Joshua Toomey wins Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year @ The Australian Training Awards 2011

After making the decision to take control of his life Joshua Toomey joined Ausgrid in 2006 through their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pre-Apprenticeship Program. With focus and diligence Joshua gained a highly sought after apprenticeship position with Ausgrid and has now completed his Certificate III Electricity Supply Industry - Distribution (Power Line).

With his communication skills, self determination and remarkable ability to motivate and encourage others, Joshua has not only transformed his own life over the last five years but also the lives of many other young Indigenous people who have suffered educational and social disadvantages. With an acute awareness of the barriers that many Indigenous young people face during and after school, Josh has participated in leadership training and taken on a mentoring role, promoting the opportunities and benefits of training.