The School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award is presented to a student who is undertaking a Certificate II or above qualification as a part-time School-based Apprentice or Trainee.

The Award recognises the student’s commitment to their formal studies at school, and in the workplace.

Arcadia Meldrum commented, “I am overwhelmed by the support and well wishes. It’s been an amazing journey and I’m so happy to have received this award. It has opened my eyes to a world of opportunities and I would like to thank all those who helped me along the way”.

Arcadia is currently completing Certificate III in Tourism at Newman Senior Technical College and Certificate III in Business (RTO Catholic Schools Office, Lismore Diocese) and is employed as a School-based Trainee in Tourism at Rydges Port Macquarie.

Newman Principal Mark Nunan noted, ” There are over 90,000 Apprentices and Trainees in NSW. To be named the No. 1 School-based Trainee amongst this backdrop is outstanding. Congratulations to Arcadia and her family and well done to everyone involved”.

“This was a competitive and gruelling process including a series of interviews to get to this point. Arcadia should be incredibly proud of her achievements. Arcadia presented herself confidently and humbly, in her acceptance speech.”

Staff and family attended the evening in support of this remarkable young woman. It was a very proud moment for all.

Arcadia will now represent New South Wales at the Australian Training Awards in November this year, in Brisbane.

The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector.

The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, trainers/teachers, training organisations, large and medium employers.