11 August 2022
We are excited to have seven students announced as finalists for the 2022 WA Training Awards across five award categories.
In its 28th year, the WA Training Awards is the state’s largest training awards recognising the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, students and training organisations.
Minister for Education and Training, Sue Ellery said the awards are the pinnacle of excellence in the VET sector.
"This year's list of finalists showcases the diversity of people accessing training opportunities in WA, including increased applications from Aboriginal people across all categories, and more female participation in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.
"This is evidence of how our commitment to making training accessible for every Western Australian is supporting people from under-represented groups to participate in training and the workforce.
Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony on 21 September 2022 at Crown Ballrooms, where they will receive $3,000 towards further training or to kick-start their careers.
Congratulations to our very deserving finalists!
Find out more.(opens in a new tab)
Finalists
WA School-based Apprentice of the Year 2022
Sophia Pitaro, Certificate III in Sport and Recreation (2022 Winner)
Driven to gain as much experience as she can while attending high school, Sophia has already completed Certificates in Events Management, Tourism and Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways.
Now embarking on a traineeship through North Metropolitan TAFE, Sophia is completing a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation and has completed qualifications including her First Aid, Lifeguard and CPR Certificates while gaining on-the-job experience with BlueFit - Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre.
Desiree Baxter, Certificate III in Sport and Recreation
Desiree has a love of sports, is the School House Captain at Belmont City College, coaches students in an out of school and is working towards becoming a sports teacher in the future.
So, the Certificate III in Sport and Recreation delivered by North Metropolitan TAFE was a natural fit for her when deciding on a future career pathway.
With the school-based traineeship, Desiree has been able to work at Belmont Oasis, become a qualified lifeguard and swimming instructor, and acquire her First Aid and CPR Certificates.
WA Vocational Student of the Year 2022
Corrie Ramsay, Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy)
For Corrie, the COVID-19 pandemic meant that her 11-year career in aviation management would come to an abrupt halt.
She completed a Diploma in Pilates, but after her horse needed intense physiotherapy, Corrie felt inspired to complete the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy) at North Metropolitan TAFE.
She says the additional skills and understanding have been extremely valuable. She is now employed by a community-based therapy provider and has also continued her role as a Pilates instructor
WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2022
Lieshia Green, Certificate lV Education Support (AEIO)
As a Noongar woman, Lieshia has always been passionate about helping others, particularly First Nations young people, which led her to study a Certificate IV in Education Support - Aboriginal Islander Education Officer (AIEO) through North Metropolitan TAFE.
Working with students, families and communities is Lieshia's passion. She strives to be a good mentor and role model and is continuously upskilling.
Balancing parenting, work commitments and studying has been challenging but Lieshia's can-do attitude has enabled her to achieve her goals.
WA Cultural Diversity Training Award 2022
Thanh Cong Luu, Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
Thanh moved to Australia from Vietnam four years ago and loves the work-life balance Perth offers. Armed with experience in oil and gas projects, he wanted to increase his technical understanding and chose to enrol in a pre-apprenticeship.
Thanh has now completed a Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade at North Metropolitan TAFE and is currently working towards his Certificate IV.
WA International Student of the Year 2022
Sophie Giraud, Diploma of Interior Design
Sophie always felt like something was missing in her previous career in France and wanted to fulfil her passion for art through her work. Five years ago, she moved to Perth to begin building a career in the design industry.
Sophie has since completed a Diploma of Interior Design at North Metropolitan TAFE and has begun studying for the Advanced Diploma.
Sophie is happy to be fulfilling her creative dreams and making people smile through her work.
Lea Krebs, Diploma of Business
Lea says the VET sector gave her the career path she was looking for. She chose to study abroad in Perth over her native Germany to further develop her career and education.
Through advice offered by the Jobs and Skills Centre, Lea studied a Certificate IV in Business and is working towards her Diploma of Business at North Metropolitan TAFE.
Working as a receptionist and administration assistant, Lea wants to encourage others to consider career development in Australia, by sharing her experience and the value of studying internationally.
Photo: NMTAFE Finalists Desiree Baxter, Sophia Pitaro, Corrie Ramsay, Lieshia Green, Thanh Cong Luu, Sophie Giraud and Lea Krebs.