Frances Lillian Zewe – Trainee of the Year Award

Employer: Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

Qualification: Diploma of Government

Frances graduated from the University of Sydney with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in December 2020. After working in invasive species management for six years and seeing the devastating impact on Australian biodiversity, she wanted to contribute more broadly to the field of animal welfare through a career in the Australian public service. Frances says: ‘The VET pathway changed my life as it helped me to bridge the gap between my veterinary clinical training and applying these skills to a public service career.’ Read more

Tahil Gleeson – Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award

Employer: Local Land Services

Qualification: Certificate II in Agriculture

Tahli accepted a role as a school-based trainee with Local Land Services while enrolled in a Certificate II Agriculture qualification. Throughout her traineeship, Tahli was exposed to numerous facets of agriculture and farming, both practical and operational. She displayed an outstanding work-ethic, applying herself with gusto to both administration and practical farming tasks. With an expanded resume and her Certificate II qualification in-hand, Tahli knows that VET was a great career choice. Read more

Rebecca Toleman – VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award

Employer: South West TAFE

Raised in Hawkesdale South-west Victoria, Rebecca Toleman grew-up with farming in her veins. In 2018, Rebecca’s passion to mentor and teach future farmers led her to bring her vast farming experience to SWTAFE. Rebecca led SWTAFE to revolutionise calving training by introducing a life-size cow simulator that enabled students to develop their skills without endangering or causing unnecessary discomfort to live animals. The ground-breaking initiative became an industry talking point across the world. Read more

Arborists Don’t Grown on Trees – Industry Collaboration Award

The Arborists Don’t Grow on Trees (ADGOT) collaboration was formed to address skills shortages in Arboriculture. Training initiatives include pre-employment programs and safety refresher training, as well as writing of Minimum Industry Standards, peer reviewed learner guides and operating procedures with information sourced from technical experts and leading arboriculture researchers and practitioners from across the world. Collaborators include RTO Arbortrim Australia, Arboriculture Australia, the Victorian Tree industry Organisation, and leading employer  Citywide. Read more

M.C. Herd Pty Ltd – Large Employer of the Year Award

Established in 1951, M.C. Herd is a 3rd-generation Australian family business. Starting as a small council abattoir providing services to the Geelong and district areas, it has evolved into a large export abattoir employing over 300 local staff to process beef and lamb for world markets. Training for skills development is linked to employee training plans developed between an employee and their supervisor. M.C. Herd is committed to providing opportunities for everyone—matching roles to the strengths of an individual. Read more