Released 18/11/2023
ACT-based proud Ngemba woman, Emma Brown, has been named the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the prestigious Australian Training Awards held in Hobart last night.
Now in its 30th year, the Australian Training Awards rewards and recognises apprentices, trainees, VET students, teachers, practitioners, employers and training providers from around Australia.
Passion, excellence and extraordinary achievements in vocational education and training were showcased and celebrated at the gala event attended by over 700 guests representing all corners of Australia’s VET sector.
Finalists from the ACT joined recipients from across Australia, who shared inspiring stories of achievement, resilience and dedication.
Emma joined the Indigenous Apprenticeship Program in the Australian Public Service and now has a permanent position as a Customer Service Officer at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
She said that part of her motivation for VET study was to give back to the community and be a role model by demonstrating that people can achieve anything if they give it a try.
Canberrans had a strong showing at the Training Awards, with runners up in both the Vocational Student of the Year and Trainee of the Year categories.
Runner up in the Vocational Student of the Year category, Marija Rathouski, completed a Certificate IV in Mental Health. Her passion is to support people through practical strategies and with compassion, empathy and understanding.
Runner-up Trainee of the Year, Cyrus Wren, works as a Career and Transitions Project Support Officer at the ACT Education Directorate.
Working within the VET sector for over two years, while simultaneously undertaking a VET pathway, Cyrus has developed a true passion for vocational education and training which he uses to support others into training.
The awards not only recognise students but pay tribute to employers, teachers and trainers who support them throughout their VET journey.
The awards follow a significant period of investment and growth in skills and training in the ACT, including through the National Skills Agreement, Fee Free TAFE and the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art new CIT Campus in the Woden Town Centre.
For more information on the Australian Training Awards and the winners visit australiantrainingawards.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Skills Chris Steel:
“Congratulations to Emma, Marija, Cyrus and all ACT finalists at the 2023 Australian Training Awards.
“It’s an exciting time to be a student in the ACT with a variety of courses on offer. Fee-Free TAFE, the National Skills Agreement, and our plans to grow our workforce to 300,000 jobs by 2030 are combining to provide all Canberrans the chance to develop skills that are in high demand and improve their job prospects.
“We are ambitious for Canberra, the growth of our economy, the capability of our workforce and the great jobs our thriving local industries can offer.”
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases