Meet the 2024 NSW Training Awards
Ambassadors
Our Ambassadors are a team of exceptional NSW Training Awards winners and finalists who together, highlight the opportunities, pathways and benefits offered in VET.
They attend schools, award shows and career expos sharing their VET journey, helping spread the word about VET and the success that comes with it.
Libby King
2023 NSW VET in Schools Student of the Year
Qualification Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Trained by TAFE NSW
School Oxley High School
Region New England
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Originally planning to be a paramedic, Elizabeth King stepped into a ward and knew she was destined to be a nurse. Balancing a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance with her final years of high school, Elizabeth set herself up to enter the workforce with confidence and support.
“I fell in love with nursing,” says Elizabeth. “Every Monday I come home after my lessons bubbling and raving about my day — Mum calls it my ‘Monday sparkles’.” This can be put down to her connection with a passion and purpose, but also thanks to the dedication of her VET trainers, who have lit the way for her.
Elizabeth has found the qualification empowering on many levels. “The major highlight and advantage of this program is my personal growth,” says Elizabeth. “I’ve gained so much confidence and I have the advantage of leaving high school with a qualification so I can step straight into the workforce.”
Aaliyah Morley
2023 NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Qualification Certificate III in School Based Education Support
Trained by KARBEN Training Solutions
Employed by Department of Education
School Peel High School
Region New England
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Aaliyah Morley felt it was her responsibility to pursue a teaching qualification. “As a proud Gomeroi woman, I want to be part of the change,” she says. “I want to help close the education gap for Indigenous Peoples and link students with learning their local Gamilaraay language and culture.”
Aaliyah’s dedication to what she does has her balancing a full schedule. Alongside studying for the HSC, she has commitments to coaching, her community (through Indigenous dance and weaving), a role as a Student Representative and her Certificate III in School Based Education Sport, where she works at the local primary school and runs her own cultural activities at recess and lunch.
While her achievements have been personally rewarding, they also ripple throughout her community. “My qualification has impacted my students, my community and my family — I am the only one to achieve an SBAT, which encourages other young people to consider this pathway.”
Caroline Morris
2023 NSW Apprentice of the Year
Qualification Certificate III in Engineering — Mechanical Trade
Trained by TAFE NSW
Employed by Newcrest Mining Ltd
Region Western NSW
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As the first woman to complete a Fitter Machinist apprenticeship at her workplace in over 20 years, Caroline Morris is making waves. Now, she’s inspiring other young women to pursue trades.
Kicking off her Certificate III in Engineering — Mechanical Trade in 2019, Caroline loved the dynamic setting. “I worked on a variety of equipment: mill machinery, pumps and crushers — we need to be across it all,” she says.
Though she was excelling, Caroline experienced some barriers. “Being one of a few female apprentices is challenging,” she says. “I've encountered old-fashioned attitudes from some people. However, I don't pay much attention. I'm here to do my job like anyone else and I take pride in achieving my best.”
Now fully qualified, Caroline is making her voice heard in the hope of encouraging others. “I want to show young people, especially young girls, that there are great opportunities available for them in trades. Being trade-qualified opens doors for everyone.”
Bridie Searle
2023 NSW Trainee of the Year
Qualification Certificate IV in Project Management Practice
Trained by Australian College of Commerce & Management
Employed by Thales Australia Limited
Region Central & Northern Sydney
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In 2022, Bridie Searle had never been on a ship. Cut to today, and Bridie manages million-dollar maritime projects, something made possible through her vocational pathway.
At 17, Bridie began her Certificate IV in Project Management Practice. Her love of hands-on learning through school left no doubt in her mind that a VET pathway was for her. “The balance of theory and practical offers an unmatched training program — it was pivotal to my success.”
And she’s earned great respect along the way. “Bridie has fast-tracked her qualification and is now the most sought-after Project Superintendent within our company,” says Natalie Genc, Bridie’s Training & Capability Manager.
Bridie’s day-to-day role sees her working on Destroyers, guided missiles or being a crane co-ordinator — an incredible learning curve for someone her age. “When I reflect on the person and professional I’ve become during this traineeship, it fills me with pride. I’ve picked up so many skills that are transferable across multiple roles and industries.”
Molly Smith
2023 NSW School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
Qualification Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Trained by TAFE NSW
Employed by Hunter New England Local Health District
School McCarthy Catholic College
Region New England
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Some people are hardwired to help others. Molly Smith is one of these gems and, after witnessing the incredible impact of nurses, she knew that she wanted to take on this profession.
This led her to a School-based Traineeship via a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at a regional hospital. “It lets me study something I’m passionate about, but it’s also given me a place where I feel at home,” says Molly. “The team I work with makes me feel accepted for who I am.”
This realisation was a big deal for Molly, who has, at times, faced self-doubt and mental health challenges. “The support from my colleagues and teachers makes me believe in myself.”
With plans to become a Registered Nurse after university, Molly is already on track for her dream career. “Nursing has given me confidence, valuable skills and a sense of belonging — I’m excited about what my future holds.”
Colin Toranto
2023 NSW VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
Field of Study Timber System Design / Timber Frame or Truss Manufacture
Employed by NTHA Training
Region North Coast & Mid North Coast
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Colin Taranto offers a wealth of expertise, a commitment to evolve with the industry and unwavering dedication to his students. As a trainer in Timber Systems Design, he goes the extra mile to ensure the highest standard.
With 39 years’ experience working across a range of timber manufacturing and design roles, Colin offers foundational knowledge while delivering up-to-date information. “Staying current with ever-changing technology, equipment and Australian Standards is key to developing assessment tools aligned with today’s practices,” says Colin.
Colin’s forward-thinking approach put him on the front foot when Covid disrupted face-to-face learning as he’d already been using video calls to deliver training sessions to trainees in various locations. “I was developing this pre-Covid, so when Covid arrived it was business as usual,” says Colin.
But where Colin shines is his level of commitment. “Supporting learners on their journey is critical to a successful outcome for both parties. It’s about building the relationship, rapport and trust we need over an 18-month period.”
Tracie Wood
2023 Vocational Student of the Year
Qualification Diploma of Project Management
Trained by BSI Learning
Employed by Department of Communities and Justice
Region North Coast & Mid North Coast
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Tracie Wood is passionate about helping people. In her career supporting offenders reintegrate into the community, she wanted to make an even greater impact, so she took on a Diploma of Project Management.
While doing her Diploma, Tracie was working as part of a team exploring ways digital technology could extend the reach of therapeutic services and she jumped at the chance to apply for a permanent position. “I was able to apply my learnings to the suitability assessment task as well as my responses to interview questions,” says Tracie. “I was absolutely delighted when I secured the role.”
Now, Tracie is studying a Bachelor of Criminal Justice while remaining focused on her role as Project Coordinator within the Innovation and Technology team.
And she’s also keen to inspire others to consider vocational pathways. “By completing my Diploma of Project Management, I’ve gained new skills, friends, confidence and I’ve progressed my career, too.”
Celina Pellett
2023 NSW Women in Trades Winner
Qualification Certificate III in Agriculture – Dairy Production
Trained by Tocal College
Employed by GW & KM Forbes
Region Hunter & Central Coast Region
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Celina Pellet had concerns that her ‘city girl’ childhood would hold her back from excelling in agriculture. But, through her Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production), Celina is thriving and eyeing her next moves in this field.
Throwing herself into the qualification, Celina went above and beyond to ensure she was at the top of her game. “I put my heart and soul into learning as much as possible about farm life,” she says. “I joined so many social media groups, watched online tutorials and sought out answers from nearby neighbours.”
This strategy perfectly complemented the foundation of learning provided by Celina’s qualification. “Being a kinaesthetic learner, the VET approach suited me.”
Now, Celina is planning to complete a Certificate IV in Agriculture and a Diploma of Agriculture simultaneously. “This pathway is where I’m meant to be. I’ve become more independent and gained the confidence to teach new employees.”
Jade Tapfield
2023 NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander State Finalist
Qualification Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Trained by TAFE NSW
Employed by Murrumbidgee Local Health District
School Kooringal High School
Region Riverina
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Proud Kamilaroi woman, Jade Tapfield, is well on her way to achieving her goals. Undertaking a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance in her final years of high school, she’s gained a huge confidence boost and a clear direction thanks to her pathway.
By diving in, Jade has gained valuable on-the-job experience, but there’s another layer that has a personal connection. “As a proud Aboriginal woman, I love learning about the cultural perspectives and approaches in healthcare for First Nations peoples,” she says.
Now, considering her next steps, Jade is buoyed by her experiences and immensely grateful for the many benefits that have come from her qualification, beyond a connection to her dream career. With a boost in her mental health and self-belief, she’s inspired to do as much good as possible. “I would love to become a qualified Registered Nurse with a Post Grad in Midwifery and go out on Country to smaller Indigenous towns and communities.”