Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Supported by
TAFE NSW
TAFE NSW is a leading provider of vocational education and training in Australia, meeting the evolving needs of industry and learners in communities across NSW.
Boasting more than 170 learning locations encompassing every corner of the state, the organisation has more than 400,000 enrolments each year and employs more than 10,000 full-time equivalent staff.
It ensures all people, including those experiencing disadvantage, have access to the training they need to participate fully in their local communities and the economy.
This includes an unparalleled wraparound support service, helping students achieve optimal learning and career outcomes.
It is strongly committed to its customers, learners and industry, using their feedback to improve its services.
Training delivery models are made flexible and responsive to meet industry and learner preferences. It provides an extensive range of learner-centric courses linked to job outcomes to suit everyone.
This includes 564 different qualifications, spanning microskills and microcredentials, and certificates to advanced diplomas and degrees.
Tight labour market conditions have led to critical skill shortages over the past few years, and TAFE NSW has responded strongly.
Many of our initiatives are born from a deep engagement with community leaders and young people, aimed at meeting their emerging needs.
Aaliyah Morley
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 Region
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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.”
Jayden Simms
Qualification
Certificate III in Waste Management
Trained by
Fusion Training Solutions
Employed by
HVTC Shoalhaven
Hosted by
Shoalhaven City Council
Region
Illawarra & South East NSW Region
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Driven by a passion for the environment, Jayden Simms thrived in a Certificate III in Waste Management. A proud Bidjigal man, he leads by example to show his son what’s possible when you embrace culture and strive to be your best self.
Starting out in construction, Jayden wanted to shore up his future. Working across various areas of a waste facility, he was totally engaged and picking up a multitude of skills.
Throughout his traineeship, however, Jayden experienced mental health challenges, finding his qualification a release. “It let me concentrate on developing my skills and move on with my life. I feel I have mentally matured.”
As a testament to his determination, Jayden blitzed through, finishing six months early. And his career progression is bigger than just himself. “I want to be a mentor to my son. I think I also set a good example to my people to embrace our culture and be proud of our heritage, as I am.”
Jade Tapfield
Qualification
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
Murrumbidgee Local Health District
School
Kooringal High School
Region
Riverina Region
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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.”