Now in its 25th year, the WA Training Awards highlight the achievements of apprentices, trainees, VET students, trainers, training organisations and employers in the training sector.
Thirteen individuals and organisations scooped top honours at the Western Australian Training Awards tonight for their commitment to innovation and excellence in the vocational education and training (VET) sector.
The spotlight was on the State’s key skill areas including building and construction, social assistance and allied health and STEM which took out the awards for WA Apprentice of the Year, WA International Student of the Year and WA Small Training Provider of the Year.
Rebecca Lee Hudson, from Dalyellup, was awarded the title of WA Trainee of the Year for 20019 at this year’s WA Training Awards presentation dinner, the State’s premier awards program for recognising high achievers in the vocational education and training sector. Rebecca is a mother of three who went from working in human resources to training as a crane operator.
After years of working in human resources Rebecca decided to pursue a completely different career path. With a Certificate III in Mobile Crane Operations under her belt, Rebecca can now operate cranes from eight to 100 tonnes and has since obtained tickets in areas such as slew mobile crane, non-slew mobile crane, rigging intermediate and forklift truck.
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Rebecca says communication and encouragement has been key to her success.
“Having a good support network has made me confident and given me the ability to overcome any issues I encounter on the job,” Rebecca said. “The heavy lift industry is one of extreme importance assisting the construction and mining industries. As a crane operator, you must be able to concentrate, be very aware of your surroundings and vigilant in your operational skills – lives depend on you.
“I am a very safe worker, vigilant in my learnings and have a healthy respect for humanity. Now having completed the Certificate and obtaining the licences to operate cranes from 8 tonnes to 100 tonnes, I hold no regrets and the doors have opened wide to fantastic opportunities within the industry,” she said.
Rebecca was commended by the judges for being an excellent role model, encouraging people of all ages to enter the industry and make the most of the great employment opportunities it offers. She has now secured an exciting new role at BHP which will provide further developmental and training opportunities.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery commented on the awards.
“Training is central to supporting the growth and diversification of the Western Australian economy to meet new and emerging skill needs, particularly in key growth areas such as the social assistance and allied health sector.
“This Government is working to ensure we stay ahead of the game in skilling Western Australians to take up the jobs of the future.
“The awards highlight those apprentices, trainees and students who are doing just that, as well as the trainers and employers giving them the opportunity and the skills.
“I congratulate all winners and finalists for their drive to achieve great things and their contribution to ensure a strong VET sector.”
Department of Training and Workforce Development Director General Anne Driscoll congratulated each of this year’s WA Training Awards category winners on their exceptional achievements.
“The WA Training Awards allow us to acknowledge and celebrate high achievers in the State’s vocational education and training sector, including talented students, apprentices, and trainees, and dedicated training providers and businesses,” she said.
“This year marks the 25th year of the WA Training Awards and our winners and finalists continue to represent the ‘best of the best’ both in Western Australia and on a national scale.
“In addition to championing excellence within the VET sector, these individuals and organisations have set the bar for a highly skilled and talented workforce.”