Victorian Trainee of the Year
Dandenong trainee Matter Machar won the 2008 Victorian Trainee of the Year Award. Matter commenced studies for a Certificate IV Youth Services and Protective Care with Education Training and Employment Australia.Through his traineeship with LINK Employment and Training, Matter was placed at the City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services, running a basketball program for young people from diverse multicultural backgrounds.
Matter works to increase programs for multicultural young people, and develops programs and activities to improve family and social support in the local community. Due to his own personal experience as a refugee and his training and work experience, Matter is an effective advocate, role model and ambassador for other young people.
Matter has welcomed the many opportunities since winning his category in the Victorian Training Awards.
“Things have changed significantly since the Awards,” said Matter.
“The amount of media coverage I received was incredible, which also reflected well on my employer. Through this Award, I have been exposed to many great opportunities including representing Victoria in the Australian Training Awards and as a member of the Australian Apprenticeships Roundtable, which will boost my career pathway.”
Matter went on to win at the national Australian Training Awards, becoming the 2008 Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year.