Joshua Crossley from Parkes was named this year's most outstanding Trainee in the Central West.

Josh is a Financial Services Trainee with CWGA working with ANZ Bank and was the Parkes Trainee of the Year.

“It’s a great honour to be the Trainee of the Year. I’d like to thank Central West Group Apprentices, the team at ANZ and my parents for all their support and encouragement.” Josh said.

At the local Parkes regional presentation held in May, Dale Rodgers was named the most outstanding Parkes Apprentice for 2009.

Dale works as an Apprentice Bricklayer with CWGA and Dooleys Bricklaying in Parkes.

Selection was based on excellence in their chosen field, and the development of personal skills such as leadership ability, effective communication, and an ability to work well as member of a team.

“Josh and Dale are outstanding young men. They are both highly skilled and extremely dedicated to their jobs and study.” CWGA Regional Manager Karen Sutton said.

Dale and Josh were chosen from around 100 apprentices and trainees employed by the Central West Group Apprentices in Parkes and surrounding areas.

At the awards presentation, the Parkes Shire Council and Parkes Hydraulic services were announced as the Large and Small Host-Employers of the Year respectively.

These award are given to acknowledge their commitment to training and providing a work environment which allows apprentices to thrive.

“These awards celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees and business in our community. The Parkes region is lucky to have so many high achievers, which made the judging process very difficult,” Ms Sutton said.