Picton High School teacher Suzanne Brandstater has been recognised for her hard work and dedication at the 24th annual Australian Training Awards in Canberra.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor congratulated Ms Brandstater who received the National Achievement Award at a special ceremony on Thursday night (November 23) dedicated to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

“Suzy has been an inspiration to her students thanks to her work at the VET Entertainment Industry course at Picton High School, ensuring that students put their skills into practice in authentic environments,” Mr Taylor said.

“In pursuing this vision for her students, she has engaged the wider Picton community, building relationships with a variety of individuals, organisations and workplaces.

“This award is proof that the quality of our VET sector is world-class and providing real skills for real careers to local graduates, apprentices and trainees.

“I congratulate Suzy for this award. It is great to see our local teachers being recognised like this on the national stage.”

Ms Brandstater said she was “incredibly humbled” to receive this award.

“There are so many great teachers, so I feel it was a real honour to be chosen,” she said.

Now in its 24th year, the Australian Training Awards are the peak, national awards for VET and celebrate the outstanding contribution of VET graduates, training providers and employers to skilling Australia.

The awards coincided with the launch of a new initiative to champion the benefits of VET, real skills for real careers.

“The fact is that VET qualifications lead to successful, meaningful, professional careers with great salaries and outstanding career prospects,” Mr Taylor said.

“These awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of those in our VET system, recognising the students, apprentices, teachers, employers and training organisations that make a difference.

“It also is fantastic to see women in a large number of fields take out so many awards and is testament to the versatility of the sector.”

For more details visit https://www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au/