Students Triumph at NSW Regional Training Awards

Students excel at the 2023 NSW Training Awards North Coast and Mid North Coast Region. (9 June 2023)

Congratulations to Year 12 students Laicy Costigan, Newman Senior Technical College, Port Macquarie, and Tayla Hiscock, St Paul’s College, Kempsey, for their outstanding results in the 2023 NSW Training Awards North Coast and Mid North Coast Region.

The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW within the NSW Department of Education to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector.

Laicy was named the VET in Schools Student of the Year North Coast and Mid North Coast Region winner. Laicy will now progress to the State Finals, where through an interview process, a panel will determine if Laicy displays the qualities required to become a VET Ambassador.

Laicy is pursuing a career in Construction and is currently working at Port Macquarie Shipways for work placement and was previously at Adenbrook Homes and Port Macquarie Decking.

‘It was mostly because of my passion for working with my hands that I chose to pursue a career in the Construction Industry. I find the satisfaction I feel when I see the finished product empowering and rewarding. Newman College has enabled me to apply the skills and knowledge I have learned in the classroom to real-world situations, helps you learn quickly and is very rewarding,’ said Laicy.

Tayla was recognised for her outstanding achievements and commitment to her studies and work, winning the North Coast School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year award.

Tayla is in her final year completing the MNCLHD Elsa Dixon Aboriginal school-based traineeship to achieve a Certificate III in Health Service Assistance. She is working at Kempsey District Hospital, training to be an Assistant in Nursing (AIN).

‘While it was challenging to manage the combined demands of the TAFE qualification and an ATAR pathway, I am grateful for the opportunity to open up my future career pathways. I feel more confident than ever with my plan to attend University to continue my health career. I encourage all young people to consider a VET course if they would like to find out more about possible career pathways and to earn while they learn,’ said Tayla.

Congratulations to Laicy and Tayla on this outstanding achievement.