Apprentices, Trainees, Students and Host Employers were the talk of the night at the NECA Education & Careers Awards held at Crown Casino on Tuesday 8 November 2016.
The night is all about celebrating and more importantly letting everyone else know the awesome effort we see our apprentices, trainees, students and host employees put in every day.
Hosted by Nick Oakes, a current teacher at NECA Education & Careers, the night was full of stories and laughter, which saw 150 students, apprentices, trainees, mums, dads, family members, sponsors and staff come together to celebrate the commitment and dedication shown by the finalist.
“The awards night really showcased our apprentices, students and trainees” commented Philip Green, CEO “From our MC, who is one of our teachers and did a fantastic job, to our students who study hard at our training facility to the apprentices, trainees and host employers, we couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved so far in their career”.
Over the night we heard about how our nominees have changed their lives and of those around them. With some coming from disadvantaged backgrounds to securing full time work, to the hunger our students have for learning, not only pushing themselves but everyone around them and our host employers who embrace and continuously support the apprentices and trainees to fulfill their career goals.
The highlight of the night was guest speaker (and comedy act!) Jake Adams, a former apprentice who talked about life after an apprenticeship, what it takes to get a job and the importance of training. The audience laughed and cried as Jake took them through his struggles and achievements…leaving the group with this little gem “Make sure you’re happy at work, you spend more time there than with your family and friends. Be excited, challenge yourself and have fun!”
Winners were:
Pre-Apprentice of the Year – Luke Jackson
1st Year Student Apprentice of the Year – Daniel McPhan
2nd Year Student Apprentice of the Year – Samuel Morrow
Kevin Stevens Excellence Award for Academic Achievement – Luke Wilson
Trainee of the Year (Tasmania) – Rose Linder
Trainee of the Year (Victoria) – Rebecca Freckingham
Apprentice of the Year (Tasmania) – Thomas Riley
Junior Apprentice of the Year (Victoria) – Jackson Lewis
Senior Apprentice of the Year (Victoria) – Nicholas Burgoyne
Host Employer of the Year (Trainee) – Department of Justice and Regulation
Host Employer of the Year (Electrical) – Stowe Electrical