Liam McNally
A St Albans resident was awarded runner-up at the 2022 Australian Training Awards at a gala event in Adelaide on Friday, November 18.
Chhunly Taing, who had already won Victorian Apprentice of the Year in September, said she was thrilled.
“Just being part of the celebrations was amazing because there are so many people doing great things and overcoming challenges to even be in the workforce,” she said.
A Leading Hand on the Metro Tunnel project, Taing loves her job and is determined to be a voice for minorities to encourage more diversity in the workplace.
“A few of the fellas have even asked me to speak to their wives to encourage them into the work,” she said.
She says she has learnt to stand up for herself: “You have to when you lead a team. You have to be confident but you also have to be approachable.”
Taing, who lives in St Albans, is studying a Certificate IV in Civil Supervision after completing the Certificate III in Civil Construction.
The Australian Training Awards showcase best practice in the vocational education and training sector. The awards recognise and celebrate the students, trainees and apprentices; the teachers and trainers; and the schools, training organisations and employers who provide support and expertise to the VET sector.
Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino, said Taing is a role model and her experiences showed just why the government was investing in the VET sector.
“There’s plenty of highly rewarding jobs out there and we are determined to give people the opportunity to learn the required skills and get on with their careers,” he said.
