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Brightest stars become finalists in WA Training Awards 

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

18 August 2021

We have become a finalist for the WA Large Training Provider of the Year, with seven students and one lecturer becoming finalists in seven of the eight WA Training Awards categories.  

Fashion student Keira Gentle (Ridgewood) and graphic design student Kevin Wilson (Victoria Park) have both become finalists for the WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year category.  

Keira is a Whudjuk Noongar woman and aspiring fashion designer who works as an Aboriginal Support Worker in the area of alcohol and other drugs. Kevin is a Wongai man and co-founder of graphic design company Nani Creative, which specialises in projects promoting Aboriginal tourism, culture, business and community initiatives.  

Keira said she was excited to be a finalist for the WA Training Awards and wanted to use her experience to inspire other Indigenous students.   

“I feel that the discovery and development of my creative side through my training and the intense pride that I feel as a Whadjuk Noongar woman has helped me understand that no matter what your circumstances are, you can push for your dreams.   

“I would like other Aboriginal students to believe that it’s also possible for them if they pursue what they really love.” 

Graphic design lecturer Brendan Hibbert is a finalist in the WA Trainer of the Year category. Passionate about passing his knowledge and skills onto the next generation, Brendan has been a WorldSkills Australia mentor and Chief Judge since 2016.  

NMTAFE Managing Director, Michelle Hoad, congratulated the outstanding line-up of students and staff who have been selected as finalists in the WA Training Awards. 

“From the amazing success stories of our finalists, it is clear that the expertise of our lecturers and the quality of our training is truly transforming lives, and providing individuals and industry with skills to build the WA economy.” 

Finalists: 

  • Kevin Wilson (Victoria Park) - WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year 2021 
  • Keira Gentle (Ridgewood) - WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year 2021 
  • Johanna Faber (Yokine) - WA International Student of the Year 2021 
  • Brendan Hibbert (Midland) - WA Trainer of the Year 2021 
  • Courtney Short (Ellenbrook) - WA School-based Apprentice of the Year 2021 
  • Agnes Toluwade (Leeming) - WA Cultural Diversity Training Award 2021 
  • Maxine Turner (Fremantle) - WA Vocational Student of the Year 2021 
  • Hayden Carvell (Mundaring) - WA Apprentice of the Year 2021 
  • North Metropolitan TAFE - WA Large Training Provider of the Year 2021 

About the WA Training Awards 

Now in its 27th year, the awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, students and training organisations. 

Individual winners of each category will receive $3000 towards either further training or to kick-start their career, while organisation winners will be recognised as industry leaders. 

Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony on 17 September 2021, and may go on to represent the State at the Australian Training Awards in November. 

Find out more via the media statement from Minister for Education and Training, Hon Sue Ellery BA MLC

 

Photo caption: 
Top row (left to right): Agnes Toluwade, Brendan Hibbert, Maxine Turner, Kevin Wilson.
Bottom row (left to right): Hayden Carvell, Courtney Short, Keira Gentle, Johanna Faber.