Four Charles Darwin University VET students will head to Brisbane to represent the Northern Territory at the 2011 Australian Training Awards after being selected as winners of the NT Training Awards.
CDU will be represented in the four categories of Australian School-Based Apprentice of the Year, Vocational Student of the Year, Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year and Australian Apprentice of the Year.
Trainee of the Year Melissa Agnew recently completed a Certificate II in Animal Studies at Crocodylus Park through CDU, working with the crocodile production team to capture and move hundreds of crocodiles between enclosures.
Ms Agnew, who now works for the park, is continuing her studies with CDU. She is currently completing her Certificate III in Animal Studies and is considering undertaking a university degree.
CDU Certificate III Electrotechnology Systems Electrician student Rebecca Langley won the Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year award.
Ms Langley took up an electrical apprenticeship after 10 years in the hospitality industry. She did not have any experience in the field before her apprenticeship, and said she counted becoming an electrician as her proudest achievement to date.
Winner of the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year and Darwin High School student Connor Reid is currently studying a Certificate III Automotive Technology (Heavy) through CDU and hopes to become a diesel mechanic.
He first enrolled in an industry placement plan in grade nine, which led to him being offered a school-based apprenticeship with the company the following year.
Vocational Student of the Year Carine Kapiamba arrived in the NT three years ago as a refugee from Congo.
The mother of four has successfully completed a Diploma of Business to improve her English and business skills and is now enrolled at CDU in a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Management.
Minister for Training, Delia Lawrie, yesterday farewelled Territory finalists travelling to Brisbane for the 2011 Australian Training Awards at a special function at Parliament House.