THE future is looking bright for two young Katherinites after they were announced as finalists in the Territory government’s premier training awards for 2015.
The Department of Business-run NT Training Awards are the cornerstone event to recognise the achievements of Territory-based businesses, training organisations, apprentices, trainees, trainers and students.
Katherine is front and centre for the milestone 60th anniversary of the event, with Nitmiluk Tours’ Raymond Fordimail nominated for school-based apprentice or trainee of the year, and M&K Lee Electrical’s Taylor Fishlock nominated for the apprentice of the year gong.
Employment and Training Minister Peter Styles said the awards offered finalists the chance to gain personal satisfaction and access opportunities in their industry, and become part of an elite group of ambassadors who represent the Territory’s best in vocational education and training.
“Traditionally, most Territory winners will go on to represent the NT at the 2015 Australian Training Awards in Hobart in November,” Mr Styles said.
For 17-year-old Raymond Fordimail, the nomination was humbling and something he said he was extremely proud of.
“I love my work here as a tour and cultural guide at Nitmiluk National Park,” Mr Fordimail said.
“Getting out on the river and teaching people about the history and culture of our area is something I’m really passionate about,” he said.
Nitmiluk Tours training and development mentor Kerry Wadey said the nomination was the next step towards Mr Fordimail realising his goal of one day becoming general manager of the organisation, or joining the army.
“Me and the other managers decided to nominate Raymond, and it was a unanimous decision, because he is quite an exceptional young man who speaks with passion and confidence, and just loves speak to people and impart his knowledge,” Ms Wadey said.
Katherine's Taylor Fishlock was announced as a finalist in the Territory government's apprentice of the year award.
It has also been a busy year for 22-year-old Taylor Fishlock, who said the nomination was a great chance to improve her confidence and public speaking.
“We got to go to Darwin for a finalists’ weekend of training and I learnt some great public speaking skills, and found it a lot of easier to speak in front of a crowd at the end of it,” Ms Fishlock said.
“It’s also nice to get that support and recognition, and it has definitely given me more confidence,” she said.
Mr Fordimail and Ms Fishlock will discover their fate when the award winners are announced at a gala ball on August 29 in Darwin.
