Early childhood educator among finalists recognised in 2026 WA Training Awards

An early childhood educator whose vocational training helped transform her life after migrating to Australia has been recognised among the finalists in the 2026 WA Training Awards.

My Quyen Pham has been named a finalist in the WA Cultural Diversity Training Award, recognising her journey from completing a Certificate II in General Education for Adults to undertaking a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, a pathway that led directly to employment with Northam Early Learning Centre. 

Her recognition forms part of this year's WA Training Awards, which celebrate excellence in vocational education and training (VET), with 41 finalists recognised across individual and organisational award categories.

Originally migrating to Australia from Vietnam with her family, My Quyen undertook vocational training to build new skills and employment opportunities.

According to the Department of Training and Workforce Development, completing a Certificate II in General Education for Adults gave her the confidence to enrol in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Her work placement proved transformative, with Northam Early Learning Centre offering her employment on her first day.

My Quyen credits her trainers with supporting her through the challenges of settling into a new country and helping her establish a meaningful career in early childhood education and care. 

The WA Training Awards, hosted annually by the Department of Training and Workforce Development, recognise individuals, employers and training providers that are contributing to Western Australia's vocational education and training sector.

This year's awards feature 30 individual finalists across eight categories, alongside 11 organisations competing across four employer and training provider categories.

The awards celebrate apprentices, trainees, vocational students and educators whose achievements help promote vocational pathways and encourage others to pursue careers through VET.

Vocational education continues to play a critical role in developing Australia's early childhood education and care workforce, with Certificate III qualifications providing the minimum entry-level qualification for educators working in centre-based services under the National Quality Framework.

Stories such as My Quyen's highlight the important role vocational training can play in creating employment pathways while supporting workforce participation and diversity across the sector.

Her journey also reflects the contribution culturally diverse educators make to Australia's early learning services, strengthening connections with families and enriching children's learning experiences through diverse perspectives.

Winners of the 2026 WA Training Awards will be announced at a presentation ceremony on 10 September, with individual winners becoming ambassadors for vocational education and training across Western Australia.

Department of Training and Workforce Development Director General Jodie Wallace said the awards celebrated the diverse pathways available through vocational education.

"The training journeys of this year's finalists highlight the diverse career pathways and opportunities available through Western Australia's world-class vocational training system."

She said the awards showcased the breadth of opportunities available through VET, from secondary school students to mature-aged career changers.

"Vocational training has a pathway for everyone and can open doors to a world of opportunities."

Read the full list of finalists here.