An Ethiopian refugee who went on to gain national qualifications in hospitality and asset maintenance has been awarded one of Tasmania's highest training honours.

The Minister for Education and Skills, Nick McKim, tonight presented Sisay Mekonnen, 51, of New Town and Renee Griinke of Launceston, with the Equity Award for a Vocational Student as part of the Tasmanian Training Awards.

"These awards recognise excellence in the vocational education and training sector," Mr McKim said. 

"Sisay has had an amazing learning journey, staying in a refugee camp with his father and brother for 25 years after fleeing because of political persecution.

"Sisay was able to migrate to Tasmania in 2009 with his wife and six children.

"In a short time, Sisay not only learnt English, but also volunteered at City Mission in Glenorchy as well as gaining his Certificate II in Hospitality (Housekeeping) and Certificate II in Asset Maintenance (Cleaning) at the Tasmanian Polytechnic.

"After studying English, doing some vocational education and training and completing a work preparation course with Migrant Education, Sisay gained employment first at Swan Services and currently with the Tasmanian Polytechnic.

"Acquiring new skills means that Sisay had a pathway to employment, which in turn means that he was able to build a new independent life for himself and his family.

"I'm delighted that Sisay's outstanding achievements have been honoured, as he really is a shining example of what great things people can achieve in the Tasmanian skills industry."

Mr McKim congratulated all of the award finalists and winners on their achievements.

"Award winners have demonstrated talent, energy, enthusiasm and innovation in training," Mr McKim said.

"The Tasmanian winners (in aligned categories) will have the opportunity to compete against other state winners at the Australian Training Awards to be held in Melbourne on 16 November."

The 2012 Tasmanian Training Award Winners are:

Apprentice of the Year: Richard Styles (Launceston)

Trainee of the Year: Jessie-Lee Herman (Ulverstone)

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year: Melinda Horton (Deloraine)

Vocational Student of the Year: Thomas Courto (Lenah Valley)

Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools Student of the Year:  Charlotte White (Launceston)

School-based Apprentice of the Year: Brittany-Lee Grice (Campania)

Equity Vocational Student of the Year: Sisay Mekonnen (New Town) and Renee Griinke (Launceston)

VET Teacher/Trainer:  Fiona French (Hellyer College, Burnie)

Employer of the Year: Southern Water

Small Employer of the Year: Comstar Systems Pty Ltd

Small Training Provider of the Year: Jenard Training and Personnel

Large Training Provider of the Year: Skills Institute

Industry Collaboration Award: Skills Institute

Equity Award for an Employer:  The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel