ECEC finalists announced in the 2023 WA Training Awards

Four emerging professionals from the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector have been named as finalists in the 2023 WA Training Awards. 

 

The annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements in the vocational education and training (VET) sector, recognising the State’s best apprentices, trainees, employers and training organisations.

 

Training Minister Simone McGurk today announced the 45 finalists across 13 categories. There are 31 finalists vying for eight individual awards and 14 finalists up for five organisation categories.

 

As well as being recognised as the best in the state, individual award winners will receive $3,000 to further their training or kick-start their career. Organisation winners will be recognised as industry leaders.

 

Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony in September and may go on to represent WA at the Australian Training Awards in Hobart in November.

 

“The WA Training Awards celebrate the best-of-the-best in vocational education and training, from young apprentices through to well-established organisations,” Ms McGurk said.

 

“It is wonderful to take a moment to celebrate their achievements and acknowledge the incredible efforts in this field.”

 

International Student of the Year

 

Federica Ceretta is a finalist in the International Student of the Year category, having completed her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at the Australian Institute of Workplace Training, acheiveing a childhood dream of coming to Australia. 

 

Ms Ceretta started working as an au pair in Perth and travelled all over Australia, but says Perth is the place she loves the most and calls home.

 

She says studying for her dream job in Perth helped to change her life and only six months after qualifying she has moved from being an educator to an assistant director at the childcare centre where she works.

 

Trainee of the Year

 

Hannah Morrison from Toodyay has been named as a finalist in the Trainee of the Year category. Employed by Toodyay Early Learning Centre and training under Central Regional TAFE.

 

Following her passion for working with children and advocating for children’s rights, she applied for a three-month trial at Toodyay Early learning Centre and after only four days in the role was offered a full time traineeship.

 

Hannah now enjoys presenting at the TAFE where she once studied, to inspire future educators to the sector.

 

School-based Apprentice of the Year 

 

Bronte Baxter entered the Future’s Program in Year 10, which allowed her to complete both school and work towards her dream career, she completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, while continuing to excel at school. She is now enrolled in the Diploma which she is completing as a traineeship.

 

Her dedication to her chosen career pathway in early childhood and education is evident through her strong dedication for supporting young children through developmental milestones and her ability to implement thoughtful initiatives for the children she cares for.

 

Jemma Carbonell, trained by CTAS Education and employed by Malvern Springs Early Learning Centre, is a fellow finalist in this category.  

 

Being one of nine children was one of the deciding factors that influenced Jemma to choose her career pathway. She has a natural affinity for working with children and is currently completing a school-based traineeship while working towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. 

 

To learn more about the Training Awards, please see here.