VET Teacher / Trainer of the Year

Sponsored by Territory Technology Solutions.

Winner: Helen Grant - Taminmin College

Helen Grant is described as an exceptional hospitality teacher and role model for young people with a focus on community engagement, bringing people together for a common purpose and showing students how they can make a difference in their community.

Initially employed at Taminmin Secondary College as the home economics teacher in 2007, Helen has developed the curriculum to include the expansion into vocational education and training (VET) hospitality training with the school becoming a registered training organisation and offering Certificate I and II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations).

The hospitality program at Taminmin College has become a vital program for students from a range of backgrounds including Aboriginal, learning unit, low-socio economic, and leading learners. Part of the program’s ongoing success is Helen’s passion for her work and her students, and her excellent industry contacts.

Fundraising for charity by preparing meals for lunches and dinners for community events and organisations is Helen’s way to show students how they can engage and influence their community. Taminmin College’s hospitality department has raised more than $10,000 in the last three years through this community work.

As a qualified chef and trainer, Helen was invited to take part in the National Review of the Hospitality qualifications and programs from entry level through to full diplomas. Her vital knowledge of the unique challenges facing Territory students and teachers were considered and included in the new education framework being developed for the industry.

To ensure her industry consultation is relevant and up-to-date, Helen is a member of the Australian Culinary Federation NT Chapter, the Home Economics Institute of Australia Inc NT Chapter, WorldSkills Australia, Service Skills Australia and the CHARTTES Training Advisory Council.

By currently undertaking a Diploma in Management, Helen is also making sure her own skills are continually developing and that she is maintaining the latest training and management standards in the classroom.

Runner up: Helen Clark - Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education