16 October 2018
My Gateway trainee Dokota Simonds has won the Indigenous Trainee/Apprentice of the Year award at the recent 2018 NSW & ACT Group Training Awards.
Dokota, who is from Picton, took out the prize at the awards ceremony, held at the Dockside Convention Centre, Darling Harbour on Friday 12 October.
Dokota has been placed at Wollondilly Shire Council for the last two years, undertaking her events traineeship. Dokota is just one of many high achieving trainees and apprentices that Wollondilly Council has trained over the last 20 years as part of its commitment to helping local youth kick start their careers.
The 20-year-old is about to officially finish her traineeship and is looking to further her career with the skills and knowledge she has gained throughout the experience.
Kirryn Scicluna, an Employment & Career Partner at My Gateway who has worked closely with Dokota, said the young trainee has shown great maturity in her role as part of the Council’s Community Projects & Events Team.
“She is a great communicator within the workplace and with the broader community,” Kirryn said.
“Dokota also manages her time effectively and has an amazing attitude and great work ethic.”
The annual awards are held by the Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector. Kirryn said Dokota was very proud to be a finalist and was excited to win in her category.
“She was elated and spoke very highly of her experience with My Gateway and her host, Wollondilly Council,” Kirryn said.
“Dokota has been a great role model within the community. I believe this award will help Dokota take that next step in her career and she will continue to grow and develop her passion and love for the industry.
Congratulations Dokota!
