School-based Apprentice/
Trainee of the Year

Supported by

BUSY At Work

The Apprenticeship Community: Supporting NSW to ‘Get BUSY’

Fast, Local Apprenticeship Support

At BUSY At Work, we know that when apprentices succeed, trade skills and businesses grow and the whole state benefits. As a not-for-profit organisation with nearly 50 years experience, we’re proud to play our part in strengthening the future of work skills across New South Wales.

We’re here at the NSW Training Awards to celebrate the achievements of this incredible community—apprentices, employers, training providers and government partners—all committed to building a skilled, job-ready workforce.

Congratulations to every finalist! Your dedication to learning and growth is what these awards are all about, and your success is what drives our mission forward.

BUSY At Work are all about Apprenticeships Made Easy. Our fast and local Get BUSY approach supports employers across NSW to find, sign-up and retain quality apprentices—with less paperwork and more practical help. From expert guidance to on-site visits, we tailor our support to what businesses need.

And we’re not just talking the talk, we’re driving it home. The Get BUSY Roadshow is bringing our team directly to employers, with branded utes hitting the road across NSW. We’re delivering face-to-face apprenticeship support at worksites, offices, and wherever businesses need us most.

As proud partners of Training Services NSW, we’re here to collaborate, support and celebrate the people and programs shaping the state’s future workforce.

Whether you’re an award finalist or just beginning the journey—now’s the time to Get BUSY.

Learn more

Amali Rollinson

Qualification
Certificate III in Hairdressing

Trained by
The Hair Academy Australia

Employed by
Blush Hair and Beauty Bar Bathurst

School
MacKillop College

Region
Western NSW Region

  • Amali Rollinson has loved the art of hairstyling since she was young. From an early age, she was busy experimenting with her family's hair and styling up her dolls. Unsurprisingly, as soon as she was old enough to work Amali began her career as a Salon Assistant at Blush Hair and Beauty Bar in Bathurst.

    Being a year younger than her peers, Amali gave herself a head start by completing a school-based apprenticeship so she could finish Year 12 with a qualification as well as her HSC. Beyond simply improving her hairdressing skills, Amali was also able to gain new levels of maturity and independence. She is a real ambassador for VET, and she uses her strong communication skills to share insights into school-based apprenticeships and traineeships and encourage other young people to consider their options. Amali can attest to the benefits of her training pathway, and it’s thanks to the supportive mentorship and guidance that she has been able to thrive while pursuing her passion.

Thea Sheridan

Qualification
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

Trained by
TAFE NSW

Employed by
Hunter New England Local Health District

School
Calrossy Anglican School

Region
New England Region

  • Thea Sheridan knew she wanted to work in healthcare from an early age, thanks to shows like Paramedics Australia and Operation Ouch, and her conviction only deepened when she witnessed the vital role nursing staff played in the lives of her family members.

    Committed to giving back to her community, Thea embarked on a school-based traineeship in Health Services Assistance, which solidified the aspirations she held since Year 9. Balancing her studies with 500 hours of hands-on experience at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital is a testament to her dedication to her craft and her commitment to the work. Alongside her qualification, Thea’s volunteer work with the Tamworth Netball Association has honed her leadership skills, which continue to serve her well in all she does. Thanks to the support from her teachers and colleagues, Thea is thriving and determined to make a positive impact in the healthcare system while improving health outcomes for others.

Taine Wihare

Qualification
Certificate III in Carpentry

Trained by
Sydney Catholic Schools

Employed by
Micon Projects NSW

School
De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah

Region
Southern & South Western Sydney Region

  • Taine Wihare has always been a natural leader and that quality is what got him on the path to his school-based apprenticeship. His interest in woodworking led him to the carpentry industry and, since Year 9, Taine has embraced every opportunity to enhance his skills through practical experience in placements, taster courses, and his qualification.

    Under the guidance of his supervisors, Taine has gained real-world experience in construction techniques and project management on significant building projects. Known for his positive attitude and strong communication skills, he enjoys mentoring younger students and sharing his experiences to inspire them to pursue vocational pathways as well. With a wide scope of experience across the industry, Taine is ready to undertake further study in project management to complement his trade skills, making him a force to be reckoned with.