Apprentices, trainees, teachers and training providers took centre stage at this year’s Victorian Training Awards on Friday night with Jennie Barrera receiving the Lynne Kosky Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement while the Wyndham Community Education Centre received the Community Training Provider of the Year Award.

Jennie Barrera has a long established history as an inspirational leader and community advocate. Her work supports the most vulnerable members of the community establishing education and training pathways into real jobs.

The Victorian Training Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of organisations and individuals involved in vocational education and training across the state.

The Lynne Kosky Memorial Award recognises Jennie as a leader in innovation within the Adult Community and Further Education Sector with her programs setting a quality benchmark for others to replicate across the state.

Additionally, Tim Pallas has congratulated the Wyndham Community and Education Centre for their contribution and dedication to excellence in training.

The Wyndham Community Education Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that has a broad range of adaptive educational and community programs. Their focus is across the western suburbs of Melbourne and Geelong.

The organisation responds to disadvantaged learners, youth and refugees with tailored pre-accredited and accredited programs that provide pathways into further education or employment.

In collaboration with industry, Wyndham Community and Education Centre created successful enterprises in the areas of hospitality, horticulture and bookkeeping.

For instance, their Saffron Kitchen project provides on-the-job learning in a hospitality environment for people facing multiple barriers to employment. Their philosophy is that a young person’s life-circumstances shouldn’t limit their opportunities.

The gala prizewinning ceremony saw 13 winners selected from 39 finalists, with the winners receiving $5000 in prize money. Winners from eligible categories will represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards in Sydney on 15 November.

The Victorian Government has provided an additional $644 million through the 2018–19 Victorian State Budget to ensure all Victorians can access the training they need to get a job and share in Victoria’s prosperity.

For more information on the winners, visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/vta           

Quotes attributable to Tim Pallas Member for Werribee
“The Victorian Training Awards have a long and proud history. For 64 years, the Awards have set the standard to which students, teachers and training providers in the training sector aspire.”

 “The Wyndham Community and Education Centre are well-deserved winners and highlights the fantastic work happening in the training system here in the Werribee electorate”

“These prestigious awards recognise the very best practice and innovation in training – celebrating the key role our training sector plays in delivering real workplace skills that meet the needs of both workers and employers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

 “The Government’s record investment in Victoria’s training and TAFE system is benefiting apprentices, trainees, industries and communities, ensuring we have the skills needed to contribute to Victoria’s economy, build our infrastructure and forge strong communities.”