2019 AEN Awards Finalists Announced

Ben Farrell – Gforce Employment Solutions – Certificate III in Carpentry

Ben is currently a third year carpentry apprentice. After enjoying the Product Design and Technology subject at school, he decided to follow his passion and gained a carpentry apprenticeship.

Despite the challenges as a first year apprentice, Ben always displayed an excellent work ethic, he was first on site every morning and worked extremely hard every day. Almost two and a half years later, Ben is thriving in the trade and loves working through the challenges that come up when building architecturally designed homes.

Ben has shown great initiative in his leadership skills. He can now communicate with the other trades on site on what needs to be completed and can assess the job at the end of each day to plan for tomorrow. By doing this, Ben has really earnt the respect of his colleagues and host employer.

Jessica Scott-Smith – Programmed Skilled Workforce Ltd – Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Having volunteered with Parks Victoria and completing The Green Army project in 2016, Jessica found she had a passion for Horticulture. Upon completion of her first year at TAFE, Jessica was nominated and awarded the outstanding achievement in her respective course by Swinburne’s Pathways and Vocational Education (PAVE).

Since completing the qualification component of her apprenticeship, Jessica has gained experience in plant identification, safe use of tools and small machinery and nursery management including stocktakes and propagation.

Jessica has contributed to many projects at her host employer such as revegetation, weed and pest management, while learning and adhering to OH&S policies.

When Jessica’s immediate supervisor took extended leave, Jessica rose to the challenge by not only completing her own daily duties, she carried out additional duties including setting up the roster, printing out required tasks for the week ahead and various other roles.

• Also finalist for Inspiration Award: Overcoming Adversity & Inspiration Award: Woman in Trades

Maxwell Mitchell – Gforce Employment Solutions – Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade

Maxwell chose mechanical engineering for the challenges it presents, especially in an industrial environment.

Maxwell brings a lot of positive energy and great communication skills to the team at work. Being a mature age apprentice, Maxwell found some workers expected him to be at a higher level, however he had to start from scratch just as any other apprentice and this has encouraged him to push himself to learn as much as he can.

Maxwell always approaches his role at work with a safety first mentality, this encourages him to look out for others including the less experienced or younger apprentices.

Ryan Kurray – Westvic Staffing Solutions – Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Mechanical Technology

Having left school early and working in a variety of jobs including working as a tyre fitter labourer, Ryan found he enjoyed working on cars and decided to get a qualification in the automotive and engineering industry.

Since commencing his apprenticeship, Ryan has continually shown great commitment, competency, diligence and dedication to his training at both trade school and at work. He is continually refining his skills and shows initiative well beyond what is expected of an apprentice at this stage of their learning.

Sophia Law – Gforce Employment Solutions – Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Electrician

Sophia works in a male dominated area as part of the maintenance team at Viva Energy and has proven herself as a valuable part of the team. She is a mentor and support to the younger apprentices. Sophia has always achieved excellent results at trade school and as a result, she was nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the Gordon TAFE Awards two years in a row.

Sophia assisted in promoting and supporting Women in Trades. Viva Energy recently produced a video in conjunction with AFLW to address gender bias. Sophia spoke about her apprenticeship and working in a non-traditional trade for women.

• Also finalist for Inspiration Award: Woman in Trades

Youssef Batal – AGA Australia – Certificate III in Carpentry

Youssef has had the opportunity to rotate through both domestic and commercial settings and has gained lots of valuable exposure and experience in all facets of carpentry and construction.

Being an adult with a strong work ethic and previous work history has allowed Youssef to communicate at all levels with various co-workers and clients.

Youssef is now commonly called upon to train the new workers on site. He makes the most of everything that comes his way and is willing to give back tenfold all that he receives.

Akhila Nilakantan – Programmed Skilled Workforce Ltd – Certificate IV in Information Technology and Support

Akhila Nilakantan is a second year trainee working with Telstra Corporation Limited. Akhila has gained an excellent understanding of the work and the business. She works extremely well within a team. Akhila has displayed that she is quick to pick up new skills and utilise them with great quality. She is very efficient, reliable, enthusiastic and not afraid to have a go at something new.

Akhila is very logical and systematic in her approach to work. With her Engineering background she is a great asset to the business.

Ashleigh McCafferty – Westvic Staffing Solutions – Certificate IV in Education Support

Very early into Ashleigh’s traineeship at Mount Clear College, it became evident to Ash’s supervisors that he could be relied upon to be a responsible and committed team member. Ash demonstrates highly effective communication and interpersonal skills and consistently displays his ability to build strong relationships with staff, students, parents and members of the public, whilst at all times maintaining a professional approach.

Being a very ‘hands on’ role, the Sports Coordinator Assistant is responsible for substantial administrative duties. With his highly organised and methodical approach, Ash has ensured all administrative duties within his role have been fulfilled. Ash worked in a Year 9 Community Engagement Program, supporting both staff and students. He constantly demonstrated great initiative and leadership, within not only the school grounds but also when accompanying students to the many external venues within Ballarat and Melbourne involved in this specialised program.

Katharine Knapman – WPC Group – Certificate III in Arboriculture

Katherine is in her first year of her traineeship working at Maroondah City Council as a tree arborist. During this time, Katherine has been an excellent worker who has been a delight to have as part of the team. She has shown a genuine aptitude for arboriculture and has shown a flair for the technical aspects of the discipline, such as tree identification, tree physiology and rope access techniques for climbing trees.

Katherine takes responsibility for work programming and shows a liking for team building and inclusiveness beyond what is expected of a trainee at this stage of their career.

Sian Prangnell – AGA Australia – Certificate III in Business

Sian works on the Metro Tunnel Project currently doing a Certificate IV in Business. She is currently working across two business units in Marketing and MetroHub (training arm). She has completed her Certificate III with the project earlier in the year. Sian has worked diligently to learn new tasks and take on greater responsibilities in her role. She has developed an excellent working knowledge of the project procedures and systems.

Sian has faced many challenges in her life which resulted in Sian helping raise her siblings and it has been difficult to prioritise work and training but she has always come through and is seen as a valuable worker. Working on the Metro Tunnel Project has given Sian a real sense of purpose and it makes her feel like she is contributing to making Melbourne a better place for the future.

• Also finalist for Inspiration Award: Overcoming Adversity

Talei Winning – AGA Australia – Certificate IV in Business

Talei has recently finished her certificate IV in Business through AGA working with the Major Projects team. Talei is always the first to put her hand up to assist others, staying back late or even undertaking work after hours at home. She is now helping other trainees complete their studies.

Talei has a desire to be a Field Officer one day and this is a big reason why she wanted to work at AGA. She recognises the role that her Field Officer had in her life when she did her traineeship at MAV and wants to have that impact in others people’s lives.

Zara Hogan – Kestrel Apprentice Solutions – Certificate III in Agriculture

Zara grew up on a family farm in regional Victoria, which sparked Zara’s interest in agriculture. Zara wanted to study agriculture in high school but the school did not offer the class. She started her traineeship while in school but left school and is now working three days a week and has been offered full time employment.

Zara is hard working and she cares for the farm she works on as if it were her own. There have been many difficulties throughout the apprenticeship from handling the animals in the field to operating some of the machinery but Zara always gives her best effort and tackles everything with a can-do attitude.

Ashcka Woods – Skillinvest – Certificate III in Business

Ashcka has been working 2 days a week at the Somerville detective centre while completing her VCAL at Mornington Secondary College and completing her Certificate III in Business. Ashcka chose to undertake this traineeship because she aspires to one-day work with Victoria Police as a detective. She has found the school-based traineeship has cemented her interest in this career path.

Ashcka feels like an important part of the program between Victoria Police and Indigenous youth as the bridges they are building can change the attitude on both sides. “This traineeship does a lot for cultural understanding and closing the gap while creating ongoing meaningful employment for those who undertake it.”

• Also finalist for Inspiration Award: Indigenous Student of the Year

Beau Gibbs – Westvic Staffing Solutions – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical

Beau has followed the footsteps of his father and is currently in his second year of his course, Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical. He has a strong willingness to learn and is a very enthusiastic worker. He loves the hands on approach to learning and enjoys helping his friends and family with his growing automotive skills and knowledge.

Beau’s employer has found him to be one of the most successful school-based apprentice he has managed in 32 years in the industry. Beau’s attributes include punctuality, a great attitude, confidence to ask relevant questions and can be relied upon to ensure that he is carrying out tasks effectively and accurately.

Heidi Rasmussen – Gforce Employment Solutions – Certificate III in Companion Animal Services

Heidi jumped at the opportunity to undertake a School Based Traineeship in Certificate III in Companion Animal Services, and not only did she excel in her studies, but Heidi also became an exceptional Veterinary Nurse in training.

Heidi was also recently nominated Victorian School-based Trainee of the Year at the Victorian Training Awards.

Heidi demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and was always a shining example of respect, empathy and compassion, not only towards her patients, but her fellow class mates and co-workers alike. She shows a level of empathy and care for animals and such a gentle understanding for each and every one.

Ashcka Woods – Skillinvest – Certificate III in Business

Ashcka has been working 2 days a week at the Somerville detective centre while completing her VCAL at Mornington Secondary College and completing her Certificate III in Business. Ashcka chose to undertake this traineeship because she aspires to one-day work with Victoria Police as a detective. She has found the school-based traineeship has cemented her interest in this career path.

Ashcka feels like an important part of the program between Victoria Police and Indigenous youth as the bridges they are building can change the attitude on both sides. “This traineeship does a lot for cultural understanding and closing the gap while creating ongoing meaningful employment for those who undertake it.”

• Also finalist for School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

Danae McDonald – Skillinvest – Certificate III in Business

After a stressful year completing VCE, Danae decided to take a gap year. Knowing she had an interest in the health care industry, Danae started working at Wimmera Health Care Group (WHCG) in the Human Resources department completing Certificate III in Business. She is planning to transition into Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice.

Danae has a strong work ethic and has a great willingness to take on new tasks and is quick to master them. Danae is a contributing member of WHCG’s Aboriginal Employment Plan working group.

Jessiah Lymburner – Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre – Certificate III in Business

Jessiah is currently completing Certificate III in Business through the Department of Justice and Community Safety – Dispute Resolution Centre. Jessiah has jumped at all opportunities to participate in internal & external training that have been presented to him. He also pursues every opportunity to put himself in a place where he can be part of enabling change for young Aboriginal People and the LBQTI community.

From this traineeship, Jessiah has gained exposure, insight and new knowledge regarding Aboriginal and LGBTQ+ issues. He feels that he is in a place in his career where he has the potential to make significant changes in the future.

Joshua Coulson – WPC Group – Certificate III in Parks & Gardens

Joshua has always had an interest in plants and gardens and completed Certificate II in Horticulture in high school and has now commenced an apprenticeship in Certificate III in Parks & Gardens.

Since Joshua’s commencement, he has shown an immense sense of maturity in not only all facets regarding his work and associated tasks and responsibilities, but also in his personal life.

Joshua has shown a strong interest by requesting to be booked into an external course giving him national accreditation for the application and spraying of herbicides and pesticides as well as weed control and identification.

Kayleigh Gallagher – WPC Group – Certificate III in Business

Kayleigh is working for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) completing Certificate III in Business. She has developed a keen interest in pursuing a career that facilitates partnerships with Traditional Owners in the public service and exploring new ways that this could evolve in the future.

Kayleigh has regularly reached out to volunteer and actively participate in a number of cultural events. She attended and volunteered at a regional Traditional Land Conference.

Kayleigh arranged to job shadow the DELWP Aboriginal Employment Advisor. Kayleigh was heavily involved in volunteering for Reconciliation Action Week, which included speaking on the panel alongside government staff with over 300 people present, talking about her experience as a young Indigenous person in the workforce.

Annabel Humble – AGA Australia – Certificate IV in Business

Since Annabel joined the Metro Tunnel project through AGA, she has always maintained a positive vibrant attitude at work which has been noticed by many others in her team. She goes above and beyond when taking on tasks that have been delegated to her and works extremely well with others in the team.

Prior to commencing her traineeship with AGA, she was working a job where she was barely earning enough to feed herself. She is now able to support herself and is happy to be on a career path.

On top of this, Annabel has had a medical condition that has had her in the hospital multiple times over this year. Despite this, Annabel has never brought any negativity about her condition into work and it has not affected her ability to deliver on the tasks assigned to her.

Hari Acharya – MEGT Australia Ltd. – Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing

Hari commenced Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair two years ago with Jayco Albury Wodonga. Hari is helping to support his parents and family whom have resettled in Australia. He has had to complete his training via video classes but despite this, he has been nominated by his trainer for a TAFE award.

Hari was living in refugee camps in Nepal and came to Australia in 2013 with his wife and daughter. He is active in the Bhutanese Australia Community, which has approximately 1000 refugees who have resettled in Albury. Hari attends and participates in festivals and events and is an active member.

During his traineeship, Hari has become an Australian Citizen, purchased a home and added to his family with a son.

Jessica Scott-Smith – Programmed Skilled Workforce Ltd – Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Having volunteered with Parks Victoria and completing The Green Army project in 2016, Jessica found she had a passion for Horticulture. Upon completion of her first year at TAFE, Jessica was nominated and awarded the outstanding achievement in her respective course by Swinburne’s Pathways and Vocational Education (PAVE).

Since completing the qualification component of her apprenticeship, Jessica has gained experience in plant identification, safe use of tools and small machinery and nursery management including stocktakes and propagation.

Jessica has contributed to many projects at her host employer such as revegetation, weed and pest management, while learning and adhering to OH&S policies.

When Jessica’s immediate supervisor took extended leave, Jessica rose to the challenge by not only completing her own daily duties, she carried out additional duties including setting up the roster, printing out required tasks for the week ahead and various other roles.

• Also finalist for Apprentice of the Year & Inspiration Award: Woman in Trades

Shantelle Spiteri – WPC Group – Certificate III in Business

Shantelle’s proactive approach, can do attitude and excellent communication skills have been well beyond what is expected of a trainee at this level. She has reflected a great maturity in the way that she has adjusted and picked up the work skills in her traineeship position.

Shantelle has worked in a government departmental team undergoing significant change yet despite this Shantelle has managed the changes and transitions with ease.

Shantelle has faced medical issues over the traineeship which has created challenges for her but she never gave up as she wants to achieve her goals.

Sian Prangnell – AGA Australia – Certificate III in Business

Sian works on the Metro Tunnel Project currently doing a Certificate IV in Business. She is currently working across two business units in Marketing and MetroHub (training arm). She has completed her Certificate III with the project earlier in the year. Sian has worked diligently to learn new tasks and take on greater responsibilities in her role. She has developed an excellent working knowledge of the project procedures and systems.

Sian has faced many challenges in her life which resulted in Sian helping raise her siblings and it has been difficult to prioritise work and training but she has always come through and is seen as a valuable worker. Working on the Metro Tunnel Project has given Sian a real sense of purpose and it makes her feel like she is contributing to making Melbourne a better place for the future.

• Also finalist for Trainee of the Year

Caitlin Allsopp – WPC Group – Certificate III in Conservation & Land Management

After studying geography and biology in VCE, Caitlin decided she wanted to work in an outdoor environment so she commenced in a traineeship at Melbourne Water doing Certificate III in Conservation & Land Management.

Caitlin’s supervisors have mentioned that they have taught many trainees over the years – with Caitlin being a very clear stand out in terms of her aptitude, attitude and abilities.

Despite being comparatively inexperienced, Caitlin has been an incredible role model for other young women seeking to work in the conservation industry. Caitlin’s successes and love of the industry has motivated her sister in seeking to do a conservation traineeship upon completion.

Jessica Scott-Smith – Programmed Skilled Workforce Ltd – Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Having volunteered with Parks Victoria and completing The Green Army project in 2016, Jessica found she had a passion for Horticulture. Upon completion of her first year at TAFE, Jessica was nominated and awarded the outstanding achievement in her respective course by Swinburne’s Pathways and Vocational Education (PAVE).

Since completing the qualification component of her apprenticeship, Jessica has gained experience in plant identification, safe use of tools and small machinery and nursery management including stocktakes and propagation.

Jessica has contributed to many projects at her host employer such as revegetation, weed and pest management, while learning and adhering to OH&S policies.

When Jessica’s immediate supervisor took extended leave, Jessica rose to the challenge by not only completing her own daily duties, she carried out additional duties including setting up the roster, printing out required tasks for the week ahead and various other roles.

• Also finalist for Apprentice of the Year & Inspiration Award: Overcoming Adversity

Shannon Distefano – MEGT Australia Ltd. – Certificate III in Electrotechnology

Shannon knew that she was not interested in an office career so in her final year of high school she tried work experience and found she loved the electrical industry. She is now in her third year in Certificate III in Electrotechnology.

Shannon has a good work ethic, a willingness to learn and is a fantastic ambassador for both MEGT and Women in Trades. Shannon works well in a group environment and whilst working on team projects is more than willing to share her knowledge and skills with other apprentices.

Sophia Law – Gforce Employment Solutions – Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Electrician

Sophia works in a male dominated area as part of the maintenance team at Viva Energy and has proven herself as a valuable part of the team. She is a mentor and support to the younger apprentices. Sophia has always achieved excellent results at trade school and as a result, she was nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the Gordon TAFE Awards two years in a row.

Sophia assisted in promoting and supporting Women in Trades. Viva Energy recently produced a video in conjunction with AFLW to address gender bias. Sophia spoke about her apprenticeship and working in a non-traditional trade for women.

• Also finalist for Apprentice of the Year