Student Spotlight
The Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards, celebrating excellence across systemic and congregational schools and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in the Diocese of Wollongong, were held on 27 August 2026. Student and staff finalists were recognised for their outstanding achievements across a range of VET programs, with major award winners recognised for excellence in their studies and industry pathways.
Congratulations to the following students on their achievements.
2026 Major Award Winners:
Overall VET Student of the Year 2026
Hansard Levi, St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra
EVET Student of the Year 2026
Zara Hulme, St Benedict’s College, Oran Park
SBAT Student of the Year 2026
Jessica Keys, Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats
VET Trainer of the Year 2026
Louise Ruprecht, Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats
“VET is a proud, essential and strategic pillar of our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wollongong. It is a pathway of choice, connecting classroom learning with real-world skills, meaningful employment and lifelong opportunity.”
More than 1,600 students are currently undertaking VET courses through CEDoW, helping them prepare for further study, training, or employment after school. The program provides students with practical, skills-based learning and industry experience, supporting pathways to post-school employment and further education. VET courses can also contribute to students' HSC and, in some cases, ATAR, providing valuable opportunities to build skills and prepare for their future careers.
CEDoW Registered Training Organisation Manager, Christina Desmond, reflected on the achievements of the overall VET Student of the Year, noting that the student had arrived in Australia just 18 months ago, taught himself English, actively volunteers in the local community, works two industry jobs and serves as a mentor to his classmates.
The student's words on the night captured his approach to learning: “Practice does not mean perfection; it means progress.” Christina said that this reflects what VET trainers and educators strive for with every student — supporting them to progress towards their next achievement.
2026 Finalists:
VET Student of the Year 2026, Primary Industries
Georgia Marks, Chevalier College, Bowral
VET Student of the Year 2026, Skills for Work
Nalarni Wagstaff, St Joseph's Catholic High School, Albion Park
VET Student of the Year 2026, Cookery
Asha Healey, St Benedict’s College, Oran Park
VET Student of the Year 2026, Electrotechnology
Tyler Morris, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park
VET Student of the Year 2026, Construction
Tyler Morris, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park
VET Student of the Year 2026, Entertainment
Charlie Moore, Holy Spirit College, Bellambi
VET Student of the Year 2026, Hospitality
Hansard Levi, StJohn the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra
VET Student of the Year 2026, Business
Maddy Butler, St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra
VET Student of the Year 2026, Active Volunteering
Jaedyn Stowers, St Joseph's Catholic High School, Albion Park
The standard of entries this year was exceptional, and we would like to acknowledge all students and trainers who participated.
