WALLAN Secondary College student Sophie Babycz was crowned the winner in the School Based Apprentice category of the Victorian Training Awards Gala Ceremony in Melbourne.
Sophie is now getting ready to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards (ATA) later this year
“I am look in forward to the judging in Sydney. It will certainly be a big week for me. I still can’t believe that I will be competing against other students from every state in Australia” Sophie said.
Sophie is undertaking her apprenticeship at the Wallan Neighbourhood House and is studying Certificate III in Business with GOTAFE along with her VCE.
Wallan Secondary Collage Careers and Pathways Manager, Brian Howley, said that the school was ‘really proud’ of Sophie and her achievement.
“Sophie is the first student that the college has nominated for a Victorian Training Award and the fact that she has won in her category is a credit to her. She has managed her VCE studies, her school based apprenticeship and a TAFE course – that is a huge workload,” Mr Howley said.
“I am sure that the support that she has received from the Wallan Neighbourhood House, GOTAFE and the Wallan Secondary College has helped her along the way.
“Sophie has also demonstrated the variety of ways that a young person can gain skills that will ready them for future work. We wish her every success in the national judging,” Mr Howley added.
Neighbourhood House coordinator, Pauline Cornish said that the experience of doing a school-based apprenticeship with Wallan Neighbourhood House is extremely rewarding for both Sophie and the Neighbourhood House.
“When the opportunity was presented she jumped at the opportunity to become an SBAT student with us. I am sure that the business skills Sophie is gaining will serve her well in this changing world,” Ms Cornish said.
This year’s Awards featured 13 categories including awards for individuals, employers, industry collaboration and training providers all taking centre stage.
Now in its 64th year the Victorian Training Awards celebrate excellence in the training and TAFE system, showcasing innovation and collaboration between industry and training providers.
Sophie and other category winners will go on to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards on November 24.
