General News
9 January, 2025
BEST OF 2024: Hannah Harland wins VET Trainee of the Year Award
Hannah Harland has been awarded highest honours with the VET TAFE Trainee of the Year Award.
First published June 13, 2024.
Gilgandra local Hannah Harland has been awarded highest honours with the vocational education and training (VET) TAFE Trainee of the Year Award. Hannah was presented with the award at the 2024 Western NSW Regional Training Award held Thursday, June 6 at Parkes Services and Citizens Club. Annalise Brouwer was presented with the Apprentice of the Year Award alongside Hannah. The finalists and winners at the western NSW regional awards exemplify the world-class VET sector in our region, highlighting the breadth of career opportunities offered by VET studies.
Hannah has recieved her training through Sureway Skills training. Sureway provides training aimed at developing employment ready skills through job placement and courses tailored to individual trainees. Their aim is to "bridge skills gaps and ensure real outcomes for learners, employees and employers," according to the Sureway Skills Training website.
Within the community, Hannah is celebrated for her role at Gilgandra Preschool. There, she showcases her professionalism, her passion for childcare, and the role model example she sets for other young workers. Recently, Hannah has completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. She has also completed a diploma to deepen her understanding of the different needs children have. Hannah is dedicated to her studies and has a deep dedication to the children she is responsible for.
Minister for skills, TAFE and tertiary education, Steve Whan, said, “Congratulations to [our award recipients] Annalise and Hannah 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.” Hannah told The Gilgandra Weekly that she’s glad to be recognised for her achievements. “For what I’ve overcome, I’m both excited and happy to be the trainee of the year. [Winning the Trainee of the Year Award] has made me realise all the work I’ve put into my everyday practice. I think a lot of people don’t realise all the work they put into something until they have something to show for it.”
Hannah went on to give thanks to those who have impacted and supported her journey. “I would like to thank the Gilgandra Preschool and my team… and my parents. If it wasn’t for their support, I wouldn’t be here today.” Hannah will now move on to compete for the NSW State Trainee of the Year. Interviews will be conducted across July to select category winners, with awards presented early September in Sydney. Winners will have the chance to attend a professional development day held in November before moving onto the national award individual category interviews and subsequent awards. Congratulations to Hannah for all her great accomplishments so far in her training and the community. Good luck in the upcoming state interviews.
