Apprentice in Automotive Refinishing Technology, Amber Gabelich, of Lakes Entrance, and the Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre, are among the finalists for the 65th Victorian Training Awards.
Ms Gabelich has been nominated in the apprentice of the year category and Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre in the community training provider of the year.
They are among Victoria’s top apprentices, students, teachers, employers and training providers that have made the final cut for awards that honour the outstanding achievements of our state’s TAFE and training sector.
The awards, to take place in September, have 14 categories including six for individuals, two for employers, four for training organisations, as well as an Industry Collaboration Award and the Lynne Kosky Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement. Winners will receive $5000 in prize money.
Female finalists have dominated the individual award categories, with women making up more than 70 per cent of individual finalists across all categories.
This includes Ms Gabelich, who won a bronze medal at the 2018 WorldSkills Australia National Championships for spray painting.
Ms Gabelich, who is now undertaking Automotive Refinishing Technology at Kangan Institute, is travelling to the United States later this year on an industry-led scholarship.
Selected winners will have the opportunity to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards in Brisbane in November.
