The region's most outstanding people and organisations working and learning in the vocational education and training (VET) sector have been recognised at this year’s Western NSW Regional Training Awards which were held in Parkes last Thursday.

Gilgandra local, Hannah Harland took out the award as Trainee of the Year for her dedicated work at the Gilgandra Preschool.

She will now progress to the state finals in Sydney later in September.

In addition to completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Hannah also completed a diploma to deepen her understanding of the different needs children have. 

Hannah was also commended for her professionalism, passion for childcare and being a role model for other young workers in the community. 

Hannah, who is 22 years old, told the Western Plains App that she had been nominated by her training organisation and her employer and was required to answer questions and take part in an interview before being named as a finalist.

"There were questions like why I wanted to get into this career, what my study challenges were, what I thought about the industry and my hobbies and interests. There was also a focus on mental health within the industry," Hannah said.

"I was very excited and proud to have been named as the winner."

Hannah was nominated for her work at the Gilgandra Preschool Inc. IMAGE: Gilgandra Preschool Incorporated

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, congratulated Hannah and fellow winner, VET in Schools Student of the Year - Annalise Hansen from Bathurst.

"We know that many jobs created in the next decade will require vocational qualifications," Mr Whan said. "These awards celebrate the young workers, trainers and businesses working to ensure we meet this challenge. Congratulations to Hannah and Annalise for their remarkable achievements.

"Their stories exemplify the transformative power of VET and the opportunities it creates for individuals to thrive and make a significant impact in their communities." 

Steve Whan is Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education IMAGE: Steve Whan

Hannah said she has always wanted to work with children.

"I work full time in a childcare setting and it's something I have wanted to do ever since I was in school," she said. "A lot of people in my family work with children, like my mom, who is a school teacher.

"I went to school in Gilgandra and did work experience with children but I wasn’t initially sure if I wanted to work with older kids, or if I wanted to go into childcare. So I did work experience for both, and I really fell in love with childcare."

“I completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood I wanted to further my education and career and complete the next qualification up. Continuing to study the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care has allowed me to become more open minded and understanding of the different needs that children have.” 

Children and education are kind of a big deal in Hannah's family. IMAGE: Gilgandra Preschool Inc.

Hannah plans to continue in her workplace and is considering further study in the future.

“It is exciting to go further with my career and learn more about how to educate and provide a nurturing environment for all children,” Hannah said.

“Being able to teach and educate children is so rewarding. We get to provide a nurturing caring environment for them and watch them achieve big and little milestones.”

The full list of the 2024 NSW Training Award winners for Western NSW is below -

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year- Elizabeth Scholes-Walker(Dubbo)
• Apprentice of the Year- Annalise Brouwer (Orange)
•  School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year - Brooklyn Cole (Kelso)
• Trainee of the Year - Hannah Harland (Gilgandra)
• VET in Schools Student of the Year - Annalise Hansen (Bathurst)
• VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year - Max Rabbett (Eumungerie)
• Vocational Student of the Year - Samantha Zannes - (Kelso)