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Western College scoops national pool with major award

28-Nov-2011

Dubbo’s Western College has again taken out a major award for one of its innovative training programs, this time scooping the pool against the best in Australia.

At a gala Australian Training Awards ceremony in Brisbane on Friday, the College’s programs earned the Community Pathways to VET (Vocational Education and Training) Award as part of the National Focus Awards – with the College edging out other high quality metropolitan providers across Australia.

College CEO Ron Maxwell was thrilled but not surprised when Western College’s name was read out.

“For instance, our Links to Learning program has already gained well deserved industry awards for its innovation and genuine outcomes in helping young people to reach their potential."

“Last month, co-ordinator Kate Davis was included in the NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for her work with the program and with disadvantaged youth, but to have the program acknowledged by our peers on a national level is really a remarkable achievement and is testament to the hard work of all the staff involved."

“It just goes to show that you don’t have to be big to think big!”

Mr Maxwell said the program, which includes skill development in literacy, numeracy and self-esteem as well as instruction in basic workplace skills for young people who might otherwise fall through the educational cracks, has already become the
benchmark across the state."

“This acknowledgement will no doubt see this and other programs gain national recognition and help to change young lives all over Australia.”

The award highlights Western College’s renowned philosophy of social inclusion, which is underpinned by a culture of respect for diversity and the individual.

With the assistance of NSW Adult and Community Education (ACE) funding, the College runs a number of programs that engender social inclusion, including the award winning Links to Learning, and has over the years built a reputation for its innovative approach to ensuring access to educational options for all sectors of the community it serves.

This latest award joins a number of other impressive gongs on Western College’s mantelpiece, including the statewide 2010 NSW Small Training Provider of the Year.

Mr Maxwell said that while awards are a fitting acknowledgement of the important role Western College plays in meeting the educational needs of the community, it was the real-life, tangible outcomes achieved by participants and the business community through the College’s programs that constitute the greatest reward for all those who contribute so much to the College’s success.