Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today announced the 16 finalists for the 2020 WA Training Awards.
WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2020 finalist Philemon Pearson's (South Hedland) goal to studying a trade, inspired him to swap his professional rugby career for a Certificate II in Engineering at North Regional TAFE whilst also undertaking a traineeship at BHP as a Mechanical Fitter.
Leaving school at 15, Trainee of the Year 2020 finalist Cassandra Rowan (Geraldton), knew the quickest way to get into the workforce was by studying a trade. Despite some early setbacks, she completed a Certificate III in Resource Processing at Central Regional TAFE and successfully landed a career as a Plant Operator at Iluka Resources' Narngulu site.
Cassandra's knowledge, reputation and drive resulted in her winning the Central Regional TAFE's Trainee of the Year 2019 for the Mid-West and Gascoyne.
This year, winners are recognised across five individual categories. These are: WA Apprentice of the Year; WA School-based Apprentice of the Year; WA Trainee of the Year; WA Vocational Student of the Year; and WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.
Winners will be announced on October 6, 2020 and may be eligible to compete against the nation's best at the Australian Training Awards on November 20, 2020.
The State's premier training award program is possible thanks to continuing support from Apprenticeship Support Australia, AMA Apprenticeship and Traineeship Services, College of Electrical Training, Crown Perth, The Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation, MEGT, Roy Hill, StudyPerth and the Training Accreditation Council.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"The WA Training Awards are an opportunity to shine a light on the many wonderful accomplishments in vocational education and training in the State.
"The calibre of finalist this year highlights the outstanding achievements of the State's best VET graduates.
"With VET playing a vital role in the rebuilding of Western Australia's economy, there is no better time to showcase individual talent and set the benchmark for the future of WA."
