Celebrating student achievement
Every year, Central Regional TAFE students build practical skills, overcome challenges and take important steps towards their future.
Our Student Awards recognise students who have demonstrated commitment, growth and achievement throughout their training journey. They celebrate the confidence students develop through vocational education and training and the opportunities their skills create in workplaces, industries and communities across regional Western Australia.
Together with lecturers, employers, schools, industry and community partners, we recognise student success and celebrate what can happen when skills, determination and opportunity come together.
Student Major Awards and OAAs
Central Regional TAFE recognises student achievement through the Student Major Awards and Outstanding Achievement Awards (OAAs).
The awards celebrate students who have developed industry skills, shown commitment to their training and achieved success in their studies, workplaces or communities. Award categories and eligibility may vary between campuses and award cycles to reflect regional industries, training priorities and sponsorship arrangements.
The Central Regional TAFE Student Major Awards recognise outstanding students who have demonstrated excellence throughout their training journey.
Award categories may include Apprentice of the Year, Trainee of the Year, Vocational Student of the Year, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, International Student of the Year, Cultural Diversity Training Award and School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year.
The awards recognise more than academic results. They celebrate skill development, commitment, resilience, leadership and the way students apply their learning within their industry or community.
Outstanding Achievement Awards recognise students who have demonstrated exceptional effort, determination, resilience or personal growth throughout their studies.
OAAs provide an opportunity to recognise students who have overcome challenges, reached an important milestone or made a positive contribution to their learning environment, workplace or community.
Nominations may be submitted by lecturers, employers, training teams, VET Coordinators, teachers or other approved stakeholders.
Depending on the award, nominees may be asked to provide supporting information or participate in an interview. School-based nominations may also require endorsement from a school, employer, parent or guardian.
The nomination and assessment process recognises excellence across different regions, industries and training areas.
Central Regional TAFE recognises students across a wide range of campuses, programs and study areas.
Recent recipients have represented areas including Counselling and Community Services, Nursing, Animal Care, Electrotechnology, Commercial Cookery, Carpentry, Workplace Skills, Early Childhood Education and Care, Agricultural Mechanical Technology, and Building and Construction.
Their achievements show how practical, industry-connected training can help students build skills, gain confidence and progress into apprenticeships, traineeships, employment, further study and other industry pathways.
Recipients are selected through a nomination and assessment process.
Selection criteria vary between awards but may consider training achievements, workplace performance, commitment to learning, leadership, industry contribution, community involvement and personal growth.
Major Awards
Major Awards
Major Awards
Outstanding Achievement Award
Award Winners
The Student Major Awards and Outstanding Achievement Awards celebrate students who have excelled in their studies, workplaces and communities.
Recipients represent a diverse range of industries and training areas across Central Regional TAFE and demonstrate how vocational education and training can help students build skills, gain confidence and create opportunities for the future.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Lana Danischewsky, Diploma of Community Services,
Diploma of Counselling, Diploma of Youth Work
Sponsored by Rio Tinto
Apprentice of the Year
Christopher Johnson, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Sponsored by Community Bank – Bendigo Bank Geraldton
Cultural Diversity Training Award
Felipe Piovesan, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Sponsored by Latitude Jewellers
Vocational Student of the Year
Samantha Carter, Diploma of Counselling
Sponsored by Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Trainee of the Year
Vilma Hodder, Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement
Sponsored by Humfrey Land Developments
International Student of the Year
Anastacia Kiguru, Diploma in Community Services
Sponsored by Mitsui E&P Australia
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Kevin Dorizzi, Diploma of Counselling
Sponsored by BHP
Apprentice of the Year
Isaac Bartholomew, Certificate III in Carpentry
Sponsored by Northern Star Mining Services Pty Ltd
Cultural Diversity Training Award
Jennifer Hernandez, Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Sponsored by Lynas Rare Earths
Vocational Student of the Year
Kate Simons, Diploma of Counselling
Sponsored by Evolution Mining
Trainee of the Year
Shayden Dimer, Certificate II in Workplace Skills
Sponsored by Evolution Mining
International Student of the Year
Millaray Aceituno Cortes, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Sponsored by Natrad
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Tamika Henry, Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Sponsored by Ballardong Aboriginal Corporation
Apprentice of the Year
Ryan Steer, Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology
Sponsored by Lions International
Cultural Diversity Training Award
My Quyen Pham, Certificate II in General Education for Adults
Sponsored by Bendigo Bank Toodyay & Districts
Vocational Student of the Year
Isabel Coutinho, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Sponsored by Evoke Living Homes
Trainee of the Year
Hannah Goedhart-Hutchings, Certificate III in Automotive Sales
Sponsored by the Shire of Northam
James Dawson Award
Devon Cairns, Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Sponsored by Best Lives
International Student of the Year
Laura Mendez Santander, Diploma of Nursing
Sponsored by Wheatbelt Development Commission
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award
Wayne Donovan Jr, Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway - Trades)
Sponsored by Liberty Balloon Flights
VETDSS Awards
The Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students Awards, known as the VETDSS Awards, recognise secondary school students undertaking vocational education and training while still at school.
The awards celebrate students who are developing practical skills, exploring career pathways and gaining valuable experience before completing secondary school.
They also recognise the partnerships between Central Regional TAFE, schools, local businesses and industry that support students through training, workplace learning and career exploration.
Employer Awards form part of the VETDSS Awards and acknowledge businesses and organisations that provide students with workplace learning and industry engagement opportunities.
The Midwest and Gascoyne VETDSS Awards recognise secondary students undertaking vocational education and training across the Midwest and Gascoyne regions.
The awards celebrate student achievement and highlight how VETDSS programs help young people develop practical skills, build confidence and explore future career pathways.
Local businesses and employers are also recognised for providing workplace learning and helping students experience real working environments.
For schools, the VETDSS Awards provide an opportunity to recognise student achievement and showcase the value of vocational education and training.
For businesses and employers, the awards recognise the important role industry plays in giving students workplace experience and supporting the development of future workers.
Student category winners may receive a gift voucher and framed certificate, with finalists also recognised through the awards program. The VETDSS Student of the Year Award recognises an outstanding Year 11 or Year 12 student from across the nominated categories.
Student nominations may be submitted by teachers, trainers, VET Coordinators or host employers in the Midwest or Gascoyne region.
Employer nominations may be submitted by school staff, parents or guardians, students, or Central Regional TAFE employees involved in the VETDSS program.
Nominations must meet the relevant eligibility requirements and be submitted in the correct category. Student nominations may also require approval from the student’s school principal and parent or guardian.
Contact: Alison Noble, Coordinator Education and Training Programs
Phone: (08) 9956 2802
Email: vetdss@crtafe.wa.edu.au
Beyond Central Regional TAFE
Recognition through Central Regional TAFE can be the next step towards wider state and national opportunities.
The WA Training Awards and Australian Training Awards give eligible students, lecturers and other vocational education and training participants the opportunity to share their achievements and gain broader industry recognition.
The WA Training Awards recognise outstanding achievements in vocational education and training across Western Australia.
Central Regional TAFE Student Major Award recipients are encouraged to consider applying. Eligible students and lecturers may enter categories such as WA Apprentice of the Year, WA School-based Apprentice of the Year, WA Trainee of the Year, WA Vocational Student of the Year, WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, WA Cultural Diversity Training Award, WA International Student of the Year and WA Trainer of the Year.
Applications usually open at the beginning of each year. Eligibility requirements, selection criteria, key dates and application guidance are available through the Department of Training and Workforce Development.
The Australian Training Awards are the peak national awards for vocational education and training.
They recognise excellence across the national VET sector and showcase achievements in training, skills development and workforce pathways.
Winners from each state and territory may progress to compete for a national award title. State and national recognition can help students build confidence, make industry connections and create new career opportunities.
Thank you to all our 2025 Major Award sponsors
The Central Regional TAFE Student Major Awards would not be possible without the support of our industry and community partners across the Midwest and Gascoyne, Goldfields and Wheatbelt regions.
By sponsoring these awards, organisations help recognise outstanding student achievement, celebrate excellence in vocational education and training and encourage the next generation of skilled workers and industry professionals.
We sincerely thank our 2025 Student Major Awards sponsors for recognising the dedication, growth and success of Central Regional TAFE students.
Support Student Success
Industry and community sponsorship plays an important role in recognising and celebrating student achievement.
By supporting Student Major Awards, Outstanding Achievement Awards and VETDSS Awards, organisations help acknowledge excellence, strengthen workforce development and encourage future generations of skilled workers across regional Western Australia.
Organisations interested in sponsoring an award or supporting student recognition initiatives are encouraged to contact Central Regional TAFE.
Phone: 1800 672 700
Email: enquiries@crtafe.wa.edu.au
More than recognition
A Student Award is more than a certificate or trophy.
The Student Major Awards and Outstanding Achievement Awards (OAAs) recognise the hard work, resilience and commitment students demonstrate throughout their training journey.
These awards celebrate the progression from developing skills to building confidence, creating opportunities and achieving career and personal goals. They also recognise the contribution of lecturers, employers, sponsors, schools, families and communities who support students along the way.
Together, these partnerships help strengthen regional industries, support future workforce development and inspire the next generation of learners.
If you have questions about student awards, eligibility or applications, we are here to help.
Phone: 1800 672 700