Katherine Van der Meer – In 2005 Ms Van der Meer completed her year 12 studies at North Rockhampton State High School in Queensland. As a VET in Schools programme participant, she completed Certificate III in Tourism (Guiding) with an intended career path of undertaking tertiary studies in Japanese and Tourism. Ms Van der Meer has specialised in the Japanese language and Reef Guiding undertaking over 660 hours of training, the highest achievement in high school Tourism Training in Australia for 2005. Ms Van der Meer has also completed a Certificate II in Business Communication and Technology.
PDF Fact Sheet for Katherine Van der Meer 
(153.0 KB)
Marianne van Schie – In 2005 Ms van Schie completed her year 12 studies at Stella Maris College in New South Wales. As a VET in Schools programme participant, she completed a Certificate III in Aged Care Work and Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations) with an intended career path of completing a Registered Nursing Degree. Her studies earned her an Assistant in Nursing qualification and employment with a hospital.
Ms van Schie is highly regarded for both her skills and her empathy with patients. As a result of her outstanding achievements, her school has been able to negotiate continuing integrated training arrangements with both an Aged Care facility and Sydney’s Mater Hospital. Ms van Schie often took her own initiative to arrange placements in hospitals and worked more hours than the minimum required to gain more experience in applying knowledge and skills.
PDF Fact Sheet for Marianne van Schie (153.4 KB)
Julie-Ann Markey – In 2005 Ms Markey completed her year 12 studies at Peterborough High School in South Australia. She excelled in her completion of Certificate III in Hairdressing as a School-based New Apprentice. She has a passion for hairstyling and has achieved a high level of skill considered to be over and above what is expected. Revelations Hairdressing employed Ms Markey during year 12 and considered her an invaluable asset whose professionalism, knowledge and high skill level have seen her establish her own clientele. Ms Markey aims to continue on the pathway of becoming a qualified hairstylist and beautician with the ambition of owning her own business.
PDF Fact Sheet for Julie-Ann Markey (152.2 KB)
Ben Sweeney – In 2005 Mr Sweeney completed his year 12 studies at Benalla College in Victoria. As a VET in Schools programme participant, he achieved outstanding results in his completion of Certificates II and III in Music Industry (technical production). He has scored the highest mark in the state in his VET course. Mr Sweeney’s level of knowledge and skill is considered extraordinary and he has applied this to establish his own small sound reinforcement system business. He has also contributed his expertise to various youth-orientated community events.
PDF Fact Sheet for Ben Sweeney (152.3 KB)
Michael Smith – In 2005 Mr Smith completed his year 12 studies at Elizabeth College in Tasmania. As a VET in Schools programme participant, he successfully completed Certificate II in Community Services Work with a focus on Aged Care. He chose aged care work as a pathway to his chosen career of nursing, and to better care for his grandmother who is unwell. Achieving part-time employment at Glenview Nursing Home in Hobart, Michael is now focused on studying Enrolled Nursing at TAFE before completing a Registered Nursing Degree at University. His long term goal is to specialise in mental health and youth programmes.
PDF Fact Sheet for Michael Smith (153.2 KB)
Amanda Colli – In 2005 Ms Colli completed her year 12 studies at the Western Australian College of Agriculture in Cunderdin. Completely embracing her VET in Schools programme, Ms Colli has successfully completed three Certificate II Courses in Engineering Production, Agriculture and Wool Clipping as well as Certificate I in Mechanical Vehicle Servicing and Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation. Having had no background in agriculture, her achievements are considered extraordinary - as Head Girl for the College and having achieved high grades across academic and vocational and technical education studies. Ms Colli is continuing to achieve in the agriculture field as she pursues Certificate III in Pig Production and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment so she can pass her skills on to others.
PDF Fact Sheet for Amanda Colli (155.3 KB)
Sally Goleby – In 2005, Ms Goleby completed her year 12 studies at St Clare’s College in the Australian Capital Territory. As a School-based New Apprenticeship programme participant she completed Certificate III in Children’s Services with a chosen career path of attaining the necessary qualifications for specialising in Caring for Children with Disabilities. Ultimately she would like to own a specialist child care centre. A visit to Honiara to repair a school for disabled students reinforced her ambition. Originally, only Certificate II was offered in this industry area, however Ms Goleby became the first student to complete a Certificate III in Children’s Services after convincing her training body and school to develop a special partnership agreement which would allow her to pursue the higher certificate. Ms Goleby is currently completing a Diploma in Children’s Services.
PDF Fact Sheet for Sally Goleby (153.0 KB)
Geraldine Dixon – In 2005 Ms Dixon completed her year 12 studies at Marrara Christian School in the Northern Territory. As a school prefect and a School-based New Apprentice, she completed Certificate II in Business (Business in the Community). Ms Dixon assessed business enterprises in her community and drew up a realistic proposal for a family business as part of her studies. Ms Dixon has represented the Territory in soccer and football and also performed well academically. She is considered an engaging and confident leader who is an excellent role model for all students. Ms Dixon is an Indigenous Australian with a non-English speaking background and from a remote Northern Territory community.
PDF Fact Sheet for Geraldine Dixon (151.9 KB)
Gjai Hoolihan – In 2005 Ms Hoolihan completed her year 12 studies at Narrabundah College in the Australian Capital Territory. As a VET in Schools programme participant and a School-based New Apprentice, she completed Certificate II in Business and Certificate II in Library Information Management and has also attained competencies at the Certificate III level in these fields. Ms Hoolihan is considered a fantastic asset to a library team. She is working towards the goal of becoming a qualified librarian by completing employee sponsored training, firstly at the Social Sciences and Humanities Australian National University Library and currently, the Defence Force Academy Library.
PDF Fact Sheet for Gjai Hoolihan (153.3 KB)
Joel Frazer – In 2005 Mr Frazer completed his year 12 studies at Charleville State High School in Queensland. As a School-based New Apprentice, he completed Certificate III in Automotive (Heavy Vehicles) with an intended career path of becoming a trade and diesel fitter. Mr Frazer has also attained VET in School Certificates II in Agriculture and Furniture Making. His effort to achieve all three certificates is considered inspirational. He is described as an excellent student and is now employed on a full time basis with the Murweh Shire Council as he continues his apprenticeship.
PDF Fact Sheet for Joel Frazer (151.9 KB)
Luke Dickens – In 2005 Mr Dickens completed his year 12 studies at Isis District State High School in Queensland. As a School-based New Apprentice, he completed Certificate III in Meat Processing with an intended career path of working in the meat processing and butchery industry areas. Mr Dickens has also undertaken a vocational program of study in Year 12 that incorporated a number of certificate programs at which he excelled. Mr Dickens has shown outstanding determination and commitment in his vocational learning with Howard Butchery offering him full time employment to complete his apprenticeship ensuring a successful transition from school to his desired career.
PDF Fact Sheet for Luke Dickens (152.0 KB)
Georgia Lyons – In 2005 Ms Lyons completed her year 12 studies at Ravenswood School for Girls in New South Wales. As a school prefect and a VET in Schools programme participant, she completed Certificate II in Aviation Studies and Certificate II Hospitality Operations with an ultimate career aspiration of becoming a commercial pilot. Ms Lyons has excelled in both industries and received first place in the 2005 TAFE NSW WorldSkills VETiS College Competition in Food Service. Ms Lyons has undertaken Aviation Studies as part of her HSC through the Aviation Studies Centre at TAFE NSW. She was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for outstanding results in 2004 and came top of her class in 2005. Ms Lyons has acquired many skills to facilitate her successful transition from school to the workforce.
PDF Fact Sheet for Georgia Lyons (153.9 KB)
Jessica Gard – In 2005 Ms Gard completed her year 12 studies at Heathmont College in Victoria. As a School-based New Apprentice she successfully completed Certificate IV in Aged Care Work. Ms Gard convinced her school and the state authority to provide special permission for her to pursue her training from a younger age than is usually accepted. She has demonstrated a genuine passion for aged care work and is considered a strong advocate for the industry. Ms Gard’s ambition is to achieve further qualifications in specialist healthcare areas and to become a nurse. She is currently employed by Martin Luther Homes in Boronia.
PDF Fact Sheet for Jessica Gard (153.5 KB)
Leigh Ritchie – In 2005 Ms Ritchie completed her year 12 studies at JJ Cahill Memorial High School in New South Wales. As a VET in Schools programme participant she has successfully completed Certificate II in Information Technology and Certificate III in Multimedia. Ms Ritchie has contributed her outstanding knowledge and expertise in this field to the development of many media products for use in her school and in her region. Her projects during school were considered to be of industry standard and they demonstrated a high degree of marketability and professionalism. Ms Ritchie intends to pursue a career in Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing.
PDF Fact Sheet for Leigh Ritchie (152.5 KB)
Paul Marinos – In 2005 Mr Marinos completed his year 12 studies at Cannon Hill Anglican College in Queensland. As a School-based New Apprentice he successfully completed Certificate III in Construction (General Plumbing) with an intended career path of becoming a plumber. As well as achieving a high academic standard in his senior subjects, Mr Marinos also displayed outstanding skills, over and above what is expected of him in the workplace. S & J McCrossan Plumbing offered him full time employment to complete his apprenticeship, which will ensure his successful transition from school to his chosen career.
PDF Fact Sheet for Paul Marinos (151.3 KB)
Craig Folker – In 2005 Mr Folker completed his year 12 studies at Helensvale State High School in Queensland. As a school prefect and a School-based New Apprentice he successfully completed Certificate III in Engineering (Electrical). Mr Folker completed work placements with Riviera Marine who consider him to possess outstanding ability in applying knowledge and skills to the job. He has excelled in his academic programme and has also represented Queensland in volleyball and basketball. Mr Folker is completing his apprenticeship with Riviera Marine and will pursue further studies at the tertiary level in the field of electrical engineering.
PDF Fact Sheet for Craig Folker (154.0 KB)
Joshua Li Donni – In 2005 Mr Li Donni completed his year 12 studies at Bentleigh Secondary College in Victoria. As a VET in Schools programme participant he successfully completed Certificate II in Hospitality and Certificate II in Commercial Cookery while attaining competencies at the Certificate III level also. Mr Li Donni has won numerous awards for his outstanding achievements in the hospitality industry including a Food Technology Prize in three consecutive years. After work experience at Merrimu Receptions, he was immediately offered and accepted an on-going part-time position with the company. Mr Li Donni has received outstanding results and has acquired exceptional skills in his field. His ambition is to become a qualified Chef, owning and operating his own Hotel which specialises in event management.
PDF Fact Sheet for Joshua Li Donni (152.8 KB)