A number of secondary students in Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Wollongong, enrolled in Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses as part of their HSC, have been recognised for their hard work and commitment to their chosen framework of studies and workplace training. 

The various awards held throughout the year, showcased the many talented students from Catholic, Independent and Government schools across the state. Students who undertook a VET course were nominated by either their school, external registered training organisation or employer who hosted the students on industry work placement.  

VET is delivered across all secondary schools throughout the diocese. The courses offer students of all interests and ambitions a pathway to a fulfilling and exciting future, and provides authentic, hands-on experiences to give students an opportunity to achieve nationally recognised qualifications, while developing the transferable skills they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.  

Over 1100 students currently access a VET course as part of their Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) education, which helps support their transition to post-school work and tertiary education.

Byron Osgood - St John's the Evangelist, Nowra

CEDoW Registered Training Organisation Manager, Christina Desmond, couldn’t be happier for these dedicated student and applauds the VET Trainers who have worked tirelessly to support them. 

"The students are to be commended on their success in these awards and their dedication to their chosen field of VET study," said Ms Desmond. “VET programs provide practical, skills-based learning that can contribute positively to both a students' HSC and ATAR, whilst opening up various post-school pathways. These awards also reflect the great work of our VET Trainers, who strive to meet the needs of, and consistently deliver high-quality VET training to CEDoW students." 

Congratulations to the following students on their achievements. 

Illawarra Schools Awards – Industry Category Award Recipients

• 2021 VET Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander student of the year: Aiden Colquhoun (Holy Spirit College, Bellambi) 

• 2021 Overall VET Student of the Year: Mia Begic (St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Wollongong) 

• 2021 VET Student of the Year - Electrotechnology: Aiden Colquhoun (Holy Spirit College, Bellambi) 

• 2021 VET Student of the year - Hospitality Kitchen Operations: Elley Wray (Holy Spirit College, Bellambi) 

• 2021 Judge’s Award Winner - Electrotechnology: Zara Pope (Holy Spirit College, Bellambi) 

• 2021 VET Student of the Year - Business Services: Mia Begic (St Mary’s Star of the Sea College, Wollongong) 

Southern Highlands Schools Awards - Industry Category Award Recipients

• 2021 VET Student of the Year - Business Services: Lucy Clark (Chevalier College, Bowral) 

• 2021 VET Student of the Year - Hospitality - Kitchen Operations: Madison Walker (Chevalier College, Bowral) 

• 2021 Judge’s Award Winner - Hospitality - Food & Beverage: Sophie Irvine (Chevalier College, Bowral) 

Shoalhaven Schools Awards - Industry Category Award Recipients

• 2021 VET Student of the Year - Construction: Byron Osgood (St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra) 

Macarthur Workplace Learning Student Work placement Awards - Industry Category Award Recipients

• 2021 Award - Construction: Declan Doyle (Mt Carmel Catholic College, Varroville), and Christopher Techera (St Gregory's College, Campbelltown)

NSW State Training Award - Finalist

Libby Clapson of Magdalene Catholic College, Narellan was nominated for NSW State Training Award for School Based Apprentice/Trainee (SBAT) of the Year after winning SBAT of the Year for the Southern and South Western Sydney Region. While Libby’s nomination was unsuccessful, we congratulate her on her significant achievement of region winner and being named as a state finalist.