David Bartlett, MP

Premier

Friday, 28 August 2009

A survivor of the RwandanTutsis genocide has been awarded one of Tasmania’s highest training honours at a special celebration in Hobart tonight.

Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, David Bartlett, said that Aubert Ruzigandekwe had been awarded the 2009 Equity Vocational Student of the Year as part of the Tasmanian Training Awards. 

“These awards recognise excellence in the vocational education and training sector,” Mr Bartlett said. 

“I’m delighted that Aubert’s outstanding achievements have been honoured as he really is a shining example of what great things people can achieve in Tasmania. 

“Aubert arrived in the State with no English, quickly learning the language with the help of the Adult Migrant English Program. 

“Aubert was determined to create a new life in our wonderful State, and realising he could help other refugees, decided to study for employment in the community services sector. 

“Today Aubert works full-time for Centrelink and on a part-time basis with disadvantaged young men in the youth care shelter operated by Anglicare Tasmania. 

“He also works voluntarily with young refugees, coaching soccer, and with Centacare supporting new arrivals. 

“Aubert has competed Certificate IV in Community Services Work and Diplomas in both Youth Work and Alcohol and Other Drugs Work with the Tasmanian Skills Institute in Hobart and is to be congratulated on his outstanding success.” 

Mr Bartlett congratulated all of the award finalists and winners on their achievements. 

“Award winners have demonstrated talent, energy, enthusiasm and innovation in training,” he said. 

“The Tasmanian winners will compete against other state winners at the Australian Training Awards to be held in Canberra later this year.”  

2009 Tasmanian Training Awards Winners 

Apprentice of the Year: Megan Beasley (Federal Group – Country Club Launceston) 

Trainee of the Year: Jessica Alexander (Work & Training at host employer Aurora Energy) 

Vocational Student of the Year: Alison Richardson (Vanadium Hair Lauderdale) 

Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools Student of the Year: Jessica Benge (Tasmanian Polytechnic) 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year: Joanne Crowden (National JobLink Burnie) 

School-based Apprentice of the Year: Natasha Hill (Murrayfield Station Bruny Island) 

Equity Vocational Student of the Year: Aubert Ruzigandekwe (Centrelink Hobart) 

Employer of the Year: Norske Skog Boyer 

Small Business of the Year: Cyber Hair, Kingston 

Registered Training Organisation of the Year: Australian Technical College Northern Tasmania 

Training Initiative Award: Federal Group 

VET in Schools Excellence Award: Port Dalrymple School Further Education Centre

Further information: Rod Scott on 62705545