NSW Apprentice of the Year does Heathcote Proud
Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart, has congratulated mechanical engineering apprentice, Rachael Pearson, on her achievement in winning the Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 NSW Training Awards on Friday 13 September 2024.
The NSW Training Awards are an annual showcase, run by Training Services NSW within the NSW Department of Education, to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector.
The awards demonstrate the importance of providing real skills for real careers and highlight the NSW Government’s commitment to building a resilient and highly skilled workforce.
The awards judging panel described 31-year-old Ms Pearson, from Helensburgh, as a “multi-skilled, highly decorated individual and a shining example for what’s possible with vocational education”.
She excelled in a mechanical engineering apprenticeship and was awarded the 2022 Stan Gilmore Memorial Award for first in stage 1 Fitting-Machining at TAFE and followed that up with being named the Apprenticeship Employment Network Women in Trade Apprentice of the Year in 2023.
The 31-year-old has currently put her career on hold to co-captain the Parramatta Eels in the NRLW but plans to get “back on the tools” when her rugby league career ends.
Ms Pearson will go on to represent NSW at the 2024 National Training Awards to be held in Canberra on Friday, 6 December.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“Winning a prestigious NSW Training Award is a great achievement that will set Rachael up for more success as she pursues a fulfilling career in the skills industry.
"I also congratulate Rachael for choosing vocational education and training. It’s vital our students, parents and teachers understand that VET is a credible, alternative pathway to university for quality jobs and a first choice for many who want satisfying working lives.
“We know that many jobs created in the next decade will require vocational qualifications. These awards celebrate the young workers, trainers and businesses working to ensure we meet this challenge.”
Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart MP:
“Congratulations to our very own Rachael Pearson on winning the NSW Apprentice of the Year, 2024. As a mechanical engineer, she has excelled in her trade receiving many awards.
TAFE is a great Institution for training and practical vocational education. As a beneficiary of TAFE, I know what an important alternative it is to university, with experienced and qualified Teachers with real lived experience.
On behalf of the Heathcote community, I am so proud of Racheal, a successful athlete playing for the Parramatta Eels in the NRLW too. We wish her well for the National Training Awards held in Canberra in December.”
