The electrotechnology electrician was named Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year at the NT Training Awards.

He is studying for a Certificate III in Electrotechnology and is employed by the GTNT Group.

“Electrical work is a challenging yet rewarding field that offers a range of opportunities for growth and development,” he says.

“I wanted to learn a trade that is both practical and technical.” He completed the highly successful Prelude to the Future program.

“I was able to get a taste of both the electrical and mechanical trades,” he says. “The electrical industry seemed like the perfect fit for me and where I wanted to pursue a career.” Porsche Cahill was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the awards, which are staged by the Territory Government’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.

She is studying for a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills and is also employed by GTNT Group.

“I always wanted to work in the health industry because I love learning about the human body and helping people,” she says.

Porsche says doing her traineeship at Menzies School of Health Research has given her many new skills and knowledge.

“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far, but I’m excited for the future too. I want to make a positive difference in healthcare, especially for Indigenous communities.”

The NT Training Awards highlight the incredible talent, depth and diversity in the Territory’s vocational education and training sector.

The winners were selected from 102 nominations across 12 categories.

This year’s finalists represented a wide range of industries including health, conservation, electrotechnology, mechanics, mining, beauty services, cookery, fitness, early childhood learning, business and information technology.

The awards, now in their 68th year, are significant as they foster collaboration between businesses and training providers through innovative programs.

Developing a strong local workforce enables local businesses to take advantage of new opportunities and support the economic development of the Northern Territory towards a $40 billion by 2030.

NT winners in eligible categories will progress to the Australian Training Awards in Hobart on 17 November.

Direct entry award category finalists for the Australian Training Awards have also been announced and the NT is represented by Brendan Reid, a finalist for the Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice Award, and Karen Sheldon who has been nominated for Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award.

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY WINNERS

Trainee of the Year

Thanapat “Joe” Kellie

Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year

Jack Higgins

Vocational Student of the Year

Loan Nguyen

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Porsche Cahill

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

Lilly Bright

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Luzena Chevalier-Roberts

VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year

Sharon Stewart

BUSINESS CATEGORY WINNERS

Small Training Provider of the Year

Institute of Skills and Training Australia

Large Training Provider of the Year

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education

Industry Collaboration of the Year

Roper Gulf Certificate III in Community Services Project – a collaboration between Roper Gulf Regional Council and Bradford Institute of Advanced Education

Small Employer of the Year 

Numburindi Store

Large Employer of the Year

NEC