Awards recognise worthy young trainees

A TRIO of resilient young trainees have been recognised for outstanding effort in their field of endeavour at a statewide Apprentice of the Year awards at a gala ceremony in Melbourne.

Apprentice plumber Rodney Sutherland won both Trainee of the Year and Indigenous Student of the Year at the annual Victorian Apprenticeship Awards presented by the Apprenticeship Employment Network and Global Apprenticeship Network Australia.

Rodney, who is employed by Barwon Water and completing his traineeship through Gforce, said his quality of life had changed for the better through learning a trade because he has aquired new skills that will further his career in the industry.

He said although there were challenges along the way including mental health issues, homelessness, and physical health, support from Barwon Water and Gforce enabled him to overcome these hurdles and “get his head back in the books”.

Once his traineeship and study is complete, Rodney intends to seek a volunteer role helping Indigenous youth.

“If you are willing to work on yourself, it will have a positive ripple effect on extended family and community,” he said.

Madison Spong, who completed a Certificate III in Business through Gforce employment and recruitment, took out the Overcoming Adversity award.

Madison experienced difficulties due to the pandemic including months of homelessness as she tried to find a rental property.

Despite the challenges, Madison made the most of every opportunity offered through her traineeship with the support of TAC and Gforce and is now completing her Cert IV.

She encourages others to “fight for themselves and to persevere”.

The Women in Trades award was won by Sarah McDonald (Gforce) who, after deciding against studying to be a physiotherapist, turned to a trade and completed a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician with Victorian Group Training.

Sarah loves what she is doing but admits there have been challenges.

She has had to work hard on mathematics, break through barriers with her male classmates, and manage a tough year financially in which she has been living alone and renting.

Sarah promotes her work and achievements on social media and is a big believer in “doing what makes you happy, not what others want you to do”.

Gary Workman, executive director of GAN Australia and AEN, said the awards demonstrate the strength and value of the vocational education and training systems in Victoria, which contribute to Australia’s economic growth and success.

“We are here to work with government, to strengthen the apprenticeship system in Australia by providing the necessary link between business, skills and employment ultimately reducing ongoing skills shortages and youth unemployment for all individuals,” he said.

“I commend all finalists of the 2021 apprenticeship awards, and their employers who have shown great resilience, initiative, and ability to thrive in their industries, with support of their local group training organisations.”