VET Teacher / Trainer of the Year

Winner: Matthew Deveraux

Subject area: Agriculture
Employer: Taminmin College

Matt Deveraux grew up on Territory cattle stations with a passion for horses and polocrosse and he is imparting his knowledge and skills in the rural industry to his students at Taminmin High.

Matt’s strong local industry connections have helped set up partnerships to professionally develop the Taminmin Agriculture program. Since his appointment as farm manager and VET trainer at Taminmin High in 2011, student numbers and outcomes in the Certificate III in Agriculture program have increased.

His knowledge of the local industry and conditions has led to the development of programs tailored for tropical conditions and catering to local industry such as live export. Matt also brings in professional experts in areas such as equine dentistry, dog handling and cattle work to broaden students’ experiences.

Many past students have gone on to successful careers in rural industries and vocational education students have been recognised with Territory and national awards. Past students have also returned to take up training positions in Taminmin’s agricultural VET courses.

Runner up: Marlene Organ

Subject areas: Hospitality, Business, Retail IT
Employer: Nhulunbuy High School

Marlene’s skills and qualifications see her delivering a range of skills to her students at Nhulunbuy High School. She can be found in the school Home Economics kitchen guiding students undertaking certificate work in hospitality. She also supports trainees and apprentices undertaking business, retail and information technology VET studies.

Working in a remote high school with small senior student numbers means Marlene has to be creative in maintaining a range of programs. She has facilitated combined classes of certificate levels over different areas of qualification simultaneously to ensure maximum student offerings.

Marlene has worked at Nhulunbuy High School for more than 10 years. She is now teacher, trainer and manager of the registered training organisation (RTO) and also teaches home economics and oversees the Gove Gourmet Café operated by hospitality students. She works closely with an established industry stakeholder network to ensure students have a smooth transition from the school to work environments. Marlene’s drive and commitment has seen many Nhulunbuy students take out VET awards.