Winner: Calvary John James Hospital

Case Study - PDF 220kb | RTF 25kb

Calvary John James Hospital is Canberra’s largest private hospital, employing around 450 people, including 124 Australian Apprentices who have earned qualifications in the last three years. The hospital’s emphasis on training extends beyond apprentices and trainees to all employees, and almost 30 per cent of the hospital staff has completed nationally recognised qualifications. Calvary John James Hospital is an employer of choice for women, with women making up 80 per cent of the workforce.

Runners Up - InTACT
                   Janrule Pty Ltd

Hunter and North Coast

Winner: Macadamia Processing Co Limited

Case Study - PDF 230kb | RTF 45kb

Macadamia Processing Co Limited, the largest producer of macadamias in the world, is owned by more than 200 Australian macadamia growers in North Eastern New South Wales and South East Queensland. The company has approximately 190 employees, with 73 Australian Apprentices graduating recently with Certificates II or III in Food Processing.

Runners Up - Country Energy
                   Ballina District Community Services Association Inc

Illawarra & South East New South Wales

Winner: IMB Banking and Financial Services

Case Study - PDF 225kb | RTF 20kb

IMB Banking and Financial Services has been employing Australian Apprentices for five years. The program has maintained a 100 per cent completion rate since it began. Australian Apprentices benefit from a workplace buddy system, a strong support network and allocated study time. Many Australian Apprentices complete their qualification early. In April this year, 15 completed their Australian Apprenticeship, and all stayed on with IMB, while five new Australian Apprentices commenced in June.

Runners Up - Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
                   Shoalhaven City Council

Riverina

Winner: RIC Electrics Pty Ltd

Case Study - PDF 230kb | RTF 25kb

Australian Apprenticeships are a big part of business for RIC Electrics in Wagga Wagga. With 14 of its 30 employees currently completing Australian Apprenticeships, it’s no surprise that close to 100 electrical apprentices have finished their training through RIC Electrics since 1979. One of the largest employers of apprentices in the region, RIC electrics plans to continue to build on this 30-year training history.

Runners Up - Casella Wines Pty Ltd
                   Gundagai Meat Processors

Sydney

Winner: Qantas Airways Ltd

Case Study - PDF 226kb | RTF 49kb

One of the world’s most experienced airlines, Qantas Airways is also a high flyer when it comes to training. It employs more than 700 Australian Apprentices who study a vast range of qualifications across business areas, including engineering, catering, the contact centre and airports. Existing employees are also encouraged to upgrade their skills.

Runners Up - Intergal Energy Australia
                   Komatsu Australia

Western New South Wales

Joint Winner: Newcrest Mining Limited—Cadia Valley Operations

Case Study - PDF 223kb | RTF 22kb

Forty-one Australian Apprentices are gaining a wealth of experience on the job at Newcrest Mining Limited’s - Cadia Valley Operations. Its location near Orange in regional New South Wales makes the mine particularly attractive for young Australian Apprentices, as does the high level of training, support and above-award wages. More than 850 people apply each year for approximately 15 Australian Apprenticeships.

Joint Winner: Department of Lands, Spatial Information Sourcing, Bathurst

Case Study - PDF 225kb | RTF 22kb

The Spatial Information Sourcing Branch at the New South Wales’ Department of Lands collects and analyses geographical data, including survey and property information used for property sales, valuations and local government work. About 40 per cent of SIS staff are due to retire by 2013, so the first 10 Australian Apprentices have started work and study in this highly technical field. They get practical experience in the Department as well as with nearby local councils.

Runners Up - Moree Plains Shire Council
                   Charles Sturt University

Winner: Centrelink Area North Australia

Case Study - PDF 222kb | RTF 35kb

Centrelink Area North Australia (ANA) employs three Australian Apprentices—two Indigenous Australians and one African from a non‑English speaking background. They are doing a Certificate II in Business. Centrelink ANA has an Indigenous Employment Team and an Indigenous Employment Action plan to attract Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruits. The aim is to build a sustainable Indigenous workforce by 2011.

Runners Up - Macmahon Contractors
                   Rio Tinto Alcan

Brisbane

Winner: Brisbane City Council

Case Study - PDF 215kb | RTF 22kb

The Brisbane City Council employs 287 Australian Apprentices comprising 147 full-time apprentices, 15 Australian School-based Apprentices and 125 trainees. Many are Indigenous, from a non-English speaking background, or people with disability. The council’s Growing Council’s Future Workforce initiative offers structured vocational development and has increased the number of apprentices and trainees moving into entry-level roles with the council being able to fill every available position so far.

Runners Up - Hastings Deering (Australia) Ltd
                   Energex

Central Queensland

Winner: Macmahon Contractors

Case Study - PDF 226kb | RTF 20kb

Macmahon Contractors provides services in mining and civil construction across Australia and in Malaysia. The organisation has an exceptional record of supporting Australian Apprentices and provides opportunities for local Australian Apprentices at its Nebo workshop in regional Queensland. Macmahon provides extra training beyond the apprenticeship qualification, including flying Australian Apprentices to Perth for in-depth induction training.

Runners Up - Rio Tinto - Gladstone Hub
 

Northern Queensland

Winner: Centrelink Call Centre Cairns

Case Study - PDF 215kb | RTF 12kb

Centrelink Call Centre Cairns established the first call centre services for Indigenous customers of Centrelink to provide culturally appropriate telephone service to customers living in remote Cape York and Torres Strait Island communities. This service is now offered nationally from four sites across Australia. The organisation has begun a successful pilot program, employing four Indigenous Australian Apprentices, who were selected from 120 candidates.

Runners Up - Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) Women's Shelter Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation

South Queensland

Winner: Ergon Energy Vocational Programs

Case Study - PDF 230kb | RTF 32kb

Ergon Energy provides electricity services to around 600 000 customers across Queensland. It employs more that 4000 people, including 319 Australian Apprentices, from Thursday Island to Stanthorpe and across regional Queensland. Ergon Energy has an impressive retention rate of 98 per cent due to its dedicated training team and in-depth assessment process.

Adelaide

Winner: Cavpower

Case Study - PDF 218kb | RTF 45kb

Cavpower sells and services Caterpillar earthmoving machines and equipment throughout South Australia. Australian Apprentices receive training in areas of skills shortage, including working as diesel mechanics, boilermakers, auto electricians and electricians. A training division and Australian Apprentice master support 77 apprentices and 50 trainees. In 2008, Cavpower launched an interactive e-learning tool to help trade apprentices map their career path.

Runners Up - Genesee & Wyoming Australia Pty Ltd
                   Philmac Pty Ltd

South Australian Country

Winner: Nyrstar Port Pirie

Case Study - PDF 235kb | RTF 12kb

Nyrstar is the largest producer of zinc products in the world, with operations in many countries including America, China and Australia. The Port Pirie operation produces zinc, lead, copper, silver, gold and sulphuric acid. The site has been employing Australian Apprentices for more than 60 years. Currently, 33 Australian Apprentices are doing their training as fitter and turners, boilermakers and electricians.

Runners Up - Claire & Gilbert Valleys Council
                   Wirraway Homestead

Winner: Hazell Bros Group Pty Ltd

Case Study - PDF 220kb | RTF 25kb

In 1944, Donald Hazell bought his first truck for 637 pounds, 5 shillings and 11 pence. Sixty-five years on, Hazell Bros employs almost 500 people in construction, transport and equipment services, quarry holding, concrete production and facility maintenance. Recognised as an employer of choice, this family-owned business has employed Australian Apprentices for 21 years and currently employs 57 Australian Apprentices.

Runners Up - Fairbrother Pty Ltd
                   Convict Cutters

Geelong

Winner: St Laurence Community Services Inc.

Case Study - PDF 236kb | RTF 46kb

The innovative approach to training at St Laurence Community Services Inc. means the organisation has retained 80 per cent of its Australian Apprentices. This not-for-profit organisation supports older people and people experiencing disadvantage in more than 25 sites. Since 2006, 69 staff have started Australian Apprenticeships and 26 have completed training.

Runners Up - Barwon Region Water Corporation

Gippsland

Winner: Silcar Pty Ltd

Case Study - PDF 240kb | RTF 50kb

Silcar Pty Ltd has employed Australian Apprentices for 15 years to provide mechanical and electrical services. This multi‑site national organisation has clients in manufacturing, metals processing, pulp paper and telecommunications. Silcar supports 42 apprentices and nine trainees doing a variety of trades and has around 75 per cent retention.

Runners Up - Dyers Gippsland Transport
                   Fielder Plantations Services Pty Ltd

Melbourne

Winner: City West Water

Case Study - PDF 220kb | RTF 30kb

City West Water supplies drinking water and other water services to more than 307 000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Melbourne. In early 2009, it launched a development program to recruit and train operational staff and the first 13 Australian Apprentices have commenced its Technical Officer Development Program.

Runners Up - Toyota Australia
                   Shiavello (VIC) Pty Ltd

Victorian Central Highlands

Winner: Morey & Hurford

Case Study - PDF 225kb | RTF 12kb

Australian Apprentices account for about 20 per cent of the workforce at Morey and Hurford. This commercial construction company has won multiple awards and produced many award-winning Australian Apprentices in the last 15 years. This is due to a well-established training and development policy, a mentor who provides personal support to Australian Apprentices and career pathways within the company once training is completed.

Runners Up - BAE Systems Australia - Land Division
                   HSM Auto Repairs & Spares

Central & South Eastern Western Australia

Winner: Aquarena

Case Study - PDF 215kb | RTF 22kb

Aquarena is a public swimming pool with a difference. Located in Geraldton, it offers recreation programs, casual swimming, hydrotherapy, competitive swimming and water polo and social events for more than 300 000 visitors each year. It also offers supportive, personalised training and extra help for its Australian Apprentices, including one with a disability and one from a non-English speaking background.

Runners Up - Maicon Engineering
                   Bindoon Bakehaus & Café

Northern Western Australia

Winner: Argyle Diamonds

Case Study - PDF 210kb | RTF 20kb

Despite having to travel some 3500 kilometres to attend TAFE, Australian Apprentices at Argyle Diamonds’ remote Kimberly mine receive all the support and resources they need to complete their training. As 37 of the 42 Australian Apprentices are Indigenous, there is a focus on cultural and pastoral support. In addition to trades training, Australian Apprentices also have access to literacy and numeracy programs and homework sessions.

Runners Up - Inline Engineering Services Pty Ltd

Perth

Winner: Macmahon Contractors

Case Study - PDF 240kb | RTF 25kb

Macmahon Contractors provides services in mining and civil construction across Australia and in Malaysia. The organisation has an exceptional record of supporting Australian Apprentices, including those based at the new purpose-built workshop in Perth. Australian Apprentices also have opportunities to experience different types of work as part of rotations to mine sites around Australia and even in Malaysia.

Runners Up - Barnminco Limited
                   WA Freight Group

Southern Western Australia

Winner: Clarence Estate

Case Study - PDF 235kb | RTF 23kb

Clarence Estate is an aged care and community health facility that recognises the importance of Australian Apprentices in providing high quality care. In addition to supporting its own Australian Apprentices, Clarence Estate regularly provides practical work placements for other Enrolled Nursing and Registered Nursing students from nearby universities and the local TAFE and is regarded as a best-practice training facility.

Runners Up - Lower Great Southern Community Living Association Inc
                   Department of Environment & Conservation

Minister's Award for Support Services Excellence

Click on images to view full size.

Winner: Tarah Ker, Senior Business Consultant - MAS National

Case Study - PDF 212kb | RTF 25kb

Nothing is too hard for Tarah. She has great connections with businesses, schools and service providers in the South Australia country region. She goes the extra mile for clients. Like having her gumboots ready, so she can meet farmers in the middle of a paddock to discuss opportunities to employ Australian Apprentices. Tarah’s work area covers more than 21 000 square kilometres and she treats all her clients with equal importance.

Finalist: Mary Schenk, Field Officer - JobNet Tasmania

Case Study - PDF 186kb | RTF 27kb

Mary impresses everyone with her passion and drive and her ability to juggle up to 40 clients at a time. Her main focus is job opportunities for young people, skills development for existing mature-age workers, industry growth and customer service. Mary has strong relationships with clients in the building, automotive, transport, community service and hospitality industries and has built new partnerships with the childcare and the energy industries.

Finalist: Maria Todaro, Business Consultant - Apprenticeships Melbourne

Case Study - PDF 193kb | RTF 27kb

One of Maria’s areas of expertise is Australian School-based Apprenticeships. She works with many multicultural communities, including Muslim-specific schools. Maria brings more than 20 years of experience to her role. Starting out as an apprentice hairdresser and also working in hospitality, with a Registered Trade Organisation and in disability services. She employed many Australian Apprentices when she worked in the hospitality and hairdressing industries.

Minister's Award for Excellence for Commitment to Australian Apprenticeships

Winner: Jean Dupavillon

Case Study - PDF 209kb | RTF 16kb

When Jean began his four-year drafting Australian Apprenticeship little did he know he would one day write a manual for use by Australian Apprentices in the Opus worldwide network. Jean began with Sydney-based building and engineering consulting firm Tierney & Partners and soon worked his way up. When the company merged with Opus International in 2003, Jean took on new opportunities as a mentor. He is a key part of the training program, which has turned out numerous Australian Apprentices in the last four years.

Finalist: Rex Jorgensen

Case Study - PDF 206kb | RTF 27kb

Rex began with Queensland Rail (QR) as an Australian Apprentice in the 1970s and his passion for mentoring new Australian Apprentices soon surfaced. Over the last 35 years, Rex has been part of many changes within the training field. He supervised QR’s first female apprentice and managed the first traineeships. He is so passionate about Australian Apprenticeships that he volunteers his time to Local Community Partnerships as an industry representative and is vice chair of the Ipswich West area.

Finalist: Lawrie Martin

Case Study - PDF 208kb | RTF 17kb

Lawrie has achieved much in his career. He’s gone from a young panel-beating Australian Apprentice to become General Manager of a large collision repair business and later, the Chairman of the first Australian Technical College established in Townsville. Along the way, Lawrie has had a vast range of roles in the Australian Apprenticeships field, including as a volunteer. He has travelled internationally to promote the Australian Quality Training Framework and remains committed to training and development.

Previous Award Winners