Marion Fitzpatrick from Northern Sydney TAFE in Ryde, New South Wales, has been named the 2007 National Trade Teacher of the Year for her training and mentoring work in the Hospitality industry. The big announcement was made at an awards ceremony overnight. 
Marion Fitzpatrick beat 17 other trade teachers, and walked away $10,000 prize money. $5,000 of which was awarded as a cash prize and $5,000 for developmental activity or programs that will contribute to industry and teaching.
Video: Watch some footage of Marion in action
The 2007 Trade Teacher of the Year Awards have been developed by The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence and are in their inaugural year. They recognise excellence in training and teaching across eight industry groups.
Making the announcement at the awards ceremony in Hobart overnight, the CEO of the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence, Brian Wexham, said that Marion won the prestigious award for her outstanding commitment to developing young chefs and improving the quality of teaching offered in the hospitality sector.
"Marion is one of those people you meet who instantly motivates and excites you and it is clear that she has done this countless times for her students, many of whom have gone on to achieve greatness in the cookery filed."
Marion has created training packages and acted as a mentor for students at TAFE NSW. She has also coached students in the Olympics of WorldSkills and developed innovative training packages for the Australian NAVY, Telstra Stadium and Corrective Service training in jails.
She was praised by her colleagues, students and the judges for her ability to adapt her teaching and training packages to accommodate student and industry needs.
According to a reference from the manager of TAFE NSW Worldskills, - ‘Marion has worked tirelessly to ensure students have the best possible chance to succeed in their endeavors whether it be producing a plate of fine food or gaining recognition throughout their studies.'
She has developed e-learning resources and individually designed training packages for students and industry development: not only helping individuals to excel, but also promoting the hospitality industry at the same time.
Mr Wexham also said that Marion enjoys helping students achieve their goals.
"Marion regularly adapts her teaching strategies to accommodate student diversity and needs and also shares her expertise and the insight she gained from many years working in the industry", said Mr Wexham.
Marion plans to use the prize money to identify, record and share best practice models. She says that her interest and current passion is developing training programs and packages for rural and regional areas of Australia.
"As a result of implementing a number of e-learning resources I am continually discovering new and innovative delivery approaches and I want to investigate other innovative practices around Australia and the various models that are meeting the challenges of training in rural and remote areas," she said.
