at the NSW Training Awards held on Thursday 11 September at Sydney Town Hall.
This is following the 2025 NSW Training Awards - Riverina Region held at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre in June where Imogen was named Trainee of the Year for the Riverina.
Acknowledged for her dedication, resilience and innovation, Imogen is working on Council's apprentice and trainee program, assisting in rebranding and developing more opportunities for young people to enter the workforce.
"I'm incredibly grateful for not only the award and the recognition of the work I put in, but the amount of encouragement and opportunities this role has opened for me," Ms Young-Maloney said.
"I believe that it's completely okay not to have your whole future mapped out at 18, and it's okay to make the decision to switch paths.
"Education and careers are not 'one size fits all'; there are so many different paths you can take, and sometimes it's an organic approach – trying things out and seeing what works for you and makes you happy."
People & Culture Officer Mel Risby, who manages Council's apprentices and trainees, believes vocational training is a great way for people to start their careers.
"Apprenticeships and traineeships enable Council to develop its own skilled workforce, helps to address regional skill shortages, and assists in providing entry-level employment opportunities for local people," Mrs Risby said.
"It gives the employee the chance to undertake hands-on training while working toward formal qualifications.
"Imogen is one example of our many amazing apprentices and trainees who have embraced the opportunity to launch their career with us at Council.
"We are proud of our apprenticeship and traineeship program and it's reassuring to see one of our trainees awarded at a state, and possibly national level."
Imogen Young-Maloney will now go on to represent NSW at the Australian Training Awards in Darwin on 5 December 2025 where she will be a nominee for Australian Trainee of the Year.
