A Taree-based teacher and Business Capability Consultant, who has successfully led and secured school based traineeships and TAFE training for staff of Eagle Boys Pizza across Australia has recently been honoured with a special award.

Ann Edmonds won the ‘Partnering for the Benefit of the Region’ category at the recent North Coast TAFE Staff Achievement Awards, at Coffs Harbour, in recognition of her exceptional educational and training outcomes achieved throughout Australia.

Over the last 18 months, Ann was National Project Manager for VET Australia, a group of TAFEs from various states, which delivers multi-level retail qualifications to Eagle Boys employees in more than 250 metropolitan, regional and remote store locations.

To do this Ann has had to liaise at the highest level with the National Training Manager for Eagle Boys Australia and develop an in-depth understanding of Eagle Boy’s workforce development needs for retail skills, customer service and leadership training.

Perhaps even more challenging, Ann had to co-ordinate and act as spokesperson for a nationwide team from six interstate TAFE Institutes and 10 NSW TAFE Institutes, navigating complex financial arrangements involving different fees and funding regulations.

Although Ann admits the process of securing the business was challenging at times, she was grateful for the support and professionalism she received from everyone on the project team.

“The award recognised her ability to put the customer at the centre, whilst understanding and implementing the business imperatives for the multiple organisations involved,” said North Coast TAFE’s Institute Director, Elizabeth McGregor.

Ann’s award was one of only six major awards which were presented to TAFE staff at a special function at Coffs Harbour Education Campus on Thursday, October 27.