Qualification
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Trained by
TAFE NSW

Region
Hunter & Central Coast Region

With a CV full to bursting with vocational qualifications and a passion for teaching, Lori-Anne Brown set her sights on her next move – a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Ready to throw herself into her new qualification, fate had other plans. After her husband’s stroke, Lori-Anne was now his sole carer and parent to their three teenagers. She had to run the family business solo and balance her studies – often having to dial into class from the hospital.
The weight of responsibility on her shoulders was immense. “It could have easily overwhelmed me but, instead, it became the catalyst for personal and academic growth,” says Lori-Anne. Not only mastering the balance of her commitments, she exceeded expectations in every aspect of her now complete qualification. Landing a part-time gig as a casual teacher and an offsite marker with TAFE Digital, she’s pursuing a Diploma of Training Design and Development.

Qualification
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

Trained by
Sydney Design School

Employed by
Black Sheep Interior Design Pty Ltd

Region
Central & Northern Sydney Region

Remie Collins considers her obsession for design healthy. Fuelled by a creativity that harks back generations, she values vocational education as the means to turn her obsession into a career.
After completing her Diploma of Interior Design with the Most Outstanding Student Award and an internship position, Remie was hungry for higher learning. Wanting to challenge herself and build on the foundation of her first qualification, Remie enrolled in an Advanced Diploma of Interior Design through Sydney Design School. Drawn to the practical approach of the Diploma, Remie also valued the style and standard of teaching. “I knew the teachers had access to industry experts but, more than that, they’re mentors who are emotionally invested in the outcome of their students,” she says.
Continually pushed out of her comfort zone, Remie encouraged her peers to strive for their best, too. Completing her qualification with a Highly Commended Award for Design Specialisation in Hospitality and securing an Interior Design position prior to graduating, Remie advocates for following your heart.

Qualification
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Trained by
ECTARC

Employed by
Jenny's Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre - Bathurst

Region
Western NSW Region

Driven to tailor education to children with additional needs, Samantha Zannes pursued a vocational pathway to become an Early Childhood Teacher.
Initially trained as a Primary School Special Education Teacher, Samantha took time away to raise her own children. After a 10-year hiatus, she was ready to return to the profession, but wanted to connect with an approach that mirrored her personal education philosophy. Samantha knew the importance of early intervention for students with additional needs and therefore set her focus on obtaining a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Completing the qualification in just over 12 months, Samantha was then recognised within the teaching profession as an Early Childhood Teacher.
Now, as the Assistant Director and Educational Leader of an early learning centre, Samatha feels that her pathway was the perfect avenue to success.

Vocational Student of the Year