Senator for New South Wales, Ursula Stephens, said Mr Lawson is a finalist in the VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award category of the national awards.

“Mr Lawson has done extraordinarily well in winning his state category and going through to the national competition,” Senator Stephens said.

“Mr Lawson should be very proud of his achievements and I wish him luck at the Australian Training Awards.”

Mr Lawson works at Boorowa Central School, helping students identify career paths and support them in subject selections and access to alternative programs, as well as organising work placements within the rural town.

Mr Lawson also undertakes a 450 kilometre round trip each week to deliver Hospitality Commercial Cookery training to Year 11 and 12 students at St. Gregory’s college in Campbelltown.

Minister for Skills, Senator Chris Evans, congratulated the finalists of the 2011 Australian Training Awards.

“These prestigious awards are the peak national awards for vocational education and training, recognising innovation and excellence in the training sector,” Senator Evans said.

“Each of the finalists has earned their place to compete in the national finals and they should be proud of their achievements and their contribution to skilling Australia.”

The 2011 Australian Training Awards will be held on November 25, 2011 in Brisbane.