IBSA - Innovation & Business Skills Australia

Announcing the Minister's Awards for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices

4 September 2008

Individuals and businesses that have made an outstanding contribution to training and promoting Australian apprenticeships were recognised tonight by the Minister for Education, Julia Gillard.

The Minister's Awards for Excellence promote the employment of apprentices and trainees, helping employers build their businesses, address regional and national skills shortages, and strengthen their local communities.

Minister Gillard announced the winners in each of the three categories at a gala event at Parliament House in Canberra this evening.

The Commitment Award recognises the lifetime achievements of an individual who has completed an apprenticeship or traineeship, continued to work in the trade and is now involved in training Australian apprentices as part of their business or employment.

The Commitment Award winner is:

 

Mr Royce Fairbrother
Royce's company, the Fairbrother Group, has a focus on development and support and has trained hundreds of apprentices and trainees. The company's mentoring and leadership initiatives help ensure apprentices, particularly those new to the workforce, have the skills and resilience to pursue a rewarding life and career.

The finalists in this category are Mr Vincent Ball and Mr Bob Taylor.

The Minister's Award for Support Services Excellence recognises Australian Apprenticeship Centre staff who provide professional support to employers.

The Winner of the Support Services Excellence is:

Mr Peter Gilchrist
Manager of Central West Community College Australian Apprenticeship Centre, Orange, NSW.

Other finalists in this category are Ms Pamela Hill and Peta-Anne Fraley.

The Minister's Awards for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices
Twenty-one businesses across Australia were also honoured at the Awards for their dedication to employing Australian apprentices. A full list of these businesses and the Australian Apprenticeship Centres which worked with the company is attached below.

Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for these awards.

For more details and pictures of winners, finalists and the event, visit: http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/awards/2008/ministers_awards_2008.asp

Media Contact:
media@deewr.gov.au

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