Two WA businesses named best in nation

A hotel and a laboratory in Perth have been recognised as two of the best places to work in Australia, while two Western Australian workers have also been honoured for excelling during their training.

Crown Perth, which employs more than 5,800 people, has been named employer of the year, while medical testing laboratory Clinipath Pathology has received the employer of the year award for apprenticeships at last night’s Australian Training Awards held in Hobart.

Western Power’s Jared Stone won the Australian apprentice of the year award. He is now a fully qualified electrician with the state-owned electrical grid operator and is also studying to become an instrumentation electrician.

Woodside Petroleum’s Sandra Van Der Gaag won the Australian apprentice trainee of the year award. Ms Van Der Gaag, who originally qualified as an engineer, undertook a two-year traineeship to become a liquefied natural gas process operator, and is now working at the Karratha gas plant.

Department of Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey congratulated the winners, saying it was inspiring to see so many WA finalists competing at a national level and showcasing the exceptional talent the state’s training sector had to offer.

Crown Resorts chief executive Barry Felstead said it was a tremendous honour to receive the nationally esteemed title of employer of the year, calling it a testament to Crown’s commitment to employee training and development.

“Crown Perth prides itself on creating opportunities for all West Australian’s and investing in its people, and with a thriving Indigenous and disability employment program, we will continue to pursue our vision of becoming a leader for employee training, not only in Australia, but in the world,” Mr Felstead said.