Awarded to the student demonstrating the most outstanding work ethic and application during a trade placement
Created in 2021, the Mitchell Celantano Trade Award honours the memory of local student Mitch after his passing in 2021.
Mitch was an outstanding vocational trade student from Essendon Keilor College who demonstrated great work ethic and gained an apprenticeship from his trade placement. The award celebrates this spirit by recognising and celebrating students who display similar qualities.
The Mitchell Celantano Award recognises vocational students who have demonstrated great work ethic and commitment to their career pathways. The recipient receives an official acknowledgement, trophy, and $500 prize towards their vocational career pathway.
We’d like to acknowledge supporters for making this award possible, including the Celantano family, the Essendon Keilor College community and Nelson Alexander Essendon.
Nominations for the 2024 Mitchell Celantano Trade Award are open
Nominations are currently open for the 2024 award. Nominations will close in the last week COB Friday 20 December 2024. The winner will be announced at our annual celebration and AGM in May, date TBC.
Criteria
Student must be pursuing VCE VM, VPC or a vocational pathway
Student must complete a minimum of 10-day placement
Placement must be aligned with Vocational studies
Student must demonstrate outstanding work ethic and application
Student must demonstrate an ongoing willingness to learn and improve their practical skills.
How to nominate
School staff can nominate students for the award by clicking the link below. The form will ask nominators to describe (in 1-2 paragraphs) how the student have met the criteria. There is also a field to supply a statement from the relevant host employer. We prefer nominations to include this employer statement, though it can be supplied by email at a later date (send to info@mmvllen.org.au).
Please direct any questions about this process to info@mmvllen.org.au.
Mitchell Celantano Award Winners
2023 Award Winner Jackson Harper
Former Essendon Keilor College (EKC) student Jackson Harper was the recipient of the third Mitchell Celantano Award, announced at our annual celebration and AGM on 16 May 2024 at Djerring Flemington Hub.
The committee received a number of wonderful nominations, but Jackson’s stood out for the glowing praise offered by school staff and his host employer, DH Engineering in Sunshine West.
They spoke of an engaged student/trainee who showed great commitment to pursuing training opportunities and learning from experienced professionals. They also noted his role as a leader in the EKC community and an advocate for positive mental health. Jackson has recently gone on to start an apprenticeship with Qantas.
At the event, Jackson gave a wonderful speech reflecting on his career journey to date, and acknowledging Richie Celantano and the Celantano family.
“He showed interest in everything the moment he stepped foot in the door. Jackson’s character stood out immediately above any other placement student that has ever been here, from his communication skills through to his enthusiasm to learn. ”
2022 Award Winner Bol
The winner of the 2022 Mitch Celantano Award was CCCC student Bol, who demonstrated tremendous commitment to his placement at Middy’s Airport West, traveling over an hour each day.
Bol maximised his time at Middy’s, applying himself and gaining confidence during his time on his work placement. He worked well with customers and embraced the environment. Bol built great working relationships with other staff and was well received.
Beau Carey, Manager of Middy's Airport West, shared the following about Bol’s work placement:
“Bol showed great signs that he will be a hard-working employee in the future. He had a willingness to learn and try new things. ”
Beau continued: “He was well presented, professional and always asked questions along the way. We would be happy to have him back and wish him well for the future. Thanks Bol for all your help!”
Congratulations Bol.
2021 Award Winner Roman
The inaugural winner was Mount Alexander College VCAL student Roman who demonstrated extreme commitment despite the many challenges 2021 provided. Mount Alexander College said that he became a role model amongst his peers, with a 99% VCAL and 100% VET attendance. He secured a local work placement with Bayside Construction, and although the placement relocated once the local job was complete, he was determined to continue and travelled across Melbourne each day.
“Roman is an absolute gun and would be an asset to any business.”