WA 2022 Training Awards Finalists Announced

Thirty exceptional individuals and thirteen organisations were named as finalists at this year’s WA Training Awards 2022. The Awards emphasize excellence in the vocational education and training sector. The Rail, Maritime, and Defence Industries have a strong presence at this year’s final. With three finalists in the running for the coveted WA Trainee of the Year Award, and one finalist aiming to secure the WA Industry Collaboration Award. 
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WA Trainee of the Year 2022 finalists 
Tenaya Ewings, Northam 
Tenaya seized the opportunity to complete a two-year Pilbara-based traineeship offered through Apprenticeships Support Australia and Iron Training and Consulting. She is now employed by BHP, and is gaining hands-on experience while completing practical components of a Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure. 
Now in her second year, Tenaya is doing what she loves, working outdoors, and says the traineeship has not only provided her with a career path within BHP's rail network, but also life skills. 
Zoe Gillard, Nedlands 
It was Zoe's father's military background that was the driving influence behind her passion for a career in the maritime industry. Through the Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways Program, she is undertaking work placement at BAE Systems Australia and gaining practical experience as well as building up a network of industry contacts. 
Zoe says being awarded South Metropolitan TAFE's Trainee of the Year for 2021 was the affirmation she needed to understand that success can be found by taking an alternative route. 
Brittany-Leigh Wragg, Mandurah 
Being one of the first students to study a Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways Program, Brittany cites the unwavering support from the team at South Metropolitan TAFE and Programmed Training Services that helped her feel confident about her chosen career pathway in a male-dominated industry. 
Brittany-Leigh has sampled different job roles while undertaking work placement rotations and gained real-life experience, all while building up a network of industry contacts. She hopes to begin an apprenticeship in defence on completion of her traineeship. 
WA Industry Collaboration Award 2022 finalist  
Defence Industry Pathways Program (South Metropolitan TAFE) 
The Defence Industries Pathway Program was developed with multiple stakeholders in response to the increasing demand for workers in WA's shipbuilding industry, and a critical need to attract and train talent. 
The 12-month program provides graduates with a broad understanding of the maritime defence industry and exposure to the various career pathways. With a pilot for up to 120 trainees, the program currently has 25 maritime defence industry host employers and 81 trainees have commenced to date. 
Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony on 21 September 2022 
For a full list of the awesome finalists click here 
 
For further details and to read Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery’s announcement click here ​