State training awards launched

Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today launched the 2006 Western Australia Training Awards and urged apprentices, trainees and students to enter the competition.

"This State is committed to delivering a world-class skilled workforce in WA and these awards help us celebrate our achievements in many areas of training," the Minister said.

"We invite people involved in training to lodge an application for these awards - from exceptional trainees, apprentices and students, to innovative trainers and business owners committed to the development of their staff."

The WA Training Awards 2006 categories include:

- WA Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by John Hughes;
- WA Trainee of the Year Award sponsored by McDonald's;
- WA Vocational Student of the Year Award sponsored by the Coles Myer Institute;
- WA Resource Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award sponsored by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA;
- WA Trainer of the Year Award sponsored by the Training Accreditation Council;
- WA Small Business of the Year Award sponsored by the Australian Institute of Management;
- WA Medium Employer of the Year Award sponsored by the Australian Institute of Management;
- WA Large Employer of the Year Award sponsored by the Australian Institute of Management;

The WA Training Awards 2006 are co-ordinated by the Department of Education and Training and the State Training Board and applications close on Friday, May 12.

THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE APPEARS BELOW.

Attention: News Editor/Chief of Staff

30/03/06

Minister launches 2006 State Training Awards.

An up-and-coming television star and former Western Australian Vocational Student of the Year has joined Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich in calling for all talented trainees and trainers to nominate for the 2006 WA Training Awards.

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts graduate Virginia Gay landed an ongoing role in the prime time television drama series All Saints, shortly after achieving her Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting).

Before she scored her big break, Ms Gay was recognised for winning the WA Vocational Student of the year award while studying at WAAPA.

Ms Ravlich today launched the 2006 WA Training Awards and urged apprentices, trainees and students to follow Virginia's lead and enter the competition.

"This State is committed to delivering a world-class skilled workforce in WA and these awards help us celebrate our achievements in many areas of training," the Minister said.

"We invite people involved in training to lodge an application for these awards - from exceptional trainees, apprentices and students, to innovative trainers and business owners committed to the development of their staff."

The WA Training Awards 2006 categories are:

- WA Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by John Hughes;
- WA Trainee of the Year Award sponsored by McDonald's;
- WA Vocational Student of the Year Award sponsored by the Coles Myer Institute;
- WA Resource Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award sponsored by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA;
- WA Trainer of the Year Award sponsored by the Training Accreditation Council;
- WA Small Business of the Year Award sponsored by the Australian Institute of Management;
- WA Medium Employer of the Year Award sponsored by the Australian Institute of Management;
- WA Large Employer of the Year Award sponsored by the Australian Institute of Management;
- WA Small Training Provider of the Year Award sponsored by the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET);
- WA Large Training Provider of the Year Award sponsored by The Sunday Times;
- WA Access and Equity Award sponsored by Pretzel Logic;
- WA VET in Schools Award sponsored by CDM Australia;
- WA VET in Schools Student Awards sponsored by Westscheme Superannuation:
o Student of the Year;
o School Based Trainee of the Year
o Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
o Education Support Student of the Year; and
- WA State Training Board Award for Employers of Apprentices and Trainees.

To get an application form visit http://www.trainingawards.det.wa.edu.au
email trainingawards@det.wa.edu.au or telephone 9264 4869. Applications close on Friday, May 12.

The WA Training Awards 2006 are co-ordinated by the Department of Education and Training and the State Training Board.

Media contact: Michelle White 9213 6800 0409 206 624
Statements available on the Government's regional website: http://www.regional.mediastatements.wa.gov.au and you can also subscribe to have media releases emailed automatically from the Government's website: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au