INTEGRAL Energy continued its commitment to skills development in the power industry yesterday by calling for applications from its 2008 apprentice intake.

KAREN Hourigan has been named the region's leading apprentice while Steele Adams won the award in the traineeship category.

HGT Australia Ltd, a not-for-profit group-training organisation, is proud of its contribution to skilling the workforce of the Hunter Valley.

Michael Cousley had hardly ever set foot in a kitchen when he decided to become a chef's apprentice. Yet that did not stop 12 of Sydney's top restaurants and cafes offering him a job.

LYNIE Herbert and Jessie Saulge have successfully tackled the HSC and are now ready to battle the status quo.