Evangelene Rushforth was named the Apprentice of the Year at the Australian Training Awards last night. Evangelene completed her Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade whilst being employed by GTNT Group and hosted to South32-GEMCO (Groote Eylandt). She won the NT Training Awards – Apprentice of the Year 2025 back in September and proudly represented the NT at the Australian Training Awards Ambassador week in the lead up to the Gala Dinner.
In her winning speech Evangelene acknowledged the change a Vocational education and training pathway can make on your future. “...I know we have a lot of people and businesses here who have been In charge of hiring new apprentices and I just wanted to say Thank you; you have no idea how life changing it can be to find something you love to do and what a difference it can make to someone like me who lacked direction and purpose…”
More on Evie: Four years ago, after three years studying a Bachelor of Law and Arts, the decision was made to leave university in pursuit of a more hands-on and meaningful career. A solo van trip around Australia led to settling in Darwin, completing a Certificate II in Horticulture and Conservation, and discovering a strong preference for manual work over office or café roles. This shift in direction led to pursuing an apprenticeship to build a long-term career.
A Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade was completed through Charles Darwin University, employed by GTNT Group and hosted to South32 GEMCO on Groote Eylandt. Living and working on Groote provided practical experience and personal growth, supported by GTNT Group Employment Specialist, Rachel Christo. The apprenticeship developed transferable skills and reinforced a commitment to hands-on work.
Over four years, work included participation in the recovery team after a plane crash, solo response work following Cyclone Megan when a fuel line fell into the ocean, machining critical components during urgent breakdowns, and locating and repairing fuel leaks. Additional responsibilities included serving as the team’s Health and Safety Representative, running prestart meetings for crews and contractors, leading safety seminars, and raising critical safety issues with management. Training included RIIRIS402E Risk Management, enabling facilitation of risk assessments beyond standard JSAs. Increasing responsibility throughout the final year of the apprenticeship, built confidence in leading jobs, making decisions, and completing tasks independently.
A strong interest in mentoring emerging apprentices and taking on future leadership roles developed during this period. Advocacy for the VET sector is a significant focus, particularly encouraging women to pursue trade careers. The apprenticeship experience delivered practical, financially sustainable learning supported by consistent workplace and TAFE training.
Awards:
- GTNT Group Awards 2022 – Outstanding Apprentice Stage 1 (Winner)
- GTNT Group Awards 2023 – Outstanding Apprentice Stage 2 (Runner Up)
- GTNT Group Awards 2023 – NAWIC Outstanding Female in the Construction Industry (Finalist)
- NAWIC NT Awards – Apprentice of the Year (Finalist)
- GTNT Group Awards 2024 – Outstanding Apprentice Stage 3 (Runner Up)
- GTNT Group Awards 2024 – NAWIC Outstanding Female in the Construction Industry (Finalist)
- GTNT Group Awards 2025 – Apprentice of the Year (finalist)
- NT Training Awards 2025 – Apprentice of the Year (Winner)
- National Apprentice Employment Network 2024 (NAEN) – Today’s Skills, Tomorrow’s Leaders program participant in Canberra.
- Australian Training Awards 2025 Winner Video Additional photos taken on the night will be available and posted by Australian Training Awards.
