Gippsland’s top apprentices and trainees were honoured at AGA’s annual awards and graduation ceremony at Marvel Stadium recently, with eight individuals recognised for their excellence, including Omeo’s Sarah Lord.
Founded in Gippsland four decades ago, AGA, part of the IntoWork Group, has grown into one of the state’s foremost employment and training service providers. With training centres in Bairnsdale, Korumburra and Warragul, AGA serves the Gippsland community, offering training and support across various fields.
AGA chief executive officer, Nicolas West, welcomed more than 250 attendees, including graduates, apprentices, trainees, host employers and representatives from the Department of Workplace Relations and peak industry bodies such as the Victorian Skills Authority.
Sarah won two awards in recognition for her resilience and dedication. She expressed gratitude to the committed AGA field officers who guided her through her apprenticeship and made a lasting impact.
“AGA and my field officer Craig have both been amazing, whenever I needed to talk to Craig, whether for school support or anything else, he was always just a phone call away,” Sarah said.
“Even though he was an hour-and-a-half drive away in Bairnsdale, he made every effort to visit as often as possible to check in and ensure everything was going well.”
Sarah, who won both the Trainee of the Year Award and Best in Business, IT and Finance, began her apprenticeship as a mature-age student at the isolated Swifts Creek P-12 School. Despite juggling her studies with family responsibilities, she completed her Certificate IV in Business in just 18 months, significantly faster than the typical two-year timeline.
During the evening, Master of Ceremonies Jordana Borensztajn, a multitalented professional with an impressive career as a journalist, author and comedian, highlighted each graduate’s resilience and determination.
Returning to MC this year, Jordana shared her vibrant energy and enthusiasm with AGA’s guests and emphasised the importance of recognition.
“Honouring students and their accomplishments truly matters. It helps them feel seen, valued and heard. This is important, no matter what age you are or industry you’re in,” she said.
Jordana draws inspiration from uplifting others and teaching with humour and joy. She offered an important piece of advice as the graduates enter the next stage of their careers.
“Enjoy each moment and don’t always fixate on what’s next, make every moment count because they will fly right past you otherwise.”
For more than four decades, AGA, part of the IntoWork Group, has been one of the state’s leading providers of employment and training services. As a registered Social Trader and not-for-profit, AGA is committed to empowering young people through apprenticeships and traineeships, education and training and community support programs.
Mr West congratulated the evening’s graduates and award winners, commending them on their commitment and perseverance.
“AGA is proud to continue our support to enable people of all ages and backgrounds to develop the social and economic skills they need to ensure their vibrant futures, both personally and professionally.” he said.
AWARD WINNERS
Best in Business, IT & Finance: Sarah Lord.
Best in Education, Hospitality & Employment Services: Bianca Paras.
Best in Auto, Engineering & Horticulture: Nathan Borg.
Best in Construction, Electrical & Plumbing: Jack McCaughey.
Resilience Award: Nathan Vabec.
Student of the Year: Ullrich Germishuys.
Women in Trades Apprentice/Trainee of the Year: Casey Tomamichel.
First Nations Apprentice/Trainee of the Year: Nathan Scicluna.
AGA Trainee of the Year: Sarah Lord.
AGA Apprentice of the Year: Nathan Borg.
