Figtree’s Jenna Conran, 21, is celebrating a big milestone.
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Ms Conran is the first female to win Australian Industry Group’s annual Apprentice of the Year Award.
“I can’t believe it. It is a really big achievement.”
Friday’s dinner at Villa D’Oro was organised by AiGroup regional manager Leanne Grogan with the help of Susan Wallis.
Ms Conran held off strong competition in a field made up of 10 other finalists who were all males.
Ms Conran is a third year horticulture apprentice employed by HVTC.
She is doing a Certificate III at Yallah TAFE and has worked with Wollongong City Council for three years.
“I am predominantly at the Botanic Gardens but I do get time at the depots,” she said.
“Next year I get to decide what course I want to do next.”
Ms Conran has a strong interest in environmental sustainability.
The judges noted how she was regularly involved in workshops in the council’s environmental education department at the Botanic Gardens.
She has also developed her own workshops and was part of the Illawarra Flame Tree House team that won an international competition for building a sustainable home.
The judges were impressed with her drive and enthusiasm in taking the lead on revitalising a range of public areas such as Corrimal's Memorial Park, the Botanic Gardens playground and establishing an edible herb garden.
The other finalists were Michael McDonald, Sean Barlogie, Blake Tolhurst, Adrian Montalbano, Curtis Goode, Ben Fields, Rhys Flahive, Jake Cunningham, Ben Clarke and Benjamin Moore.
Highly Commended awards went to Mr Cunningham and Mr Moore.
Joining Ms Conran on stage were Wollongong Botanic Garden curator Paul Tracey, of Wollongong City Council, and Megan Jackson, of HVTC.
The dinner were sponsored by The Bendigo Community Bank.
“I would like to say a thank you to my employers HVTC and...Paul Tracey, who has helped me through this whole process,” she said.
“I would also like to mention Wollongong City Council. I have had so many great opportunities. I would not have been able to do any of this without that support. I would also like to thank my mum (Liz), dad (Michael) and boyfriend (Adam Towbridge).”
Ms Conran went to St Mary’s and was interested in the environment at school.
“When this apprenticeship came up I applied and thankfully got it. I’ve always wanted to work outdoors.’’
