For Yaka Dandjoo grads, it's 10 out of 10 over at AEN

The 30th annual Apprentice Employment Network (AEN) Western Australia Awards were held recently and two of our very own Yaka Dandjoo graduates made the coveted finalist list.

Published: 28 November 2023, Updated: 30 November 2023

The Apprentice Employment Network WA team provides opportunities for members to nominate and recognise apprentices and trainees for excellence in achievements through their annual awards. This year, two graduates of the ready-for-work program Yaka Dandjoo were announced as award finalists.

Tanya Garlett was nominated for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Apprentice award.

Since she began her apprenticeship, Tanya has gone from strength to strength with her career. Her focus and passion has been squarely on her future and this has seen her kicking goals in other areas of life as well,” said Jackie Graham, Training Manager at South West Gateway Alliance. “Over the last eight months, I have observed Tanya’s confidence, resilience, drive and positivity increase considerably.”

BORR 301123 Tanya Garlett
 Yaka Dandjoo graduate and AEN WA Awards finalist, Tanya Garlett
BORR 301123 Kylie Thorburn
 Yaka Dandjoo graduate and AEN WA Awards finalist, Kylie Thorburn

Kylie Thorburn was a finalist nominee for the Trainee of the Year award and also won a 2023 Special Recognition Award.

In the time since Kylie began her traineeship, her self-esteem and positivity has significantly increased,” said Jackie. “She’s credited the Yaka Dandjoo program and her employment as being ‘life saving’. It’s been good that she loves her job with the Leschenault Community Nursery, as well as undertaking a traineeship in land conservation and management, which is a Main Roads initiative.

The Yaka Dandjoo program is designed to provide unemployed or those who have never been employed with an opportunity to gain invaluable skills, knowledge and experience to kick-start their careers. Currently, the 12th cohort of trainees is undertaking the program and with over 165 graduates so far, it’s expected that we’ll be seeing more fantastic achievements from its participants.

BORR 301123 AEN Awards
 Yaka Dandjoo Graduates at the AEN WA awards ceremony
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