2022 Tasmanian Training Awards Winners

A TasTAFE Teacher and three TasTAFE-trained students were big winners at the 2022 Tasmanian Training Awards.

TasTAFE cookery teacher, Matthew Fraser, who works at TasTAFE Drysdale in Devonport, was named VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year, while former TasTAFE students,  Fleur Broadhurst (Vocational Student of the Year), Jack Wilson (Apprentice of the Year) and Natasha Robins (Trainee of the Year) were also big winners.

Matthew was recognised for his innovative approach to teaching and his commitment to his students.

As a qualified chef for many years, now turned teacher, Matthew loves that he gets to help guide future chefs on their careers every day at TasTAFE.

“Student success, student outcomes, that’s why we do it at the end of the day. It’s about seeing growth, seeing change, both career and life altering outcomes can occur from undertaking training, and the support and mentorship that is available.”

Fleur took out the Vocational Student of the Year prize, recognising her achievements in the course of study leading to a nationally recognised qualification, and was full of praise for her teacher:

“To TasTAFE Launceston, and particularly to my teacher Georgie who is here tonight, thank you so much for your support and encouragement. You are an amazing teacher and what you do, you should also be rewarded and you are part of this award.”

Jack is now a second-generation Apprentice of the Year winner. Following his mother’s footsteps, (she won  Apprentice of the Year as a hairdressing apprentice in the 1980s), Jack took out the award after completing his Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery. He said he and his mother were thrilled with the result:

“It was quite a surprise for both us (when they found out Jack was shortlisted). It was a great inspiration, my parents have been great mentors my whole life and to know I’m going along the same path as them is something I’m really grateful for.”

Jack said he owed a lot of his success to his teachers at TasTAFE

“The skills and training at TasTAFE have allowed me to go to all aspects of the building industry confidently. They taught me the right techniques and gave me the confidence to get the job done correctly.”

Natasha recently completed her Certificate III in Dental Assisting and was awarded the trainee of the Year prize for her hard work. She had never imagined a career in Dental Assisting until she was asked if she wanted to apply at Work & Training and has never looked back.

While her whole experience starting her career in dental has been a bit of a whirlwind, she said perhaps the biggest shock was winning Trainee of the Year.

“I was in disbelief (when I was nominated for the awards). I was just hoping to get shortlisted, I thought that would be the greatest achievement I could get. Then I was a finalist, and at the awards night I was just so proud of myself to make it that far. When they called my name at the awards night, I had to remember what my name was. I couldn’t believe it.”

Natasha gave a special mention to her teacher Tracey laws, who helped her right through her Traineeship.

“I did all my learning through TasTAFE. I was working with (teacher) Tracey Laws, and she was just absolutely incredible. She was always available to help me with my learning and happy to answer any questions day or night.”

Matthew, Jack, Fleur and Natasha will all go on to represent Tasmania at the Australian Training Awards in Adelaide on 18 November.

A full list of 2022 Tasmanian Training Awards winners can be found at  Skills Tasmania.