September 19th 2009
Salathiel wins another major award!
Pilbara TAFE graduate Salathiel McKay has won the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the WA Training Awards.
The awards, which are held annually by the Department of Education and Training, recognise and reward outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees and vocational students, as well as the contribution to training made by trainers, training organisations and employers.
Salathiel adds the award to his growing collection, having won Woodside’s Apprentice of the Year for the last four years in a row as well as Woodside’s Health Safety Environment and Quality Award in 2008.
"Although I’m humbled and delighted by the accolades, my greatest achievement has been completing my apprenticeship," says Salathiel.
"Despite the financial struggle and the long hours, those four years of study where I gained a Certificate III in Electrical Engineering and a Certificate IV in Electrical Instrumentation set me up for life."
"It’s a fantastic opportunity being able to earn while you learn. Everything I’ve learned on the job has been complemented by the theory at TAFE and vice versa so I’ve been able to refine my skills while gaining essential practical experience. I’ve been very fortunate and had great teachers at TAFE as well as at work – who have not only guided me but inspired me as well."
Salathiel says he wants other young people to take heart from his experience and apply for an apprenticeship.
"Although it may seem like a long four years, if you focus on the end result and hang in there, it’s worth it," he says. "The more homework you do, the more hours you put in, all those efforts will reward you with a bright future, with independence and a health pay packet."
As part of this award, Salathiel win a $7000 study grant which should come in handy in pursuing his interest in electricity and electrotechnology.
"My next goal is to enrol in an Electrical Engineering Degree but meanwhile, I want to learn as much as I can at work," he says. "On the gas plant, I’m constantly tested by new situations so it’s a constant learning curve which is both challenging and rewarding. Once I have that experience under my belt, I believe I’ll make an even better Engineer."
Salathiel’s next step is the National Training Awards in Canberra where he’ll attend a Finalists Week before the presentation night on the 19th November.
"I’m really looking forward to meeting the other finalists and taking part in all the different sessions," he says. "Best of all, my mum and my grandmother are flying over for the Awards night so it won’t really matter what the end result is – the fact I can share this experience with them is just fantastic."
For more information on the Electrical Trades or Electrical Instrumentation at Pilbara TAFE contact 1300 204 244.
Media Contact: Kate Duff, Marketing & Communications
(08) 9159 6712
Kate.duff@pilbaratafe.wa.edu.au