The stars came out on a cool Friday evening on May 21 to celebrate the success of the Territory’s Trainees and Apprentices, at the GTNT Group Awards Ceremony, at Mindil Beach Casino Resort.

The awards celebrate the achievements of GTNT Group apprentices, trainees, students, supervisors and host businesses across the Northern Territory.

Menzies trainee Jahdai Vigona picked up two awards – the ‘2021 GTNT Group Trainee of the Year’ and ‘2021 GTNT Group Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Apprentice/Trainee of the Year.’

Jahdai is completing his Certificate III in Community Services, hosted by Menzies.

“It means a lot to me,” Jahdai said.

“It’s rewarding that the work I’ve dedicated myself to doing over the past couple of years has been recognised by my peers and my community.”

It’s the first time in the history of the GTNT Group Awards that someone has won both the Trainee of the Year and the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Awards.

“To win two awards back to back in two major categories is an achievement in itself, so that’s something to be proud of,” he said.

“I’d like to thank my supervisors at Menzies - Lydia Agius and Professor James Smith, who have both been very supportive of me; and without their help, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I did.”

The Awards Ceremony consisted of 11 categories and 33 finalists – some of whom, travelled from regional centres across the Northern Territory - to be present at the Annual awards night.

“I hope my win inspires other young people to enrol in a course that interests them, it can open the door to new opportunities and pave the way for new career pathways,” Jahdai said.

Congratulations also to Naja Dyrting named a finalist in the Apprentice/Trainee of the Year and Jazlin McIntosh-Dunbar a finalist in the Trainee of the Year at the awards.

Visit our website to find out more about the Menzies Biyamarr ma Traineeship Program.

Image - Jahdai Vigona with Rick Gosper - MasterBuilders NT .