Brenden Williamson from Chester Hill High School, and Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College, Burwood, have been recognised as ‘the best-of-the-best’ in their field nationally at the Australian Training Awards recently.

The awards ‘recognise individuals, businesses and registered training organisations (RTOs) who excel in their field by celebrating their contribution to vocational education and training (VET).’

Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year

Brenden (above) received the Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year award which recognises the most outstanding Australian apprentice undertaking a Certificate III or above, and acknowledges their commitment to school studies and in the workplace. Brenden secured his Motorcycle Mechanical Technology apprenticeship through the Yamaha Student Grand Prix Partnership and is training through TAFE NSW Sydney Institute and his employer, On Two Wheels Motorsports.

School Pathways to VET award

Patrick O’Reilly (above left), Principal, and Michael Morris, Partnerships Manager (right) of Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College, accepted the School Pathways to VET award, which recognises schools, RTOs, industry bodies or employers that collaboratively deliver excellent VET programs to secondary students. Students at the college combine vocational and other complementary courses to pursue their post-school ambitions, meeting nationally recognised training qualification and HSC requirements. Southern Cross is the only Australian school to have won the award twice, having also won in 2013.

BOSTES congratulates Brenden and Southern Cross on their success.

VET is ‘dual accredited’ for NSW school students Years 9–12. Students receive recognition towards their school qualification (Record of School Achievement or HSC), as well as a nationally recognised VET qualification (Certificate or Statement of Attainment).

There are 22,969 students enrolled in at least one HSC VET course this year.

The role VET courses play in helping students prepare for further education, training, employment and lifelong learning is widely recognised by key stakeholders in education.

For more information, contact:
VET team
vet@bostes.nsw.edu.au
(02) 9367 8310