No-one could have been more surprised than Tony Tierney and Robin Prendergast, who work for The Ascent Group (TAG), when they got to their feet five times at an awards ceremony in Tamworth recently.
At the 2011 NSW Training Awards regional finals 30-year-old Tony Tierney was named New England Regional Finalist for Trainee of the Year and received the Phil Darby Memorial Award and a Special Achievement Award.
Ms Prendergast was New England Regional Finalist for Vocational Student of the Year and also received a Highly Commended Award
For Mr Tierney, who joined TAG last year as a supported employee in its recycling business at Acacia Park Enterprises, it was a magic evening.
“I’ve never won anything in my life before and it just makes you want to try harder and harder,” he said.
Ms Prendergast, who re-entered the workforce last year after a long absence, completed Aged Care Certificate III at TAFE and works in The Ascent Group Community Participation Program, teaching life skills to a group of people with significant disabilities aged from 21-62.
“I had not been in the workforce for many years and this has been a real confidence booster,” she said. “I love the job and the people and I was just so surprised when my name was called out for two awards.”
TAG CEO Kevin Mead said he was not surprised that both employees had been so successful.
“They are both high achievers and have taken advantage of every opportunity they have been offered,” he said. “The Ascent Group congratulates them both and is so proud they have received this recognition.”
Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay added his congratulations to the winning pair.
“Both have made a significant contribution to The Ascent Group through their enthusiasm and hard work and it’s great to see them acknowledged in this way,” he said.
