Kimberly Brewer, a Territory mother and administrative support worker for ConocoPhillips, was named Australian Trainee of the Year at the national Australian Training Awards in Sydney last night.
Kimberly provides administration support to the companys 200-strong onshore team. She has completed a Certificate III in Business Administration and is studying a Certificate IV in Business Administration.
Throughout her traineeship she was the primary carer for her two children and younger sister.
The Territory had eight finalists at the event, who secured their place in the national after being crowned NT winners in September this year.
They Northern Territory finalists for an individual award were:
Australian Apprentice of the Year Nathan Powell
Trainee of the Year Kimberly Brewster
Vocational Student of the Year- Kaylee Appleyard
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year - Sonny Malmerin-Fejo
School based Apprentice of the Year Tullalah Ormsby
VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Chrissy Zelley
The two Northern Territory category finalists were:
Medium Employer of the Year NEC
Industry Collaboration Award - Northern Territory Police Fire and Emergency Services cadet training program
The Australian Training Awards are the peak national awards for the vocational education and training sector.
As stated by Minister for Workforce Training, Selena Uibo:
The Territory Labor Governments number one priority is jobs, and training is needed to provide skilled people to fill those jobs.
The Government invests more than $70 million each year in training to upskill Territorians so they can make the most of career opportunities that come their way.
Developing a strong local workforce means businesses have access to the skills and knowledge they need to grow and expand the economic development of the Territory.
Congratulations to Kimberly she has overcome many personal difficulties and worked hard to make a better life for her young family.
She has done herself and the Territory proud, as have all the finalists.
As stated by Trainee of the Year winner, Kimberly Brewster:
My whole life has changed since starting my traineeship. From my expectations, to the way I communicate. In the last 12 months, I have matured with the traineeship, gradually taking on additional responsibilities as my skills and knowledge developed
As a Gurindji female (and) mother of two under the age of 25, I am an example of what hard work and determination can lead to.
My wish is to become an advocate and visit schools, communities and mother groups, and reach out to those students who, like me, could fall through the cracks.
