Trainee of the Year
Supported by
Careers NSW
Careers NSW is a program designed to provide career guidance to NSW residents at any stage of their career.
Careers NSW is a wrap-around service that:
Provides tailored career guidance.
Identifies education pathways and qualifications that match people to the skills they need to progress in their current career or to enter a new career
Connects people with industry experts currently employed in their areas of interests who can provide first-hand insights that will help the client to choose the next phase of their career
Careers NSW offers four services which can assist people to explore career opportunities, understand the skills required for a career in your chosen industry and find out about available training and learning pathways:
Self-service website – providing career guidance information, resources and support.
Industry experts appointments – individual appointments with industry experts for industry and occupation insights.
Career guidance appointments – access to tailored free personalised career guidance from a professional careers practitioner.
Skills hub appointments – connection to a skills hub specialist for information on training and vocational education and training pathway.
For more information visit careers.nsw.gov.au or email careersnsw@det.nsw.edu.au.
Benjamin Allen
Qualification
Certificate III in Drilling Operations
Trained by
Strategic Corporate Training Pty Ltd
Employed by
CH4 Drilling
Region
Southern & South Western Sydney Region
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For Benjamin Allen, there aren’t enough hours in the day. As a high achiever in multiple fields, he jumped at the chance to progress his career with a Certificate III in Drilling Operations.
Following his time representing Australia as a triathlete, Benjamin brought his team-player attitude to his role as an Underground Coal Mine Operator, which he balances with Mines Rescue Brigade duties. “I rescue people trapped or injured in underground mines,” says Benjamin. “We respond to everything from mining accidents, roof falls, floods and disasters such as explosions.”
An awareness of hazards was one of Benjamin’s key drivers for taking on his qualification. “The knowledge I’ve gained has given me so much more confidence in assessing safety through work practices.”
As a proponent of vocational education, Benjamin adds this qualification to a list of others including his current pursuit of a Diploma in Mining. “On the-job training is just so important – it’s key to fundamentally understanding what’s required to do a particular task.”
Tahliah Duck
Qualification
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained by
ECTARC
Employed by
ECTARC
Region
Illawarra & South East NSW Region
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Tahliah Duck dreamed of working with children since she was small. With big ambitions to positively impact the lives of kids, she dived into a traineeship in Early Childhood Education and Care, changing her own life in the process.
Tahliah started a Certificate III in 2020 and felt connected to her purpose – the hands-on focus helping her achieve the goals she had set for herself.
Throughout this time, Tahliah’s colleagues and trainers were a source of strength. “The quality of training has been impeccable. I’ve been given so many opportunities for development.”
After completing her Cert III, Tahliah pursued her Diploma, amplifying her passion for the industry. “I love guiding children to be the best version of themselves – it’s an honour.”
With both qualifications complete, Tahliah takes pride in her role and encourages others to unlock the passion she found through vocational education. “It’s had the most significant impact on me. It changed my career path, my sense of identity and my whole life for the better.”
Mia Lewis
Qualification
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
Keen Kiddies Early Learning Centre
Region
Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Region
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For Mia Lewis, all it took was one week of work experience at a childcare centre to lock into her dream career. Mia’s excitement to get started meant she commenced her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while she was studying for her HSC.
Though she was brimming with passion, Mia felt a slight worry about something out of her control. “When I first started work, I was concerned that my hearing impairment would affect the way I could communicate with the children,” says Mia. “Instead, this has had the opposite effect and made me a better listener.”
Mia also felt immensely supported by her trainers. “My needs are always met by resources and mentors who understand, who double check information and genuinely want to provide assistance.”
Completing her qualification, Mia couldn’t be happier. “Becoming a qualified educator means so much to me,” she says. “I got an instant boost of confidence and felt like I achieved my dream.”
Celina Pellett
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.”
Bridie Searle
Qualification
Certificate IV in Project Management Practice
Trained by
Australian College of Commerce & Management
Employed by
Thales Australia Limited
Region
Central & Northern Sydney Region
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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.”
Ciara Smith
Qualification
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained by
ECTARC
Employed by
Cubby House for Kids
Region
North Coast & Mid North Coast Region
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At 21, Ciara Smith thought she’d be working in an unfulfilling job for the rest of her life. Little did she know that an Early Childcare Education and Care vocational pathway would ignite her passion and self-belief like never before.
Ciara found the learning approach of her traineeship especially transformative. “As someone who has always hated studying and assignments, I loved how flexible and hands-on it was.”
Once she had completed her Certificate III, she was excited to study her Diploma at the same centre. But, as she came to the final push for this qualification, she received news that rocked her foundations. “I was diagnosed with ADHD,” says Ciara.
But, through sheer grit and determination, Ciara overcame this obstacle and many others to finish her Diploma. “I feel my training has truly changed the course of my life in the most positive way. I have learnt so many new skills and, most importantly, I’ve learnt to be authentically myself.”