Trainee of the Year

Supported by

About MEGT

Making apprenticeships easy

For more than 25 years, NSW apprentices, trainees and businesses have trusted MEGT to provide the very best advice and support.

With a well-resourced field team, qualified mentors and administration specialists operating from 11 locations across the state, MEGT ensures a seamless apprenticeship experience from sign-up through to completion.

Our free services include:

  • Sign-up and registration of apprentices and trainees

  • Accurate and efficient processing of Training Contracts

  • Expert advice and assistance with Government financial incentives, including claims

  • Access to a free online job board and employer/job seeker toolkits

  • Easy online access to apprentice and trainee records

  • Ongoing mentoring and support for employers, apprentices, and trainees

MEGT congratulates all finalists in the 2025 NSW Training Awards and acknowledges everyone who has supported them along the way.

Learn more

 Olivia Barsley

Qualification
Certificate III in Automotive Sales

Trained by
TAFE NSW

Employed by
Hutcheon & Pearce

Region
Western NSW Region

  • Olivia Barsley grew up in the city but always knew she wanted to be in the agricultural industry, so she leveraged her keen interest into a traineeship in automotive sales with a focus on agricultural machinery... and she hasn’t looked back. Her exposure to agriculture happened early, when she began attending the WA Youth Cattle Handlers Camp, this eventually led her to a Certificate III in Agriculture at Tocal College. Olivia embodies persistence and commitment; applying several times before finally securing her traineeship in automotive sales.

    In her studies, Olivia stepped up to embrace mentorship and leadership opportunities by guiding new team members, attending careers expos and trade events, and devising ways to enhance customer service. With a commitment to supporting the Australian farming economy, Olivia already has her sights set on further training to expand her knowledge and broaden her skills.

Georgia Burton

Qualification
Certificate IV in Project Management Practice

Trained by
TAFE NSW

Employed by
Apprenticeship Careers Australia

Hosted by
NSW Department of Education School Infrastructure 

Region
Central & Northern Sydney Region

  • Georgia Burton is going from strength-to-strength in the construction industry. After beginning her career as a floor manager in a dental lab, she took a leap of faith, began an infrastructure traineeship and ended up discovering her passion for construction. The rest is history; Georgia had found her niche. During her 2-year traineeship, she sought out every opportunity to build a strong foundation for her career, even completing a Diploma of Project Management in record time.

    Georgia's commitment and determination to succeed make her an inspiration to fellow learners. Now actively mentoring new trainees, and advocating for VET pathways, Georgia is leading by example and ensuring that NSW’s future is in good hands with the next generation of skilled construction workers. With a strong work ethic and a passion for creating tangible outcomes, Georgia is poised to make a significant and long-term impact in the construction industry.

Elouisa Monaghan

Qualification
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Trained by
ECTARC

Employed by
Tasman Park Children’s Centre

Region
Illawarra & South East NSW Region

  • Elouisa Monaghan’s journey was shaped by personal experiences, including periods of instability in her early life. As she grew and found the stability she needed, she also developed resilience and determination. Serving as school captain in Year 12 marked a pivotal moment where Elouisa emerged as a leader and advocate for fellow students; this experience set her up to excel in her traineeship

    In making the transition from university studies to VET, Elouisa embraced a hands-on learning approach that allowed her to thrive, and at Tasman Park she found a workplace that offered her a sense of community, and an emphasis on nature-based learning, cultural inclusion and belonging. Elouisa’s traineeship has given her an amazing network of experienced educators who have helped to boost her confidence and implement innovative ideas, such as a sensory play station. Elouisa is constantly creating meaningful learning experiences for children, and her ability to tailor support to encourage independence in young learners has made her a standout in her field.

David Rippin

Qualification
Diploma of Community Services

Trained by
Australian Training Plus

Employed by
Sora Community Services

Region
New England Region

  • David Rippin began his journey into community services as a Trainee Case Worker at Sora. After five years of working on a chicken farm; it was a big change of pace when he moved into the world of case work. He’s always been committed to helping others and his qualification has allowed David to make a positive impact in his community every single day.

    At just 13 years old, David faced several challenges when relocating to Australia but, through his journey into community services, David has not only been able to help others, but he has healed from his own past experiences. Compassionate through-and-through, David's disposition is evident in his approach to working with individuals and families. He is proud to be part of a team that provides essential support during challenging times, and his positivity is evident in all he does. David is excited to continue growing within the community services sector and making a difference in his community.

Imogen Young-Maloney

Qualification
Certificate III in Business

Trained by
Australian College of Commerce & Management 

Employed by
Wagga Wagga City Council

Region
Riverina Region

  • Imogen Young-Maloney used her traineeship to explore the world of human resources, and her studies have given her the chance to develop a range of versatile skills that have solidified her as a superstar in her workplace. She has broadened her understanding of how vast the business sector truly is. She is passionate about making a positive impact on people while supporting the organisational functions within a business, and her approach has directly contributed to Wagga Wagga City Council’s workforce development and the promotion of VET across the region.

    Throughout her traineeship, Imogen has been able to practice her time management, flex her design and branding skills, and build strategies for effective communication and collaboration. She has stepped up to organise community events and engage with local youth at career expos as well. Imogen’s journey has transformed her into a confident individual eager to seize new opportunities. She is excited to continue her studies and is making a positive impact in her community while advocating for the importance of VET and the doors it can open for others.

Stephanie Xing

Qualification
Certificate III in Library and Information Services

Trained by
TAFE NSW

Employed by
Sutherland Shire Council

Region
Southern & South Western Sydney Region

  • Stephanie Xing knows exactly where she’s headed in the world of library and information services, and her ability to apply herself to achieving those goals is impressive. With an educational background in information engineering and extensive customer service experience, Stephanie has been able to translate her skills into a traineeship that allowed her to contribute to her community in a positive way.

    Her passion for community development can be seen in her empathetic approach to customer service and she has distinguished herself as a quick learner who is dedicated to high quality work. Balancing her studies with her role, Stephanie has demonstrated exceptional organisational skills. She embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and is eager to further her qualifications in library and information services, while doing a whole lot of good for both her community and her workplace.