Elisabeth Cortese, 17, from Waramanga, studied a Certificate II in Business and Certificate III in Children’s Services. Through her skills and commitment Elisabeth has demonstrated that she was the highest achieving vocational education Year 12 student in the ACT. Elisabeth attended St. Clare’s College and believes her vocational studies have helped her develop confidence and professionalism in the workplace. Elisabeth worked at Regional Group Training, and plans to pursue a successful career as either a police officer or childcare teacher. She will continue her studies towards a Diploma in Children’s Services and complete a Certificate III in Business.

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Sylvia Maré, 18, from Port Macquarie, studied at the Port Macquarie VOCOL campus which is now also one of the new Australian Technical Colleges. Sylvia studied a Certificate II in Commercial Cookery, Business Services, Information Technology and Retail Operations combined with Certificate IV studies in Business (Marketing). She is a versatile and ambitious student, and her supervisor at Mid Coast Group Training says she has advanced her skill base at a phenomenal rate and will be a great asset to the business community.

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Brooke Rainbird, 18, from Alice Springs, attended the Centralian Senior Secondary College, and studied a Certificate IV in Hospitality (Supervision), Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations), Certificate III in Meetings and Events, Certificate II in Tourism (Operations) and Certificate II in both Business and Retail. Currently working at Ooraminna Station Homestead, Brooke is striving for an exciting career in tourism and has been recognised as the highest achieving Year 12 student in the Northern Territory. Brooke’s natural aptitude for customer service and her professionalism and problem-solving skills will certainly ensure her success in the vibrant Alice Springs tourism industry.

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Luke Norford, 17, from Kirwan, excelled in his studies in Certificate III in Civil Construction, and three Certificate I qualifications in Engineering, Furnishing and General Construction. Luke is also the 2006 Queensland Training Awards School-based Apprentice of the Year, and an equal runner up in the 2006 Australian Training Awards inaugural Stella Axarlis Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year. Luke works at BMD Constructions and is described as an inspiration to work with. Luke attended school at Kirwan State High School and hopes to finish his Australian Apprenticeship in 2008 before fulfilling his goal of becoming a foreman and undertaking further study to become a civil engineer.

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Bettina Sattler, 17, from Redwood Park, has her sights set on a career in medical health. She believes vocational education is an ideal, practical way of getting some early and hands-on experience in a range of skills. Bettina studied a Certificate III in Aged Care while at Torrens Valley Christian School.  She worked at Ananda Hope Valley Residential Care and found this a rewarding experience. Bettina has all the right personal qualities, and is also building practical skills, to pursue her ambition of becoming a doctor.

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Rheanna Chenhall, 17, from Newnham, has had an interest in building since she was a child and has decided to pursue this as an exciting, constructive career. Rheanna attended Launceston College and studied a Certificate II in General Construction, and plans to obtain a building Australian Apprenticeship next year. Having undertaken her work placement at Premium Constructions, her long-term goal is to run her own building construction company. Rheanna also won an individual gold medal in the recent national Worldskills VET in Schools competition. She plays hockey to keep fit for construction work.

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Scarlett Van Mourik, 18, from Altona North, attended Bayside Secondary College. She studied a Certificate III in Multimedia, and worked at Riverstone Multimedia. Through her aptitude and commitment she has been recognised as the highest achieving vocational education Year 12 student in Victoria. Scarlett was a key player in producing a DVD to promote Victorian and New Zealand cultural institutions, and has also worked as a volunteer on several multicultural community media productions. Scarlett’s principal says she is an ideal student in many ways – determined, innovative, mature, plus has excellent planning, production and people skills.

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Christopher Giles, 17, from York, attended the WA College of Agriculture – Cunderdin, and says his studies have given him the skills for success in his preferred careers options of agriculture, aquaculture and related trades. Chris has received the Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence for his exemplary studies in Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation, and four Certificate II courses in Agriculture, Engineering Production and Furnishing. Chris is also the WA VET in Schools Student of the Year and current Australian national junior clay target shooting (trap) champion.

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Highest achieving students in industry groups

Campbell McCallum, 17, of Gordonvale Qld, studied a Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey). Campbell’s working day begins at 4.30am six days a week with R and I L Baker, but managed to balance this whilst attending Gordonvale State High School, achieving good subject results overall. Campbell was named the Far North Queensland Apprentice Jockey of the Year for 2006, riding 10 winners and winning the coveted Jockey’s Whip.

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Hayley Maloney, 18, of Nathalia Vic, has found her vocational studies enriching and rewarding. She completed studying Certificates III and IV in Disability Services, and achieved the exceptional result of finishing her studies in only 18 months. Hayley attended Nathalia Secondary College and plans to complete an Advanced Diploma in the disability area as she believes she will have a “lifelong commitment” to this vital field. Her employers at Nurmurkah Occupational Vocational Adult Services NOVAS Inc marvelled at her ability to learn new tasks and strive for excellence in all aspects of her work.

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Daniel Auer, 18, of Bundaberg Qld, studied a Certificate III in Cabinet Making, through which he demonstrated that he was the joint highest achieving Year 12 student in the Construction and Property Services industry. Daniel attended Bundaberg State High School. His employer, Woodmark Kitchens, highlights his ability and dedication to achieving a high standard as a tradesman. A young man with a hearing impairment, Daniel says he has many abilities and that he was always convinced that “being deaf will not stop me from doing an Australian School-based Apprenticeship.” 

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Sam Hughes, 17, of Forestdale Qld, studied a Certificate III in General Construction (Bricklaying/ Blocklaying), through which he demonstrated that he was the joint highest achieving Year 12 student in the Construction and Property Services industry. He is an Australian School-based Apprentice, attended St Thomas More College, and comes from a long line of bricklayers, including both his father and grandfather. Sam loves his work at Reliable Contracting, and his teachers believe that he is on the road to becoming an outstanding tradesperson.

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Edward Skerman, 17, of Toowoomba Qld, studied a Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Systems Electrician). Edward feels that his Australian School-based Apprenticeship has broadened his career options and given him useful, practical skills. Edward attended Centenary Heights State High School and says his long-term goals include a degree in Electrical Engineering and starting his own business. Edward also received prizes in the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Education Queensland Technology One Byte awards. Edward completed his Certificate III during his Australian School-based Apprenticeship with Toowoomba City Council.

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Tom Perkins, 18, of Colac Vic, studied a Certificate II and III in Public Safety (Firefighting). Tom worked with the Colac Country Fire Authority and his principal at Colac High School says that he "passionately immersed himself in" his pursuits, demonstrating leadership skills and work that far exceeds that of his peers. Tom’s ambition is to work in the disability sector, and he has gained valuable experience through his Structured Workplace Learning at the Colanda Residential Services facility for people with disabilities.

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Nastasia Campanella, 18, of Minchinbury NSW, studied Certificate III in Entertainment, and attended Loyola Senior High School. She already has significant professional experience in the entertainment industry. She has broadcast her own radio programme, and completed a voiceover course at NIDA in her own time. This has led to some interesting voiceover works for mainstream metropolitan radio stations. Nastasia has also published articles in magazines and newspapers, and will pursue a career in media and communications.

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Daniel Snare, 18, of Willow Vale Qld, studied a Certificate IV in Information Technology (Client Support), Certificate IV in Multimedia, Certificate III in IT (Network Administration) and Certificate II in Business. Daniel attended Helensvale State High School. Through these studies Daniel demonstrated he was the joint highest achieving Year 12 student in the Innovation and Business industry. Daniel is setting up his own company in multimedia design and audiovisual set ups. He gained a direct entry to Griffith University through his achievements in vocational education. Daniel’s personal integrity has led him to employment with his school.

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Mark Van Den Oever, 18, of Long Forest Vic, studied a Certificate III in Engineering. Mark attended school at Mowbray College, and completed his Certificate III in 2006 as part of a pilot programme at Victoria University. He plans to enrol in a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, and to drive his career towards being a Head Designer for a major car manufacturer such as Ford or Ferrari.

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Elise Webb, 17, of Elimbah Qld, studied Certificate III in Retail Operations and Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management). She completed both two-year Certificate courses in just over a year and worked at Caboolture Munchies. She is also the first female at St Columban’s College to complete a Certificate IV since traineeships began in 1997. The 2006 Brisbane Region Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year, Elise has the ambition of one day leading her own medical research team after further study.

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Jessica Marshall, 17, of Beerwah Qld, completed a demanding Certificate II in Aeroskills as part of her Australian School-based Apprenticeship with the Queensland Institute for Aviation Engineering. Jess attends school at Beerwah State High School and is on track to attaining a Certificate IV and her ambition of keeping RAAF Base Amberley’s aircraft airworthy. Jess has also volunteered to work at other aircraft maintenance organisations, including R&R Helicopters at Caloundra Airport, who report very favourably on her strong motivation and technical ability.

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Alysia Kamaric, 18, from Rokeby Tas, studied at Rosny College and completed a Certificate II in Retail Operations and Certificate II in Community Services (Children’s Services). She works at Big W, and has been the Big W School-based Trainee of the Year, and won her school’s Kath Walker Prize for Highest Achieving Aboriginal Student for four consecutive years. Alysia is weighing up the options of a career either in the beauty industry or in teaching. According to her school principal, Alysia has exceptional customer service and people skills, and a capacity to solve problems.

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