Cobar’s Georgia Boland was named as the winner of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Western NSW Trainee of the Year at the NSW Training Awards Western Region dinner in Bathurst last Thursday.
Georgia will now go on to compete at State level against eight other regional winners in her category.
The 18 year old, who is now employed as a full time educator with Cobar Preschool and is currently studying her Diploma of Early Childhood Education, started her childcare training as a school-based trainee in 2021.
Georgia underwent two years of school-based training through ECTARC, an early childhood education services and training organisation, and was nominated by her trainer Cindy Duggan for the award.
The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW within the NSW Department of Education and recognise outstanding achievements in the vocational education and training sector.
The awards honour and reward the achievements and hard work of students, trainers/teachers, Registered Training Organisations, as well as employers.
For individuals, winning an award can open many doors and potentially become a stepping stone in their careers.
Georgia said she was thrilled to be nominated and was very surprised when she was announced as a winner.
“I felt very proud of this achievement,” Georgia told The Cobar Weekly.
“I am now an ambassador for Education Pathways Program (EPP) for Vocational Educational Training (VET) where I will assist and mentor students undertaking VET courses
“I am looking forward to this to help students pursue the start of their career pathways.”
Georgia said she’d received lots of help throughout her training including assistance from her school careers adviser, Megan Nicholson, School Learning Support staff member Elsa Mitchell, her trainer Cindy from ECTARC, and the staff at Cobar Preschool.
“I am so grateful to each and everyone of them for their support and the ongoing support they are still providing me with.
“My mentors have encouraged me when I thought I couldn’t complete my studies.
“They have given me confidence and encouraged me to pursue a career in the field that I love.
“They are always complementing me on how I perform in the work environment,” Georgia said.
Employer, Cobar Preschool director Kristi Martin, said they were pleased and proud of Georgia.
“Georgia has put in so much hard work and dedication to her study,” Kristi said.
“The relationships she has with the families and the children are amazing, she has fitted in as part of our team from day one.
“It is wonderful to see her being acknowledged as she gives her all every day.”
Cobar High School careers advisor Megan Nicholson said the Cobar community had embraced the school’s School-Based Apprentices and Trainee (SBAT) program by offering jobs and training to students as they complete their senior years.
“These opportunities have created some great success stories for those involved.
“It is a credit to Georgia for being recognised at such a high level for her commitment to Early Childhood education.
“Her passion for this chosen career path is evident as a valued employee at Cobar Preschool,” Megan said.
Georgia encourages any students who are given the opportunity to undertake a school based traineeship or apprenticeship to give it serious consideration.
She said to have left school and already have a certificate behind her in a field she loves working in has been a great advantage.
“It’s the best thing I have done!” she said.
Georgia will head to Sydney next month for an interview as part of the State judging.
