Illustrated female construction worker sitting by buildings

School-based Apprentice/
Trainee of the Year

Presented by

NSW Government logo

Fatusama Fuamatu

Headshot of Fatusama Fuamatu
Fatusama Fuamatu cutting a man's hair

Qualification
Certificate III in Barbering

Trained by
TAFE NSW

Employed by
Royal Blends Barbershop

School
Eagle Vale High School

Region
Southern & South Western Sydney Region

  • They say if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. This is the energy that Fatusama Faumatu brings to his School-based Apprenticeship in Barbering.

    Though he’s balancing commitments to rugby, music, study and his role as school vice captain, Fatusama has gelled with the real-world learning environment of his apprenticeship. “I love connecting the lesson with what I’m doing,” he says.

    But he finds the personal connections particularly powerful. “Being a barber is about bringing people together and creating a bond,” says Fatusama. And forming these bonds is important considering he is a newer member of his community. “When I was 14 years old, my parents sent me to Australia from Samoa so I could access greater opportunity.”

    For Fatusama, the opportunities and self-belief have been great. “I want to offer haircuts to people who can’t afford them and, one day, have my own business.”

Caitlin Jolliffe

Headshot of Caitlin Jolliffe
Caitlin Jolliffe reading blood pressure of a female patient

Qualification
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

Trained by
TAFE NSW

Employed by
Murrumbidgee Local Health District

School
Wagga Wagga High School

Region
Riverina Region

  • For as long as Caitlin Jolliffe can remember, she has wanted to be a nurse. A drive to do more inspired her to pursue a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.

    Currently undertaking a School-based Traineeship during years 11 and 12, Caitlin is working three shifts a fortnight to balance her study, sport and social life. “It’s given me the opportunity to understand basic care principles of nursing in an acute setting, which will then be beneficial to my tertiary studies,” says Caitlin.

    Quickly hitting her stride, Caitlin blossomed. “As my traineeship has progressed, I’ve gained more confidence and been able to take initiative,” says Caitlin. And, through it all, she’s been buoyed by the team around her. “They’ve taken me under their wings and guided me.”

    Now, Caitlin is planning her career trajectory with university next on her list. “The quality of my training could not be any better. I'm not the shy girl I was when I started.”

Molly Smith

Headshot of Molly Smith
Molly Smith taking blood pressure of a female patient

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 Region

  • 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.”