WA Training Awards 2020 finalists

Congratulations to the 16 finalists across five categories in the 2020 WA Training Awards.

The WA Training Awards are WA’s premier vocational education and training awards program. By putting the VET sector in the spotlight, the Awards highlight the opportunities available to people to upskill or retrain, ensuring they can adapt to a changing economy, workplaces and jobs.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development and WA State Training Board would like to congratulate all the finalists for their outstanding achievements.

WA School-based Apprentice of the Year 2020 finalists

Jesse Booker (Mukinbudin)
Jesse chose work experience in the building and construction industry on the recommendation of his principal, who recognised he would benefit from practical work experience alongside his formal school studies. During his Certificate II in Construction Pathways at Central Regional TAFE, Jesse very quickly discovered that he enjoyed the work, and took pride in being able to finish a job for a client and reflect on what he had accomplished. Jesse hopes to inspire other students who may struggle with certain areas in school, to become a school-based trainee.

Piper Sweet (Dianella)
Piper was really unsure about what she wanted to do after school and applied for a school-based traineeship in the public sector. She hoped it would get her a foot in the door to somewhere that offered a range of career options. A Certificate II in Government Administration also felt more suited to her decision to take an ATAR pathway in Year 11 and 12. Apart from her on the job success, Piper was proud to be asked to present to the next year's group of trainees at their orientation, and achieved her personal goal of being able to publicly speak. Combined with her politics and law, and Italian studies at school, she now has a clearer idea of what she would like to do with her career, and hopes it will be in government or politics.

Joel Pearson (Geraldton)
The arts industry is something which Joel has always been deeply passionate about, so after years of circus, dance and volunteering at events, he started up his own circus entertainment company. A year of work placement encouraged Joel to further his training through a Certificate III in Arts Administration at North Regional TAFE, which resulted in being selected to complete a Tour Coordinator Mentorship with regional arts industry leader, CircuitWest. A highlight of Joel’s career so far was his first solo project in late 2019, working with the City of Greater Geraldton to provide a performance project titled Geraldton's Worst Artist at the local event, Christmas on the Terrace, which was attended by thousands.