School-based Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Raymond Fordimail - Certificate III in Business

School: Katherine High School
Employer: Nitmiluk Tours
Registered training provider: Charles Darwin University

Raymond is passionate about his traditional Jawoyn country and sharing its beauty with visitors from all over the world. His work and studies have enabled him to develop the skills to share his country and culture through a successful Jawoyn-owned tourism business at Nitmiluk National Park.

Raymond says his school-based apprenticeship has given him the opportunity to finish year 12 and gain formal qualifications while doing a job he loves. He has always enjoyed the peace of the Katherine River and now he has the skills and confidence to talk to visitors about the significance of the area. He sometimes even gets to drive the boats.

His literacy and numeracy skills have been enhanced through his apprenticeship and certificate studies. Raymond’s colleagues describe him as a passionate storyteller who is able to connect with people from different countries and backgrounds. He is dedicated to his work and goes beyond what is expected, even dressing up as a crocodile to teach kids about water safety.

Raymond is ambitious for the future and has developed confidence in his abilities as a leader. He aims to one day become the boss of Nitmiluk Tours.

Runner up: Hayley Statham - Certificate III in Business

School: Good Shepherd Lutheran College
Host employer: Casuarina Senior College
Registered training provider: Charles Darwin University

After getting a taste of the business world through work experience placements, Hayley gained a school-based apprenticeship working at Casuarina Senior College. She had decided mainstream classes weren’t the pathway to achieving her personal and professional goals but wanted to make sure she completed year 12.

By the end of 2015 Hayley will have gained three certificates in business, gained an ATAR score and completed two school-based apprenticeships - achievements she is justly proud of.

She says skills she has learned through her VET courses have assisted her at work and in school. They have also opened up future opportunities in work and further study and assisted her in becoming more financially independent. Hayley’s communication skills and confidence have developed to the stage where she now publicly shares her work-ready journey with other students at expos and events.