Coffs Harbour TAFE trainees take top honours in training awards
Coffs Harbour TAFE’s school-based trainees in Aged Care took out eight of the top awards at the annual North Coast Group Training Awards which were held at the Novotel Pacific Bay in Coffs Harbour last Friday night (May 9).
Woolgoolga High School student Emma Freeman won the overall award for School Based Trainee of the Year as well as an award for Outstanding Achievement in recognition of her academic performance and enthusiasm for her part-time role at the Masonic Village in Coffs Harbour.
Coffs Harbour TAFE Aged Care teacher Lisa Taffe said the School Based Traineeship Program in Aged care was relatively new, having only started at the Coffs Campus early last year, so it was fantastic to see so many students performing well.
“This is a terrific initiative where year 11 and 12 students are able to study at school for HSC while also studying at TAFE for a Certifitcate III and completing a traineeship at the same time where they gain valuable work experience and exposure to real life nursing at an Aged Care level,” Ms Taffe said.
“This way the students not only get the academic qualifications they need but they also learn valuable and employable skills in OH&S, communication, conflict resolution, first aid and much more.”
In the program, the students work at least eight hours a week as paid employees, attend four hours of TAFE classes each week as well as TAFE summer school programs – all on top of their school commitments.
“This program is a very rewarding one not only for the trainees but also for the teachers, the employers and also the residents of our aged care facilities,” Ms Taffe said.
“Our students have been doing exceptionally well – as demonstrated not only by these awards but also by the fact that three have already been offered paid employment once their traineeship is complete.”
Other students who received awards on the night included:
Amy Buckman, from Bellingen High School, was recognised for High Achievement and is currently employed at Bellinger River District Hospital.
Bianca Critten, from Woolgoolga High School, received an award for Consistent Effort and is currently employed at Oznam Villa.
Jessica McEvoy, from Coffs Habour TAFE, received an award for Consistent Effort and is currently employed at St Augustines.
Samantha Heapy, from Coffs Harbour TAFE, received an award for Outstanding Achievement and is currently employed at Bellorana in Bellingen.
Sam Marchant, from John Paul College, received an award for Consistent Effort and is currently employed at Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged.
Josephine McCarthy, from Toormina High School, received an award for Consistent Effort and is currently employed at Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged.
Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged was named Host Employee of the Year.
For more information on how to apply or enrol at North Coast TAFE, call 131 601 or visit www.nci.tafensw.edu.au.
