The region’s most outstanding apprentices, trainees, students and teachers were recognised at the North Coast and Mid-North Coast 2022 NSW Training Awards held at the regional ceremony in Coffs Harbour last night.
Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis said there were two winners from the Clarence and Richmond Valleys with Sassafras Yamba apprentice, Jonathon O’Connor taking out the Apprentice of the Year and Coombell local Sophie-Rose Hastie winning the School-based Trainee of the Year.
Mr Gulaptis said Jonathon is a passionate and dedicated man who has engaged in every opportunity to challenge and grow his skills in and out of the classroom while undertaking a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery with TAFE NSW.
“During his apprenticeship he competed in the 2019 World Skills Championship and took home silver, then went on to compete in Melbourne’s proud to be Chef competition where he was selected as one of Australia’s top 32 apprentices,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“Jonathon is a natural leader in the kitchen and has a bright future ahead of him.”

Mr Gulaptis said Sophie-Rose is undertaking a Certificate II in Business through NSW TAFE.
“Sophie-Rose is an optimistic, open and articulate young woman, willing to learn and embrace any experience that comes her way,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“Through her traineeship at Richmond Valley Council’s Casino Library, she has not only supported the community and library team but has gained the foundational knowledge needed to reach her career goals.
“She has been instrumental in the delivery of the Tech Savvy program for the local community while also completing her senior studies at St Mary’s Catholic College.”

I congratulate Jonathon and Sophie-Rose on being recognised for their achievements as well as all other winners across the region who took home awards at the ceremony last night, Mr Gulaptis said.”The NSW Training Awards are held annually to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the enormous breadth of talent amongst this year’s finalists and winners demonstrates the opportunities available for rewarding careers available through vocational education and training.
“Vocational education and training delivers real life skills for people to help them get the jobs they want and it’s great to see so many passionate and enthusiastic young people receiving awards locally,” Mr Henskens said.
“The NSW Government is delivering a range of fee-free and low-fee training to help people get a first job, a new job or a better job, and these awards are a great way to highlight the career opportunities that are available right here in NSW.”
For more information, visit https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/training_awards.