Released 14/09/2018
An electrician with a passion for clean energy has been named the ACT Australian Apprentice of the Year at the 2018 ACT Training Awards.
Mathew Egan is an electrician with a Certificate III in Electrotechnology and he received the top honour at the Awards on Thursday night.
“I’d like to congratulate the ACT Australian Apprentice of the Year Matthew Egan and all our winners tonight,” Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Meegan Fitzharris said.
“Matthew is a fantastic student and has shown immense drive in his career so far. He has been recognised for his exemplary education outcomes as well as his commitment to improve his own knowledge and contribute to Australia’s renewable energy sector.
“Matthew completed a renewable energy skillset at CIT alongside his Australian Apprenticeship with NECA electrical apprenticeships, and was also selected as part of the VET Outbound Mobility Program to experience firsthand renewable energy practices from world leaders in Europe.
“As the ACT is a leading jurisdiction when it comes to renewable energy, the skills Matthew has gained will allow him to make a strong contribution to our renewable energy sector, as he continues to accelerate his own career,” said Minister Fitzharris.
Bec Cody MLA, who presented at the Awards, said the annual ACT Training Awards celebrate Canberra’s highly capable and innovative VET sector.
“Each year, we are reminded of the strengths and capabilities of our VET sector, and the impact vocational education and training has on students,” Ms Cody said.
“This year’s awards in particular showcase the variety of career pathways available through VET, with award winners spanning industries from care and support through to electrotechnology, carpentry and business.
“It’s a reminder of the importance of supporting students through Australian Apprenticeships to gain skills and immerse themselves in their industry of choice.
“Canberra’s robust VET ensures we continue to have a highly skilled workforce, and that every Canberran has the opportunity to pursue their passion by gaining the skills they need through training.
“It’s also no secret that we have one of the best public TAFEs in the country, with CIT again picking up the Award for ACT Large Training Provider of the Year,” said Ms Cody.
Winners from aligned categories will go on to represent the ACT at the Australian Training Awards being held in Sydney in November.
More information regarding the Australian Training Awards, including tickets for the presentation dinner, is available at www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au
2018 ACT Training Award recipients
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| ACT Apprentice of the Year | Matthew Egan |
| ACT Australian School-Based Apprentice of the Year | Miah Jagoe-Shaw |
| ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year | Tylah Saunders |
| ACT Teacher/Trainer of the Year | Evan Street |
| ACT Vocational Student of the Year | Sophie Corver |
| ACT Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year | Danielle Jackson |
| ACT Small Training Provider of the Year | Wisdom Learning |
| ACT Large Training Provider of the Year | Canberra Institute of Technology |
| ACT Small Employer of the Year | Rick Maier Paint Plus |
| ACT Medium Employer of the Year | Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate |
| ACT Large Employer of the Year | McDonald’s North Canberra |
| ACT Industry Collaboration of the Year | SPARK Strathnairn Construction Program |
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
Claire Johnston |
(02) 6205 0022 |
0452 597 459 |