A former Charles Darwin University VET in Schools student was honoured with a Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence last week.
The Federal Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, The Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, last week presented the award to Geraldine Dixon of Marrara Christian School in Darwin, as the Highest Achieving Student in the Northern Territory.
Geraldine received her award for undertaking a Business School Based New Apprenticeship with the Australian Government Department of Education Science and Training.
She had previously studied Certificate I in Construction and a Diploma in Community Services (Children’s Services) at CDU.
Geraldine was among six past and present CDU students to be awarded the Australian Vocational Student Prize last year.
Jeremy England from Casuarina Senior Secondary College in Darwin earned his award for undertaking a School Based New Apprenticeship studying a Certificate II Auto (Mechanical – Vehicle Servicing) at CDU.
Catherine Tate, also from Casuarina Senior Secondary College, received her award for completing a Certificate II in Sport and Recreation at CDU as a School Based New Apprentice.
Ryan Wark received the same honour for studying a Certificate II in Engineering as a School Based New Apprentice through CDU while at Centralian Senior Secondary College.
VET in School students Diana Lade and Todd Rhodes from Nhulunbuy High School, who are now studying a Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical Light Vehicle) at CDU also received awards.
CDU School to VET Advisor, Lyle Mellors said that the University was extremely pleased to see its Northern Territory VET students receiving recognition at the national level.
“I would like to congratulate each recipient and their respective Secondary School on these awards,” he said.
The Federal Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, The Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, said: “With critical skills needs across multiple industries, more young people, like these Award winners, are appreciating the challenging, diverse, and lucrative career opportunities a vocational and technical education can offer.”