Skills shortages in several industries are still occurring, yet many people are displaying a high level of effort and passion towards their apprenticeship roles. GAN Australia and AEN’s upcoming AEN awards are being held on 23 November 2022. This event aims to showcase and highlight trainees and apprentices, and how they have displayed hard work and resilience within their roles. This year, a record number of over 100 nominations were submitted for the AEN Awards. GAN and AEN are pleased to announce the finalists for the AEN Awards.
Gary Workman, Executive Director of GAN Australia and AEN said, “It’s gratifying to be able to show our appreciation to these individuals. Their hard work will not be left unseen, and we want to appreciate the effort they put in daily in their trainee and apprenticeships.”
The announcement of the AEN Award nominees comes following the release of the 2022 Australian Census, which found that almost 1.1 million Australians work in the construction industry. This sector, encompassing bricklaying, plumbing, carpeting, and concreting, is mostly male dominated, with 99% of men occupying these roles, however the 2022 AEN Award finalists show that the industry is gradually becoming more diverse.
“It’s great to see that the industry is starting to make room for people from a range of backgrounds,” says Mr Workman.
“People working in construction and trades are part of the backbone of our society, and it’s important that people know they can work in these roles without fear of judgement or barriers.”
The categories for the AEN Awards are as listed below:
ATOA Apprentice of the Year
This award is funded by the Australian Technical Officers Association and aims to recognise the best and brightest Victorian GTO apprentice.
Trainee of the Year
Disability Achievement
This award is presented to an apprentice or trainee with a disability who has shown outstanding performance and attitude.
Indigenous Student of the Year
This award aims to recognise the achievements of Victorian indigenous apprentices and trainees and their commitment to their communities.
Overcoming Adversity
This award aims to recognise apprentices and trainees in Victoria that have faced and overcome significant challenges in their lives that would have otherwise prevented them from undertaking or completing their apprenticeship or traineeship.
School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
This award aims to recognise Victorian students that are undertaking a Cert II or higher qualification as a School-based Apprentice/Trainee and their commitment to their studies in school and at the workplace.
Women in Trades
This award acknowledges the contribution Victorian women make in the trades and recognises their achievements in overcoming barriers and stigma faced in a male-dominated industry.
STAR Awards
STAR (Stop Taking A Risk) awards are presented to apprentices or trainees employed by a Victorian Group Training Organisation for a demonstrated contribution to making their workplace a safer environment.
GTO Service Excellence Awards
This award is presented to a staff member or team/group of staff for demonstrating outstanding contributions to the success in Group Training.
Outstanding OHS Initiative
This award is presented to an individual, or a team/group for demonstrating outstanding contributions to OH&S in Group Training.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all of the nominees at our AEN awards ceremony, and excited to see the winners.”
Apprentice and trainee award categories and nominees are as follows:
Apprentice of the Year
- Abbey Evans
- Charmaine Thorogood-Hawkins
- Jye-Leigh Drinkwater
- Lachlan Mackay
- Lucinda Baranowski
- William Allen
Disability Achievement
- Brayden O’Dwyer
- Caleb Smith
- Laura Gysslink
- Matilda Morton
- Rebecca Hope
Indigenous Student of the Year
- Aimee Hall
- Billy Collins
- Donald Chatfield
- Jaynaya Miller
- Jenaya Bartlett
- Liam Dunstan
Overcoming Adversity
- Daphne O’Meara
- Dylan Walsh
- Hedayatullah Habibi (Habibi)
- Marina Naifah
- Tealo Gillies
School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
- Sebastian Streat
- Tode Postolov
Women in Trades
- Abbey Evans
- Daphne O’Meara
- Lucinda Baranowski
- McKenzie Smart
- Natasha Atkins
- Rachael Zahra
STAR Award
- Anthony Thomas
- Tom Kernick
Trainee of the Year
- Donald Chatfield
- Jasmine Silvester
- Jemma Casey
- Maddix Hughes
- Nastassja Ivanov
- Sam Marshall
GTO Service Excellence Awards
- Elly Findlay
- WestVic Staffing Solutions
Outstanding OHS Initiative
- NECA Education & Careers WHS/GTO Department
Gary Workman, Executive Director of the AEN and GAN Australia, is available for comment.