School-based Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by GTNT

Winner: Dimiti Andresen - Certificate III in Dental Assisting

School: Centralian Senior College
Employer: Department of Health - Oral Health Services
Registered training provider: NT Department of Health

Year 12 student Dimiti Andresen, 17, is a school-based apprentice at Centralian Senior College in Alice Springs. She started studying for a Certificate III in Dental Assisting in April 2015 and has a full-time role with the NT Government’s Oral Health Services branch. Dimiti is also working towards a Certificate III in Business.

As a dental assistant, Dimiti assists a dentist during oral health care procedures. She has progressed well in her training and can work autonomously, with support, on certain procedures. She has learnt about dental conditions and procedures, how to safely mix chemicals and how to sterilise instruments.

Before work and study, Dimiti supported her Alice Springs community through Riding for the Disabled, Girl Guides and St John Ambulance Cadets. She plans to return to volunteering when her studies are complete. She recently helped the APEX Club of Alice Springs fundraise for a local family that needed some support.

Runner up: Hannah Christopher - Certificate II in Community Services and Certificate III in Education Support

School: NT Christian College
Employer: NT Christian Schools
Registered training provider: Transforming Training

Hannah Christopher, 16, enrolled in her Certificate II in Community Services in February 2015 as a year 11 student at NT Christian College, completing it in November the same year. She is due to complete her Certificate III in Education Support in November 2016.

Hannah’s parents also look after boarding students, so after growing up in a house full of Aboriginal girls who had homework support each week, Hannah decided she wanted a similar career. She became a homework tutor to students at her own school and her career pathway became clear.

Hannah chose an Australian school-based apprenticeship because it opens up pathways to further learning and allows her to blend both on and off-the-job training.

In her free time, Hannah plays badminton, preaches at church and is the vice-captain for Marrara Christian College.