Safety paramount for local award winner

Former Wodonga TAFE student Graeme Arnold has won a High Commendation in the Victorian State Awards for diploma level studies in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).  Graeme received his commendation at a gala dinner held at the Melbourne Museum.

The Safety Institute of Australia Victoria Division Education Awards provide an opportunity for students studying OHS and demonstrating high levels of achievement and initiative in the area of OHS to be recognised.  The awards aim to recognise the potential in students who display consistently high academic standards, practical skills and a commitment and involvement in OHS.

Program Leader, Craig Johnstone said Graeme’s passion for the course as well as his work was evident during his studies. “Graeme always showed high levels of aptitude and passion for health and safety issues. By using his workplace as a base for the assessment tasks he could implement change and improvements in his working life. It was clear that OHS was something he was passionate about and he very clearly stood out at as highly talented learner”, says Mr Johnstone.

“I first heard about the course when I attended an OHS committee meeting.  Doing the course has given me confidence when providing information to management”, says Mr Arnold. He was very excited to be nominated for the award, especially as part of the submission required him to provide examples of where he had used the knowledge gained from the course and the results obtained in his workplace. Mr Arnold credits his teachers with his win, “I feel the difference between winning and not winning is a tribute to the course presenter Julie Quinlan. The information she provided and the high standards she set made me work harder”.

Mr Arnold currently works as the EHS and Quality Co-ordinator with Tyco Water in Wangaratta. “With the knowledge I have gained I have been able to assist other Tyco businesses and feel more confident when providing information to management. It has given me the skills needed to fulfil my role”, says Mr Arnold.