Claire Pettit, a Year 12 student from Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn, was awarded Student of the Year at the Illawarra and South East NSW Regional Training Awards, for her passion and commitment to her studies in Agriculture. Nominated by teachers, Rachel Smith and VET Coordinator, Dominique Croker, Claire completed her Certificate II in Agriculture in 2020 and has aspirations for a career in the industry.

The annual Training Awards recognise outstanding achievement within the vocational education and training (VET) sector across our regional Catholic colleges.

The Training Awards are presented across nine NSW regions, recognising the achievements of students, trainers/teachers, training organisations and employers. The NSW VET in Schools Student of the Year Award is open to full time Year 11 or 12 students undertaking accredited vocational education and training as part of their Higher School Certificate (HSC) studies.

Claire was also named one of three finalists for the NSW State Training Awards in the VET in Schools category. She was required to complete a ten minute presentation on what she would tell other high school students studying VET. The winner will be announced at an awards night in September.

Claire said that studying her Certificate II has allowed her the opportunity to apply practical skills and knowledge through her industry work placement. She is an active participant in Trinity’s agricultural program, having represented her school at the NSW State Sheep Show and Interbreeds Competition.

“Agriculture has always been an important part of my life as I have a strong farming background in my family as well as living in rural community,” said Claire. “I chose to study a Certificate II in Agriculture as I wanted to gain more knowledge and understanding of the industry, including the handling of livestock and chemicals, fencing and weed identification and control,” she said.

“The connections that I have made by completing work placement in the industry will help me further my education and open up pathways into possible careers,” said Claire. “I am grateful to my teachers for this opportunity.”

Year 12 student, Alex Castrisios, from Carroll College, Broulee, received ‘Highly Commended’. Alex is undertaking a full VET package in order to gain valuable insight into the areas of Hospitality, Construction and Information and Digital Technology.

“Studying a variety of VET courses has allowed me to be engaged in my learning at school by completing practical tasks that are transferable into my future,” said Alex. “I was truly honoured to be nominated for this award by my teachers,” he said.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the live event in Wollongong was cancelled. The awards were announced via a livestreamed Zoom presentation.

Karen Ruppert, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Manager at the Catholic Education Office, Manuka, said that although they could not gather in person, it was great to be able to celebrate via Zoom with the winners, committee and sponsors.

“I couldn’t be prouder of both Alex and Claire,” said Karen. “I have had the opportunity to get to know them both throughout this process and they are great ambassadors for their school, the system and the opportunities that VET provides,” she said.