Vocational Education and Training inspires aspiring vet and nurse

(Left to right) Montayah Astruc and Katelyn Smith are both finalists for the NSW Training Awards (Western Sydney & Blue Mountains region).

Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park students Katelyn Smith and Montayah Astruc have been named finalists for Vocation Education and Training (VET) in Schools Student of the Year for the NSW Training Awards (Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region).

Katelyn, a Year 12 student who was raised around farm animals, was nominated for her outstanding work in her Primary Industries VET course while Montayah, who is completing a Health Services Assistant Certificate III, may be a familiar face for some locals having recently completed placement as an Assistant Nurse at Nepean Hospital.

An aspiring Equine Veterinarian, Katelyn is a dedicated student who has represented her school in numerous agriculture competitions including the recent Penrith Show.

“I have been around farms and livestock my entire life and share a great love for country life,” said Katelyn. “I hope to have a large property one day with lots of horses, cattle and other animals.”

“It’s an honour to be a finalist for the NSW Training Awards.” she added. “I want to thank my mum, dad and brother for all their support and encouragement as well as my Primary Industries teacher, Mr (Geoffrey) Clerke, who has been an absolute credit to my learning.”

Caroline Chisholm College Teacher, Geoffery Clerke is particularly proud of Katelyn’s nomination.

“Katelyn is an exceptional young woman who has excelled in so many aspects of College life,” said Geoffrey. “Katelyn is obviously incredibly passionate about the agriculture industry and along with cattle raising and parading, she continually shows excellent teamwork and problem solving skills and is an integral part of the care and maintenance of the College’s livestock.”

Katelyn representing Caroline Chisholm College in cattle parading in 2022

Katelyn also had some advice for other students interested in studying a VET course at school.

“VET courses are great and they’re so practical,” said Katelyn.

They really prepare you for a career in your chosen industry by giving you first hand experience and lots of valuable skills. I’ve been able to learn how to build fences and drive machinery and lots of other skills which are sure to help if I end up working in the agriculture industry.

Montayah’s work experience made a particular impression on the caring young local who also serves as her school’s Wellbeing Co-Chair and as a Coach with Warragamba Netball Club.

“I will never forget the memories I have created and experienced throughout my qualification, particularly within my placement at Nepean Hospital,” Montayah said.

“I have always had a deep sense for helping others around me and wanting to make a difference, this VET course has enabled me to learn the fundamental practices and gain insight into the realities of working in a hospital environment.”

Sandy Causer, Executive Officer from NSW Health RTO recommended Montayah for the NSW Training Awards. The NSW Health RTO formed the partnership with Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) to address nursing skills shortages, and provide an opportunity for NSW Health to create a pipeline of healthcare workers for Nepean Hospital.

“Montayah is an excellent nominee, possessing exceptional enthusiasm and dedication to her studies,” said Sandra.

Irene Pereira, CSPD VET & RTO Manager, nominated Montayah and not only praised her dedication to her Health Services studies but also her contribution to her school community.

“Montayah is an exceptional leader both at school and within her wider community,” said Irene. “She is community focused, generous with her time and has a caring nature. Through her work with NSW Health, she has developed strong technical skills and procedural knowledge required to provide assistance to healthcare professionals.”

With 80 schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, CSPD is a leader in Vocational Education and Training through highly successful trade training programs including at CathWest Innovation College, vocational education and training programs across 26 sites and the virtual School of Now.

In 2022, CathWest was awarded the ‘Innovation in VET Award’ at the Australian Training Awards, building on the recent success of our VET offering being named ‘Training Provider of the Year’ at the NSW Training Awards in 2021, and as a finalist for the 2021 ‘Small Training Provider of the Year’ at the Australian Training Awards.