General News
10 December, 2025
Ararat apprentice named finalist in state training awards
ARARAT’S Imy Pinniger has been recognised for her commitment to learning and dedication to the beauty industry, earning a nomination for School-Based Apprentice of the Year at the Victorian Apprentice Training Awards.
Hosted by the Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN), the awards were held recently, with Imy ranking in the top five out of 155 nominees.
Imy has just completed Year 12 and has been working at local Skin clinic Skinco for two years, taking up her formal apprenticeship earlier this year.
Her role has allowed her to gain hands-on skills while completing her schooling, supported by South West TAFE and Skill invest.
Imy said her passion for the beauty and skin industry began simply by observing the world around her.
“I love making people happy, working here and seeing what the girls do, I said I want to get hands on. Learning all the practical side has been so fun, seeing the transformation,” she said.
Balancing school and work required discipline, but Imy said Skinco made space for her learning.
She said the recognition feels surreal.
“It’s pretty exciting, I’m not someone who talks about myself so it’s nice to know that I've achieved something like this.”
Skinco owner Sarah Holland said choosing to take on an apprentice was a significant step for the business, but Imy made the decision worthwhile.
“We’ve never done this before, have an apprenticeship or a traineeship in here, it was a big decision to do it,” she said. “But Imy is just outstanding.
“She’s a quick learner, she motivated, she’s passionate, she listens. So it's been really wonderful then to see her getting recognised like this. Imy may not have won but she’s a winner to us,” said Sarah.
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