Announced Australian School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year 2019 at the Awards ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre last night.
Supported by family and staff from Newman College and the Lismore Diocese, Arcadia graciously accepted the award amongst the six finalists from all over Australia.
“Thanks to all the wonderful finalists who deserve another applause. Thank you to my employer Rydges Port Macquarie for the Traineeship opportunity. Thank you to NSW Training for helping me get here. Thank you to Newman College for delivering these courses and supporting me through this process, your amazing, and lastly a big thank you to my Mum and Dad and family, who have always been a solid support.” Words spoken by Arcadia upon accepting her award.
Arcadia commented “My legs were shaking so much I was glad I could hide them behind the lecturn”.
“It’s been a huge couple of weeks firstly in Sydney with NSW VET ambassador training, then the finalist panel interviews in Brisbane. But it’s been an amazing experience. The skills and friendships I’ve gained and the experiences I’ve been given, will stay with me forever. “
After winning the NSW Training Awards School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, Arcadia attended professional development in Sydney ahead of the National Training Awards in Brisbane. This included developing communication, interview and public speaking skills, photo and video shoots and meeting with the Hon Dr Geoff Lee MP, Minister for Skills and Higher Education.
Recently completing her HSC at Newman College, including a Certificate III in Tourism and Certificate II in Business Services, and her Traineeship with Rydges in Port Macquarie, the next step sees Arcadia returning to Newman College, not as a student, but a Teacher’s Assistant Trainee in Sport Leisure and Recreation. This gap year position combines Arcadia’s talent in event coordinating and her love of sport.