Two Wollongong City Council employees have snared top honours at the recent 2019 NSW Training Awards, Illawarra and South East NSW regions.
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Sports Turf Management apprentice Kurt Foulger from Fairy Meadow was named Apprentice of the Year, while Human Resources Trainee Chloe Dwyer from Towradgi took out the Trainee of the Year award.
Mr Foulger completed his studies at Yallah TAFE, while Ms Dwyer was trained by the Australian College of Commerce and Management.
"I am honoured to receive a prestigious award like this and to be recognised for doing something I thoroughly enjoy is an extra bonus," Mr Foulger said.
"I'm really pleased to be able to continue to do the work I love, and to spend my days outdoors. We live in a beautiful part of the world and my job means I'm helping it look the best it can."
His work colleague Chloe Dwyer has now completed two traineeships - in business administration and human resources - which have put her on track for a rewarding career with Wollongong City Council.
"I'm still in shock at receiving this award. It's all a little surreal that I should be recognised this way for doing a job I love," Ms Dwyer said.
"Traineeships really are a great way to learn while studying and balancing work and study has been made easier thanks to this supportive environment around me at council."
Other local winners include Jemasin Joyce from Kiama Downs who was named Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, with Berkeley's Brett Kingsley the Vocational Student of the Year.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said regional winners would be considered to compete at the state finals of the NSW Training Awards in September.
"The NSW Training Awards pay tribute to the state's best apprentices, students, trainees, educators and training providers," Mr Lee said.
"These award recipients show how VET opens doors to many exciting and rewarding careers."