This award category is presented to an apprentice/trainee with disability who has shown outstanding performance and attitude.
2024 – Joshua Cullen – Victorian Group Training
“Joshua Cullen is a talented individual living with cerebral palsy and hip dysplasia. At 25 years old, he began his journey in the workforce with a Youth Employment Scheme Traineeship, motivated by a desire to enter the workforce in a position that accommodated his needs. Read More.
2023 – Patrice Vassiliou – NECA Education and Careers
Patrice discovered NECA Education and Careers while searching for disability support courses to assist in securing employment. After completing a Certificate in Work Education at Holmesglen, Patrice obtained a position in the Department of Treasury and Finance’s Market Housing team. Read More.
2022 – Rebecca Hope – NECA Education & Careers
Rebecca chose to pursue a business traineeship as she felt ready to enter the workforce and simultaneously desired to further her studies. She was attracted to the Victorian Government’s YES program with NECA Education and Careers due to the promising range of ongoing career prospects offered in the public sector and the support provided to those with disability. Read more.
2021 – Massimo Zurzolo – WPC Group
Massimo has a passion for cars, enjoys problem-solving and working with his hands. He chose a school-based automotive apprenticeship and hasn’t looked back. Massimo is deaf and wears Cochlear implants which allows him to hear and communicate. A workshop environment can be difficult because of background noises, but his trainers understand this and help him to overcome these challenges. He is currently learning Auslan which allows him to communicate with deaf customers at work. Read more.