The EPP extends its congratulations to Dascha Harrison from Newcastle High School, the 2024 School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, and Gabriella Ward from Peel High School, the recipient of the 2024 VET in Schools, Student of the Year Award.

Both students were presented their awards at the 2024 NSW Training Awards, held at Sydney’s Town Hall on Friday 13 September.

Joining Dascha and Gabriella at the state awards was Philippa Schoupp from Warialda High School, who was a finalist in the School-Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year category.

All three students are completing a Certificate III qualification in Health Services Assistance, a course which provides essential hands-on experience and skills to progress their careers in nursing.

“These experiences have taught me how to effectively communicate complex medical information, show empathy and understanding and build strong relationships,” says Dascha.

In addition to our 3 student finalists, Michael Pfeffer from Dapto High School has won the 2024 VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year award.

Leading up the state awards, EPP students and schools have achieved significant recognition across the regional training awards, including Dascha, Philippa and Gabriella who all won their categories:

• Warrali Griffiths (Maitland High School) was named Aboriginal Student of the Year (Hunter/Central Coast) and is completing a Certificate III in Business.

• Sienna Withers (Moss Vale High School) was named VET in Schools Student of the Year (Illawarra) and is completing a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.

• Xavier Jeremijenko (Keira High School) was awarded SBAT of the Year (Illawarra) and is completing a Certificate II in Construction Pathways.

• Michael Pfeffer (Dapto High School) was named VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year (Illawarra).

• Coen Furtner (Picton High School) was recognised as VET in Schools Student of the Year (Southern and Southwest Sydney).

These recognitions are a clear indicator of the talent being cultivated within our EPP schools, reflecting a broader commitment to excellence in vocational education and training across the state.

The entire EPP community congratulates each of these winners on their well-deserved recognition and we are excited to see what comes next for each of them.