Outstanding students recognised at VETDSS Awards
/Central Regional TAFE Midwest and Gascoyne have celebrated their top Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) at a recent award ceremony.
Central Regional TAFE’s VETDSS pathways are the perfect introduction into the world of work. Year 11 and 12 students learn practical skills whilst gaining an insight into the needs of the workplace. Success in the program can lead to employment or give students a head start in other nationally recognised qualifications or create pathways into higher education and university studies.
The CRTAFE Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students Awards recognise excellence in students undertaking Vocational Education and Training programs in schools. They also acknowledge the partnerships between CRTAFE and local businesses who continue to support students in hosting valuable work placement opportunities.
Students were urged to apply or were nominated by a member of their school staff, a parent or guardian, student or an employee involved in the program for one of the seven awards on offer.
The categories included:
Aboriginal Vocational Education and Training Student of the Year
Education Support Student of the Year
Trade Based Training Student of the Year
Employment Based Training Student of the Year
Certificate II Studies Student of the Year
Higher Vocational Studies Student of the Year
2018 Mid West & Gascoyne VETDSS Student of the Year
The VETDSS Employer Awards that recognise the support of business and industry with the VETDSS program were also presented on the night.
Central Regional TAFE Managing Director Bill Swetman said that since its inception in 1997, the VET Delivered to Secondary Students program had been in high demand.
“It has grown to become a significant and well subscribed pathway for secondary students; particularly since the changes to the school preparation age,” Mr Swetman said.
“We provide these programs to over 350 students through 33 different qualifications at around a dozen schools throughout the Midwest and Gascoyne.”
Mr Swetman said a program such as VETDSS was beneficial for a number of reasons.
“The students have the opportunity, if they are involved in work placement, to experience the world of work. This means they are able to apply and practice industry skills in a real workplace and see if that industry is really what they want to do,” Mr Swetman said.
“It is also beneficial to employers and our industry partners, as they get to try out potential employees. Industry like people that can hit the ground running and often employ students who have participated in the VETDSS program because of their experience.”
“The program also increases the likelihood of students gaining localised employment or, alternatively, streamlines their entry into higher level VET qualifications and provides a pathway to higher education.”
Mr Swetman congratulated all students on their decision to be involved in the VETDSS program, as well as the outstanding award winners.
“I would also like to sincerely thank our school, parental and industry partners for their integral support and thank our staff involved in the program.”
2018 VETDDS Student Award Winners
Aboriginal Vocational Education and Training Student of the Year
Winner: Jaide Morgan
Nagle Catholic College student Jaide Morgan is a worthy winner of the Aboriginal Vocational Education and Training Student Award. Jaide has spent the last two years completing a Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics and during that time, has excelled in all tasks presented to her.
Education Support Student of the Year
Winner: Isabella Bellottie
Our 2018 Education Support Student award winner is Isabella Bellottie. Coming to us from Nagle Catholic College, Isabella is working towards a Certificate II in Animal Studies. Isabella has impressed her lecturers with her positive attitude and willingness to give things a try.
Trade Based Training Student of the Year
eWinner: Mitchell Will
Geraldton Senior College and Certificate II in Electro-technology student Mitchell Will is our 2018 Trade Based Student Award winner. During his time with Central Regional TAFE Mitchell has proven himself to be a reliable, highly motivated student who is committed to making sure he is ready for the transition from school to employment.
Employment Based Training Student of the Year
Winner: Jai Lawer
According to his lecturer 2018 Employment Based Training Student Award winner Jai Lawer has displayed a high level of commitment and aptitude since beginning his training. The School Based Plumbing apprenticeship student from Carnarvon Community College impressed his lecturer with his excellent skills and comprehensive knowledge of the plumbing industry.
Certificate II Studies Student of the Year
Winner: Madison Long
Geraldton Senior College student Madison Long is this year’s winner of the Certificate II Studies Student Award. Madison has spent the last two years completing a Certificate II in Community Services and in that time has proven herself to be a motivated and hardworking student.
Higher Vocational Studies Student of the Year
Winner: Sarah Smyth
Certificate IV Preparation for Nursing student from Nagle Catholic College Sarah Symth was nominated for this award by her lecturer because of the extraordinary commitment she demonstrated throughout her course.
2018 Mid-west & Gascoyne VETDSS Student of the Year
Winner: Sarah Smyth
The 2018 Mid-west & Gascoyne VETDSS Student of the Year from Nagle Catholic College is Sarah Symth.
Certificate IV Preparation for Nursing student Sarah impressed her lecturer with her hard work and dedication to her course. Sarah always delivered her assignments on time and worked to the absolute best of her ability.
Sarah was a conscientious student, willing to assist her fellow classmates and lead by example. She was an enthusiastic, diligent and hardworking student, who always strived to do her best.
Sarah has applied to study a Bachelor of Nursing through the Geraldton University Centre next year, which further demonstrates her commitment and dedication to her chosen career pathway.
2018 VETDDS Employer Award Recipients
Place Road Pets and Aquarium Centre
Congratulations to Place Road Pets and Aquarium Centre. Place Road Pets has graciously accepted our Animal Care students into their workplace for the past five years. The practical on the job training provided at Place Road value adds to the skills and knowledge gained at TAFE and provide the student with the scope and confidence to decide if this is the career they want to purse.
The hands-on experience of caring for, cleaning and monitoring the animals, as well as learning how to handle, restrain and medicate them has been invaluable to our students.
Place Road Pets and Aquarium Centre has worked closely with CRTAFE to accommodate our class times and work into our schedules.
S&K Electrical Contracting
Congratulations to S&K Electrical Contracting who have provided many years of support to our work place program in electrical. S&K Electrical Contracting will host multiple preapprentices simultaneously and have been known to host students at very short notice.
S&K Electrical Contracting provide a high-quality experience to our students, which on multiple occasions has led to employment for a student on completion of their training.
GG Pumps and Electrical
Congratulations to GG Pumps and Electrical who have actively supported Central Regional TAFE by accommodating electrical pre-apprentices.
The GG Pumps and Electrical team are helpful and welcome our students in a positive and supportive environment.
The company has contributed to our VETDSS program through the donation of motors and pumps that are currently used by our Certificate II and III Electrotechnology students. They provide our students with invaluable hands-on experience.
For more information on the VETDSS program contact Alison Noble – Coordinator Education & Training Programs at Central Regional TAFE 1800 672 700 or email vetdss@crtafe.wa.edu.au
