HVTC Group’s top apprentices, trainees, students, and host employers for 2023 were recognised at the company’s Excellence Awards in Newcastle earlier this month.

This year’s individual winners have undertaken a variety of qualifications, such as Beauty Therapy, Business Administration, Civil Construction, Conservation and Land Management, Customer Engagement, Electrotechnology, Engineering Fabrication and Waste Operations.

HVTC CEO, Sharon Smith said the diversity of qualifications reflects the wide range of training and career opportunities available through vocational education and training (VET).

“After already completing a mechanical trade with us in 2017, Apprentice of the Year winner Justin Curley came back in 2019 to undertake an Electrical apprenticeship with host employer, Origin Energy,” Sharon said.

In that time Justin also completed a Certificate IV in Hydraulic Fluid Power to further build on his trade knowledge and skillset and was named HVTC’s Safety Champion in 2020.

“Now a dual-qualified tradesman, Justin is working full-time at Centennial’s Myuna Colliery and is a great example of what you can achieve through hard work and determination.”

“Prior to commencing his Waste Operations traineeship with Shoalhaven City Council, Jayden Simms had been employed in labouring and construction work under short-term employment contracts and was looking for training and employment that would lead to long-term job security.

“Jayden showed great dedication and aptitude both on-the-job and in his RTO studies and was able to finish his traineeship early via competency-based completion and secure a permanent job with Shoalhaven City Council.

“No matter what stage of life you’re in; whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or are considering changing careers, VET pathways allow anyone to get into an industry they are passionate about.”

Sharon also commended the businesses that were recognised in this year’s Excellence Awards.

“As a Group Training Organisation, the work we do in connecting people to training and employment would not be possible without our host employers,” Sharon said.

“HVTC partners with more than 250 host employers across NSW to create employment opportunities for more than 770 apprentices and trainees.

“Our hosts play a crucial role in facilitating on-the-job training to equip our apprentices and trainees with industry skills, knowledge and experience that will prepare them for potential future employment in their chosen field.

“This year’s Host Innovation Award winner, the NSW Department of Education, has provided job seekers with a pathway into a future career in IT – one of the fastest growing industries.

“In collaboration with HVTC, the NSW Department of Education has so far placed more than 75 trainees across NSW, giving participants hands-on IT skills and experience working with a government organisation.

“Once they finish, the trainees will have a qualification they can take anywhere in the world and potentially a future role in Government where they can continue to hone their IT skills.

“This program is just one example of the impact of industry collaboration in ensuring businesses and communities can train and retain skilled workers for the future.

“On behalf of HVTC, I would like to congratulate all winners and finalists in the 2023 HVTC Excellence Awards.”