This year’s NT Training Awards highlights the incredible work of Batchelor Institute staff and students, as well as spotlighting the organisation’s groundbreaking and celebrated partnerships.
In particular, these nominations showcase the hard work, perseverance and aspirations of students and staff within Australia’s only publicly funded dual sector education provider that is specifically dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Batchelor Institute is nominated in five separate categories this year. Two Indigenous students are up for some of the night’s most prestigious awards, with Mr Patrick McKenzie nominated as the Vocational Student of The Year and Ms Rachel Baker nominated for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander of the Year.
Senior Construction Lecturer Liam Fraser has been nominated as the VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year. Batchelor Institute is also in the running for Training Provider of the Year, alongside Charles Darwin University and BCA National Training.
Two of Batchelor Institute’s partnerships are included in the selections for Industry Collaboration of the Year.
The Army Indigenous Development Program (AIDP) that is run in partnership with the Australian Defence force has been recognised. This course has significantly raised the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees entering the army.
Batchelor Institute’s collaboration with Probuild NT on the Indigenous Employment Project is also up for an award. The IE Project is a collaborative business model that specialises in Indigenous workforce development.
The NT Training Awards is the Department Of Business’s annual premiere event, which recognises the training excellence and achievements of individuals and organisations in the Northern Territory. The awards acknowledge those achieving excellence in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.
The 2016 event marks the 61st anniversary of the NT Training Awards. Winners from the night will also go on to represent the Territory at a national level for the 21st Australian Training Awards.
Regardless of the outcomes of this Saturday night, this year’s NT Training awards exemplifies the high standards of work coming from the Indigenous education sector and the abilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to compete on a national level.
Batchelor Institute is proud to be recognised as a leader in VET training. Congratulations to all nominated students and staff, and to all those involved in the successful partnership programs.