Training Awards – 2009/2010 

The Rotary Club of Melbourne held its annual Training Awards day on the 23^rd of September 2009.  Each student was presented with a cheque for $1,000 and a club certificate of achievement..  All three spoke to the club about their personal training experiences and their future aspirations.  Traditionally, one student is given further recognition by being nominated for the “Frank Newman Award” this award recognises Club member Frank’s role in promoting and supporting apprenticeships and training nationally and is presented to the student the Vocational Services Committee considers the outstanding candidate for 2009.  Sadly, Frank who has always been available and pleased to present this award passed away in May of 2009.  A brief summary of the successful candidates follows:

1.       Ms Abby Hamill.  Abby is a year 12 Ballarat High School student.  Abby is a school based trainee who combined her school work and training to complete her Hospitality Operations Certificate III at the Best Community Development Training Establishment, in Ballarat.  Abby, through casual work, discovered her interest in the hospitality industry and undertook a traineeship which she describes as “life changing and providing a range of opportunities, environments and challenges”.  Abby particularly enjoyed the fact that most of her training was “on the job”.  Since completing her training, Abby has had many offers of further training and employment.  Abby has achieved significant recognition throughout her life at school, in the community and in training and employment; among these are, school achievement and excellence awards, appointments as an advocate for traineeships and apprenticeships, appointments in leadership and responsibility roles, awards for excellence in business management and being the youngest participant on the 2008 Australian Apprenticeship Roundtable.  A mentor describes Abby as an outstanding example of a young person who is achieving in life, in work and in study.

2.       Mr Tyler Young.  Tyler is a 22 year old who completed his Certificate III in General Construction (Carpentry) with South West TAFE , in Warrnambool.  Tyler believes that the training he received has benefited in many ways and prepared him for opportunities and future career growth.  Tyler considers that he has achieved improvements in leadership, confidence and self reliance.  Tyler says that “It is the combination of on the job training with the TAFE course that presents options and reinforces best practise” he admits there are times where he learns from his mistakes and appreciates feedback from his teachers and supervisors.  Tyler freely admits that his training experience has lifted him from a seemingly hopeless and depressing existence.  Tyler is active in promoting training to the local youth of Warrnambool.  He is active in local football, surfing and Aboriginal dancing.  Tyler hopes that he may get the opportunity to do the registered building course with TAFE in the future.  Tyler’s motto is “keep on trying and don’t give up”

3.       Mr Mathew Hall.  Mathew has completed his Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade, at the University of Ballarat and is employed at Stawell Engineering.  He comes from a farming background and has always had an interest in mechanical engineering.  From school Mathew, was fortunate to gain a placement as an apprentice fitter and turner at Stawell Engineering.  Through 2005 and 2006, Mathew achieved a third and first place in his VET Engineering course and was awarded two Premiers VCE Subject Awards.  Also in 2005 Mathew was the winner of the Lions Club of Stawell Youth of the Year.  Further future awards included University of Ballarat Apprentice of the Year Award for 2008 and the Ronaldson and Tippet Founders Prize for 2008 for being assessed as the best student in Certificate III Engineering.  Mathew like Tyler enjoyed the combination of on the job training and study at trade school that provided a depth of understanding of his trade and the use of best practise work techniques.  Mathew is a firm believer in teamwork and good communications to meet the needs (often urgent) of his company’s customers.  Mathew’s dedication to learning and his confidence and enthusiasm enabled him to complete his 4 year apprenticeship in 20 months. He hopes to continue his learning and plans to undertake courses in welding, bearings and hydraulics/pneumatics.  Mathew enjoys other pursuits such as clay target shooting, smallbore rifle shooting and is a volunteer fire fighter.  Mathew received the Rotary Club of Melbourne’s Frank Newman Award for 2009.

Training Award Winner Abbey Hamill

Training Award Winner Tyler Young

Training Award Winner and Frank Newman Award Winner Mathew Hall

Training Award Winners with President Barry and Elizabeth Cooper (daughter of the late Frank Newman)