Posted 31 August 2023 by Catholic Education in News
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) has celebrated its annual Vocation Education and Training (VET) Awards ceremony.
The VET Awards celebrate excellence in VET across both systemic and congregational schools within the diocese and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). The 2023 ceremony was held on Tuesday 29 August.
Tara Massey, St Joseph's Catholic High School, Albion Park was awarded VET Student of the Year, while Aidan Testa, Edmund Rice College, Wollongong was awarded School based Trainee (SBAT) of the Year. Brendan Gibson, St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra named VET Trainer of the Year.
More than 1200 students have undertaken training within our RTO this year, demonstrating a commitment to gaining employability skills and making industry connections.
VET spans diverse occupations and industries, offering opportunities from pre-apprenticeships to advanced diplomas, across IT, nursing, construction, hospitality, trades, and more. It serves as a solid foundation, supporting students in building their careers and exploring new ones.
Director of Schools and RTO CEO, Peter Hill, said, the awards honour outstanding achievements in vocational education and training and showcase the dedication of our students and VET trainers
“We have long understood the value of VET through both experience and evidence,” he said. “We know that the practical, skills-based approach of VET benefits not only students' HSC and ATAR, but also their prospects beyond school.”
The event held at the Marian Centre, Wollongong was attended by Peter Hill, Director of Schools and RTO CEO; members of the CEDoW leadership team; nominated students and their families; secondary school principals; VET coordinators and nominated trainers, along with the event sponsors.
Seven VET trainers and elevent student finalists received excellence in VET awards for their nominated framework.
VET STUDENT FRAMEWORK WINNERS OF 2023
| Business Services | Kayla Dosen | |
| Construction | Cooper Najjar | St Benedict's Catholic College, Oran Park |
| Electrotechnology | Annika Pope | |
| Entertainment | Meja Rundback and Leila Thompson |
St Mary Star of the Sea College, Wollongong |
| Fitness | Dylan Johnstone | |
| Kitchen Operations | Tara Massey | |
| Hospitality | Sienna Krebs | |
| Primary Industries | Thomas Anderson |
St Gregory's College, Campbelltown |
| Retail | Orlando Reveler | St Gregory's College, Campbelltown |
| Highly Commended SBAT | Sienna Bourke |
VET TRAINER FRAMEWORK WINNERS OF THE 2022 VET AWARDS
| Business Services | Jason Muller |
St Patrick's College, Campbelltown |
| Construction | Brendan Gibson | |
| Electrotechnology | Matthew Pope | Holy Spirit College, Bellambi |
| Fitness | Jack Lopez | St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra |
| Kitchen Operations | Cathy Chittick | |
| Hospitality | Donovan Pierro | Edmund Rice College, Wollongong |
| Manufacturing and Engineering | Andrew Brooks |
Edmund Rice College, Wollongong |
MAJOR AWARDS
| VET Student of the Year | Tara Massey | St Joseph's Catholic High School, Albion Park |
| School Based Trainee (SBAT) of the Year | Aidan Testa | Edmund Rice College, Wollongong |
| VET Trainer of the Year | Brendan Gibson | St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra |
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners, especially the overall VET Student, VET Trainer of the Year, and School Based Apprentice or Trainee (SBAT) of the Year.
View the full gallery of photos from the night below.
