Hilltops Students Recognised At NSW Training Awards

She’s young, eloquent and passionate about hospitality - and she has been recognised as one of the Riverina’s most outstanding apprentices, trainees, students and teachers from across the region in the 2022 NSW Training Awards. Young student Emily Pratt won the VET in Schools Student of the Year.

“I was completely shocked, but at the same time I realised that someone had recognised the work I had put in,” Miss Pratt said. “I feel it is very beneficial to see what the real world is like and to apply what I had learned in my course in the industry.”

“All of my teachers have been very supportive, encouraging me to reach for my dreams and aspirations.”

Miss Pratt’s dream is to teach hospitality at school because she loves helping kids, so a hospitality teacher brings both of her passions together.

Her advice to other students considering a VET course was to go for it because it gives practical, hands-on experience and valuable skills and knowledge which can be useful when it comes to pitching to employers.

Miss Pratt gained a Certificate I in Kitchen Operations from Catholic Education - Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn while studying at Hennessy Catholic College.

She is currently studying Year 11 at Hennessy Catholic College and completing a Certificate II in Hospitality.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke MP congratulated Miss Pratt on her award.

“It is wonderful to see Emily’s efforts recognised with this award,” Ms Cooke said.

“Studying Hospitality, Emily is no stranger to seeking opportunities to develop her industry knowledge and skills, regularly volunteering in a wide range of catering opportunities.”

“I congratulate Emily on this well-deserved honour.”

Murrumburrah resident William Kemp, who undertook a Certificate III in Carpentry through TAFE NSW, took out the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award.

Minister for Skills and Training, Alister Henskens said the enormous breadth of talent to be found among this year’s finalists and winners demonstrated the opportunities available for rewarding careers through vocational education and training.

“Vocational education and training delivers real-life skills for people to help them get the jobs they want and it’s great to see so many passionate and enthusiastic young people receiving awards locally,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Government is delivering a range of fee-free and low-fee training to help people get their first job, a new job or a better job, and these awards are a great way to highlight the career opportunities that are available right here in NSW.”

• Topics:

• Employment
• Careers / Training
• Awards
• TAFE NSW