Release type: Speech

Date:

2024 Australian Training Awards

Ministers:

The Hon Andrew Giles MP
Minister for Skills and Training

*Check against delivery*

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet tonight - the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.

I pay my respects to their Elders past and present, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here with us tonight.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Also in the room with us tonight, I’d like to acknowledge:

  • My ministerial colleagues, representing the VET partnership between the Australian Government and the states and territories.
  • The Member for Bean, David Smith
  • The VET administrators, employers, trainers, mentors, parents, carers, partners and colleagues who have supported the finalists throughout their training journey – from early mornings to late nights and new routines, it really takes a village so thank you to everyone here and at home that has been part of the journey.
  • There have been a lot of people behind the scenes to make this event happen, including 75 judges across 16 categories who have collectively clocked up more than 160 hours to consider all the finalists and winners. 
  • Thank you, as well, to the staff from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations who have helped coordinate this evening.
  • And most importantly, I want to acknowledge all the finalists for the 2024 Australian Training Awards.

I hope you’ve enjoyed Ambassadors Week, and that you have made new friends and connections that will last you a lifetime. Tonight is your night, so please take a moment to take it all in.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the 2024 Australian Training Awards – the night of night for all things VET.

It’s great to get the chance to come together and celebrate the students, trainees, apprentices, teachers, trainers, providers, employers and advocates that make up our tertiary education system.

It really is my privilege to be here with you all to recognise the commitment and dedication of the 75 finalists.

For the next few hours we’ll get to learn more about you and your passions and what makes you the best of the best of our VET sector.

MIKE FROST

It would be remiss of me to not mention someone who isn’t here tonight, but was a true titan of industry.

Mike Frost passed away in October but his mark on the VET sector in his home state of Tasmania – and beyond – will be everlasting.

Mike was a leading voice advocating for all aspects of school-based VET in Tassie through his 30-year involvement in establishing its place in senior school curriculum and operations.

Just this year Mike’s significant influence was recognised when he won the Trevor Leo Medal for outstanding contribution to the VET sector at Tasmanian Training Awards.

A familiar face in this room too, Mike was a long-time contributor to the Australian Training Awards by providing evaluator services for the judging process.

Could everyone please join with me in acknowledging the contribution made to the VET system by the late Mike Frost. (APPLAUSE)

VET ACHIEVEMENTS

The Australian Training Awards are about recognising the dedication and achievements of people in the VET sector, such as Mike Frost.

We celebrate how VET plays a future-shifting role for so many individuals and the communities they live and work in.

Looking at the finalists this year, it is clear the VET touches every corner of this country; we have representatives from metro, regional and rural communities from all states and territories.

This is an amazing group of finalists, across each of the 16 categories. I can see how the judges got up to 160 hours of deliberations!

Congratulations to the winners, runners-up and gold recipients but I think everyone shares my sentiment that just being in this room tonight is such an achievement; you are all VET ambassadors and role models for your industries and should be so proud.

CONCLUSION

You are examples of why investment in our VET sector is so important, producing the skills we need now and into the future.

Providing people with a pathway to secure, satisfying and well-paid jobs.

I am proud to share tonight with you and I am sure state and territory skills ministers, like me, are in awe of the wonderful achievements being acknowledged here.

Thank you and have a fantastic night.