VET in Schools Student of the Year
Sponsored by
Catholic Schools NSW
NSW Catholic Schools Lead the Nation in Skills Excellence
NSW Catholic schools are setting the pace for excellence in vocational education, delivering standout results that are reshaping how Australians value knowledge, skills and career pathways. Nearly 14,000 students, or 35% of our Stage 6 HSC enrolments, undertake at least one VET course as part of their senior pathway, with excellent results.
Approximately, 90% of Catholic school students undertaking a Certificate III qualification achieve it, when their NESA HSC enrolment makes it possible.
Catholic school students have access to strong and responsive VET pathways, not limited by traditional pathways. Through Australian tertiary harmonisation initiatives, our students benefit from direct entry to university, where they convert their Certificate III into a degree.
Excellence also extends to competitions and awards at regional, state and national level:
25 Catholic school students participated as part of the NSW Schools Team at the WorldSkills National Championships and Skills Show in Brisbane, together winning 15 medals for skills excellence, a powerful demonstration of the quality of training delivered in Catholic schools.
Catholic school students and teachers are well represented each year at NSW Training Awards, winning at regionals, taking out State titles, and excelling at Nationals, confirming as national leaders in VET.
Catholic Schools NSW has an expansive vision for vocational education in both Stage 5 and Stage 6, one that supports human flourishing and underpins a strong, socially inclusive society.
VET is an integral parallel option that expands choice in Catholic schools.
It is a high-impact pathway preparing confident, capable young people for the future.
Charlie Degnan
Qualification
Certificate III in Agriculture
Training Provider
NSW Department of Education
School
Yanco Agricultural High School
Region
Riverina
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Charlie Degnan is completing his Certificate III in Agriculture at Yanco Agricultural High School, where he has excelled as the top all-round student. Despite not growing up on a farm, Charlie has passionately gained practical experience in livestock management through weekend and holiday placements on friends’ farms. He demonstrates strong leadership skills as Year 12 school captain, setting an example through reliability, initiative, and teamwork.
Charlie’s expertise in cattle herd health and his commitment to volunteering on the school farm, reflects his passion for agriculture and willingness to learn. He actively encourages his peers to explore vocational education and is passionate about showing that a successful career in agriculture is achievable regardless of a person's background.
With aspirations to further his career in agriculture and explore options in agri-finance, Charlie is committed to continuing his learning and making a positive contribution to the future of the industry.
Charli Fowler
Qualification
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Training Provider
TAFE NSW
School
Emmanuel Anglican College
Region
North Coast & Mid North Coast
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Charli Fowler is a student at Emmanuel Anglican College completing a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance and pursuing her goal of a career in nursing. Driven by a genuine passion for helping others and making a positive difference in people’s lives, Charli values the hands-on, practical learning her qualification provides. The experience has strengthened her commitment to a future in healthcare.
Charli’s outgoing nature and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds enable her to build strong relationships and support those around her. Beyond her studies, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership through basketball, serving as a school team captain, representing Australia in international competitions, and coaching and refereeing at a local level.
Balancing the demands of the HSC alongside her studies and athletic commitments, Charli has shown resilience, dedication and a strong work ethic. Her leadership, compassion and practical experience provide a strong foundation for a rewarding career in healthcare.
Annabelle Paull
Qualification
Certificate III in Business
Training Provider
Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Ltd
School
Carroll College
Region
Illawarra & South East NSW
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Annabelle Paull is a dedicated student at Carroll College who has combined her HSC and ATAR pathway with vocational education and training, completing a Certificate III in Business to gain practical skills and valuable workplace experience.
Through her studies and work placements, Annabelle developed an understanding of how organisations operate, communicate and collaborate in professional environments. She describes workplace experience as the “key to everything” and believes volunteering should be embedded in the curriculum to help young people build confidence and essential life skills.
As school captain, Annabelle is recognised for her kindness, confidence and strong communication skills. She encourages younger students to explore vocational education, highlighting the opportunities it creates and the importance of balancing study, work and personal commitments. Aspiring to become a teacher, Annabelle believes her VET experience has provided the confidence, communication and practical skills to support a successful future career.