The Apprentice Employment Network (AEN) NSW & ACT held their annual Group Training Awards via a virtual presentation recently, with HVTC taking out two award categories on the night.
The Excellence in Group Training award was presented to HVTC in recognition of the success of the HVTC Skills Highway PaTH Program and the strong commitment to providing skills training and employment opportunities for people across NSW.
HVTC were also awarded the Excellence in WHS category, reflecting the success of the Incident Reporting, it’s a Life Saver campaign that was rolled out in January to encourage apprentices and trainees to think about safety in the workplace and report incidents or near misses as they occur.
“The recognition of these programs demonstrates HVTC’s commitment to providing quality training opportunities for young people across NSW, as well as providing a safe work environment for all our apprentices and trainees,” HVTC CEO, Sharon Smith said.
“After being named one of nine successful tenderers across the country for the Youth Jobs PaTH Pilot initiative, HVTC and the Central Coast Community College were able to provide employability skills training to almost 70 participants in the Hunter & Central Coast region, with funding provided by the Federal Government.
“The HVTC Skills Highway PaTH Program focused on giving young people the skills they need to enter the workforce and give them exposure to one of our four industry areas – engineering, electrotechnology, business, or community services.
“Participants were provided the opportunity to undertake a work placement, with a goal of the PaTH Program being to transition participants into ongoing employment, either directly or through an apprenticeship or traineeship.
“50 participants were successful in gaining employment either during or after completing the program.”
Sharon also commented on the success of HVTC’s incident reporting campaign in light of receiving the Excellence in WHS award.
“One of the greatest barriers that can face a Group Training Organisation in effectively managing safety is the lack of reporting,” she said.
“The Incident Reporting, it’s a Life Saver campaign was an initiative to encourage HVTC’s apprentices and trainees to actively think about safety and report incidents and near misses to our safety team if they occur.
“Through toolbox talks and social media content, HVTC kept the message front of mind for staff, apprentices, and trainees, and have seen great results so far.
“The initiative has seen an 86 per cent decrease in HVTC’s lost time injury frequency rate and a 32 per cent increase in incident reporting.
“By focusing our efforts on safety engagement rather than safety compliance, we have been able to help create safer working environments for our apprentices and trainees.
“On behalf of all at HVTC, I would like to thank the Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT for these awards,” Sharon concluded.
HVTC also celebrated Apprentice of the Year winner, Althea Kruizinga during the virtual event.
IMAGE | The first participants of the HVTC Skills Highway PaTH Program – 11.09.2020.
