Advantage SA's Speakers in Schools program currently engages more nearly 400 South Australian professionals who volunteer their time to visit schools across the State and inspire students to pursure their careers here in South Australia.

To acknowledge the valuable contribution of our speakers, Advantage SA holds an annual Speakers in Schools Awards program.

The awards are presented at the end of each year and recognise the outstanding effort provided by our speakers throughout the year. Our selection panel looks for speakers who have gone beyond the expectations of the program in the following categories:

• New Speaker Award
• Metro Speaker Award
• Regional Speaker Award
• Program Ambassador

The 2011 Speakers' in Schools Awards were held on 12 December.

For more information about the Speakers in Schools program and these awards, contact Advantage SA on 8211 8111 or email speakers@advantagesa.com.au

The Speakers in Schools program is proudly supported by the Government of South Australia, BHP Billiton, Credit Union SA, RAA and The University of South Australia.

2011 Speakers in Schools Award Winners

Philip Amato | Credit Union SA New Speaker Award

The New Speaker Award recognises and celebrates the dedication and commitment of new volunteer speakers who have demonstrated enthusiasm towards delivery of presentations as part of the Speakers in Schools program. A New speaker is defined as someone who has joined the program as a volunteer speaker in the last 12 months. 

The winner of the 2011 Credit Union SA New Speaker Award is Philip Amato. Philip is an enthusiastic volunteer who shares his passion for assisting engineering, mining and energy companies in maximising the potential of their technology based solutions with South Australian students.

Phillip began his career in Industrial Refrigeration before moving into the CAD industry over 20 years ago. After spending time in various roles around Australia he established ProGroup Australia with a business partner. Phillip successfully developed this business, which became an attractive investment for the RAND Worldwide Corporation, who renamed the company IMAGINiT Technologies. Phillip has held the Sales Director role at IMAGINiT for the past 12 years.

“I really enjoy seeing the eyes of the students light up when they realize that the subjects they are currently undertaking start to make sense and can lead them into a possible career in Engineering and Science,” Philip said.

Simon Lane | University of South Australia Metro Speaker Award  

The Metro Speaker Award recognises and celebrates the dedication and commitment of volunteer speakers who have demonstrated excellence in the delivery of presentations to schools located in metropolitan areas.

The winner of the 2011 University of South Australia Metro Speaker Award is Simon Lane. Simon delivered 16 presentations in 2011, speaking to students about his career in Engineering.

Simon has worked for ASC on the Air Warfare Destroyer program for five years. Simon’s current role as a Controls Engineer concentrates around the installation, integration and interfacing of an Integrated Platform Management System. This complex and formidable system performs the monitoring and functionality of the warship from the propulsion drive chain, electrical and auxiliary systems through to the critical damage and control systems.

Schools across metropolitan Adelaide have been extremely impressed with Simon’s presentations. 

“Simon did an excellent job and the students were engaged. Many other staff members have commented about the presentation and the excitement of the students. He was willing to answer the students’ questions and made the talk appropriate for the age group,” Stuart Sluggett from Scotch Junior College said.

Meredith Bruce | RAA Regional Speaker Award

The Regional Speaker Award recognises and celebrates the dedication and commitment of volunteer speakers who have demonstrated excellence in delivery of presentations to schools located in regional areas, excluding Speakers in Schools Regional Tours.

The winner of the 2011 RAA Regional Speaker Award is Meredith Bruce. Although new to the Speakers in Schools program, Meredith has shown passion, dedication and commitment to the Speakers in Schools program.

Meredith works as a Clinical Facilitator at Whyalla Hospital & Health Services. She is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, management and evaluation of the Transition to Professional Practice Program and other relevant nursing education and support, in consultation with the Director of Nursing and Senior Nursing staff.

Edward Milne | BHP Billiton Program Ambassador

Program Ambassador Award recognises and celebrates the outstanding dedication and commitment to the Speakers in Schools program, including the delivery of a high number of metro and regional presentations, receiving positive feedback from schools and students and recruiting new speakers. 

The 2011 BHP Billiton Program Ambassador is Edward Milne. Edward has presented to students across the State, and his passion for the Speakers in Schools program has inspired other professionals to volunteer their time.

Edward has had an interesting and diverse career, performing roles in the wine industry, primary manufacturing and recruitment. He is currently the Executive Manager at SKILLED and is responsible for South Australia and South West Victoria, with approximately 1300 employees working in my region.

Edward is also dedicated to continuing his own education. He has recently completed a graduate certificate in Business Administration and is currently studying a Masters in Business Administration.

“My aim in being involved in the Speakers in Schools program is to assist young people in understanding how to seek and find employment, as well as inspiring young people to dream and then achieve,” Edward said.