Richmond Valley student wins people’s choice award for school based Apprentice Trainee of the Year at prestigious state-wide training awards

Richmond Valley student and Council warehousing trainee Theo Scholl has just taken out the People’s Choice Award for School Based Apprentice Trainee of the Year at the 2020 NSW Training Awards at a virtual ceremony this evening, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.

“Theo is a terrific young man and a wonderful role model.  He chose a school-based traineeship in warehousing as he wanted to challenge himself in a new and unfamiliar industry,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Working as a storekeeper for Richmond Valley Council, Theo enjoys the variety this industry offers and the transferrable skills he’s learning. Working for the Council also makes him feel more connected to his community.”

Due to his keen organisational and time management skills, Theo completed his Certificate II at TAFE NSW in one year instead of two.

“As School Vice-Captain, Theo is an excellent student role model. He’s also won the ADF Long Tan Leadership Award, Casino Lions Club Youth of The Year and Richmond Valley Council Young Volunteer of the Year,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Theo is also a member of his local RFS and during the bushfires that tore through and devastated Rappville a year ago to this day, he was instrumental in fire-fighting and aiding evacuations.”

Theo also held leadership positions at his school and in the local community.

“It enables me to be the change I want to see in the future,” Theo said.

Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow said the award was another well-deserved feather in young Theo’s cap.

“In 2018 I had the pleasure of awarding Theo the Richmond Valley Council Young Volunteer of the Year Award for his volunteer service to the Rappville Fire Brigade,” Cr Mustow said.

“Through his traineeship at Richmond Valley Council Theo has also shown an exceptional work ethic, integrity, and a consistently positive attitude.”

Cr Mustow said Theo was one of 90 trainees who had come through the Richmond Valley Council ranks in the last six years.

“Council’s award-winning Youth Employment Strategy was launched to provide young people of the Richmond Valley with genuine training and career opportunities, and it’s been a great success from day one.

“Giving opportunities to young people like Theo was the inspiration behind the program, and the proof is in the pudding.

The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by the NSW Department of Education in recognition of outstanding achievements in vocational education and training.