Voting is now open for the new Community Choice Award, a category in the 2015 Victorian Training Awards, giving Geelong residents the chance to help an apprentice take the next step with their training and career.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the new category gave Geelong residents a chance to show their support for local hairdresser Hayley Parker, currently representing Australia at Worldskills in Brazil.
Hayley has completed a Certificate II in Make-Up; a Certificate III in Beauty Therapy; her Diploma of Specialist Make-up and her Certificate III in Hairdressing at The Gordon Institute of TAFE in Geelong.
Ms Tierney said the Andrews Labor Government is a strong supporter of apprentices, through initiatives such as $3.5 million to continue the Apprenticeship Support Office program for 12 months and half-price vehicle registrations.
Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert said apprentices are the backbone of the training system, and this award is a way for the community to show their support for the apprentices’ hard work in their training.
Voting for the Community Choice Award will be conducted online via the ww.education.vic.gov.au/trainingawardsvote website, and closes on August 28 at 7.45pm.
A social media campaign will support the award.
The apprentice with the highest number of votes will win a prize package worth nearly $5000, including a laptop computer and software, as well as $2000 cash to help further their education.
One eligible voter will be chosen at random to win an iPad Air 2, valued at $739.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“Hayley has received many awards and accolades during her career and is a fine example of the first class training offered at the Gordon in Geelong.”
“She is a fully qualified hairdresser, working at Salon Sojourn and keeps up with the latest national and international trends in hairstyling and grooming.”
“Hayley has also lent her talents to community theatre and film and television productions, working on shows such as ‘Hairspray the Musical’.”
“I urge everyone to get behind Hayley and vote for her at www.education.vic.gov.au/trainingawardsvote.”
“Apprenticeships are at the heart of our training system, which is why this Government is providing apprentices with more support and opportunities to develop their skills.”
“By voting in the Community Choice Award, Geelong residents can support our apprentices to take the next steps with their training and careers.”