11 August 2022
Three South Regional TAFE students and one lecturer have been announced as finalists in the WA Training Awards.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery recently announced the 2022 WA Training Award finalists.
The Awards highlight the outstanding efforts of these individuals in the vocational education and training sector.
South Regional TAFE Managing Director Darshi Ganeson congratulated the finalists. She said it was exciting to see a diverse range of finalists from across the college.
“They will become our training ambassadors for our college and our community and inspire others with their passion for their industries,” she said.
“Congratulations also to everyone who has helped the finalists in their studies and careers.”
The winners of the WA Training Awards will be announced on 21 September. The winners could go on to the national awards and attend the Australian Training Awards in Adelaide in November.
The finalists from South Regional TAFE are:
Jye Graham, Certificate III in Plumbing (Bunbury campus) - Aboriginal and Tores Strait Islander Student of the Year
Bouncing between industries and trialling FIFO, Jye wanted to return to his home town of Bunbury to support his family.
With a trade in mind, he secured a plumbing apprenticeship through Programmed and South Regional TAFE. Jye has since excelled, receiving numerous awards and recognition for his part in educating colleagues on how to effectively communicate with Indigenous employees.
Jye hopes to become an industry mentor to others. He says with a goal and hard work, anything is possible.
Dilrukshi (Sandamali) Muthuthanthrige ,Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Albany campus)- Cultural Diversity Training Award
After working as a teacher for 10 years in Sri Lanka, Dilrukshi and her family made the move to Walpole. She decided to continue her passion for working with children, completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and is now working towards her Diploma at South Regional TAFE.
Dilrukshi looks forward to making a difference in how a child approaches learning for life and hopes to encourage positive outcomes in children's health, wellbeing and education.
Christopher Smithall, Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (Bunbury campus) - Vocational Student of the Year
After gaining a leadership role in the Operational Services team at Synergy's Muja Power Station, Christopher realised there was further opportunity to upskill and improve his technical, leadership and team skills.
He enrolled in a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management at South Regional TAFE and a Diploma in Process Plant Technology at South Metropolitan TAFE, which have provided him with the skills to support Synergy's Workforce Transition, as well as the technical knowledge that will further support his move into a management role.
Rob Carter, Lecturer (Narrogin campus) - Trainer of the Year
With 26 years of experience in the agricultural industry, including 22 as an employer, Robert Carter has also been bringing his experience to the VET sector for the past 16 years, with a focus on flexible delivery.
Now an Advanced Skills Lecturer based at the Narrogin campus of South Regional TAFE, Robert delivers wool harvesting qualifications State-wide and has been instrumental in developing training resources for the Australian wool industry, working in close cooperation with peak industry bodies at State and national levels.