VET in Schools Student of the Year
Supported by
Catholic Schools NSW
Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) congratulates the 2023 NSW Training Awards Finalists. Your dedication and commitment to your work and studies provides example of Vocational Education and Training benefits.
As the peak representative body for 599 Catholic schools across NSW, CSNSW supports Catholic schools in offering diversity of learning opportunities from pre-school to post-secondary schooling across NSW.
Catholic schools have been an integral part of Australia’s education landscape for over 200 years, partnering with families, government and the broader community, delivering high-quality education and training across NSW. Today, Catholic schools educate one in five children in NSW, with 255,000 students in our care.
The Catholic sector delivers Vocational Education and Training in Catholic schools through nine Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) managed by diocesan offices. Each RTO offers a broad range of Certificate I to Certificate III qualifications.
The most popular qualifications offered in NSW Catholic schools are in Hospitality, Construction, Business Services, Retail Services, Information, Digital Media and Technology, Automotive and Engineering. Catholic schools engage with more than 13,000 students annually, with over 18,000 enrolments in a diverse range of qualifications, meeting local student, employer and industry needs.
Over one thousand students in Catholic schools are combining the first year of their apprenticeship/traineeship with their HSC. Catholic Trade Training Centres provide state-of-the-art training facilities, using latest industry technology and techniques.
Charlize Ashby
Qualification
Certificate II in Kitchen Operations
Trained by
Sydney Catholic Schools
School
Brigidine College Randwick
Employed by
Mad Mex
Region
Central & Northern Sydney Region
-
Charlize Ashby’s passion for the hospitality industry has been so ignited by her qualification that she plans to become a VET teacher herself. Studying a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations as a year 12 student, she’s keen to share her love of what she does with the next generation.
Throughout her qualification, Charlize’s enthusiasm has helped her make fantastic connections and thrive. This accompanies a wealth of on-the-job experience at numerous respected venues, one of which resulted in a job.
She’s been so inspired by her qualification that she’s aiming to further upskill. “I want to be a VET teacher,” says Charlize. “This way I can teach young people about the importance of hospitality – I want them to love it as much as me!”
All in all, Charlize feels that her pathway has perfectly aligned with her career goals. “I’ve gained so many valuable skills that I otherwise wouldn't have and it’s strengthened me as a person.”
Montayah Astruc
Qualification
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Trained by
NSW Health RTO
School
Caroline Chisholm College
Region
Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Region
-
Natural leader Montayah Astruc has found the perfect outlet for her passion to help people via a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance. Taking on the qualification through high school, she’s now equipped with a wealth of experience and, most importantly, self-belief, resilience and gratitude.
The real-world classroom setting means Montayah has experienced CPR training, observing and transporting patients, and managing infection control and safety procedures – skills that will open doors for a range of healthcare careers.
But the soft-skill growth has been particularly powerful. “In doing this, I’ve gained perspective on people’s health struggles that I wouldn’t have been exposed to without my placement,” says Montayah. “It’s highlighted how important healthcare is and given me a great deal of gratitude for my own health.”
Only excited for what’s ahead, Montayah is full of confidence. “This course has upskilled my personal and professional growth, and I’ve gained so many transferable skills for my career pathways.”
Elizabeth King
Qualification
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Trained by
TAFE NSW
School
Oxley High School
Region
New England Region
-
Originally planning to be a paramedic, Elizabeth King stepped into a ward and knew she was destined to be a nurse. Balancing a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance with her final years of high school, she’s feeling empowered to move straight into the workforce.
“I fell in love with nursing,” says Elizabeth. “Every Monday I come home after my lessons bubbling and raving about my day – Mum calls it my ‘Monday sparkles’.” This can be put down to her connection with a passion and purpose, but also thanks to the dedication of her VET trainers, who have lit the way for her.
Elizabeth has found the qualification empowering on many levels. “The major highlight and advantage of this program is my personal growth,” says Elizabeth. “I’ve gained so much confidence and I have the advantage of leaving high school with a qualification so I can step straight into the workforce.”