Student of the Month
Studying while juggling work, social and family life, is a tough gig. We feel that it’s important that our students understand that we appreciate the time and effort they put into their studies. The VTS Student of the Month award recognises the hard work and commitment put in by our students. This student could be someone who achieves outstanding results, or it could be a student who has persevered through difficult challenges and continues to achieve their learning goals.
The VTS Students of the Month for November 2024 were:
At VTS, we believe that vocational training transforms lives, providing pathways to meaningful employment and personal growth. One shining example of this is our chef training program, delivered at Wooroloo Prison Farm. These programs equip participants with professional culinary skills that meet industry standards, preparing them for rewarding careers post-release.
This month, VTS trainer Chris, who has been working with the students at Wooroloo Prison Farm nominated three trainees for the Student of the Month award, highlighting their exceptional performance in two key units: SITHCCC036 – Prepare Meat Dishes and SITHCCC037 – Prepare Seafood Dishes.
The trainees have been praised for their dedication, commitment, and eagerness to learn. They have not only excelled in their coursework but have also gone above and beyond in their roles, demonstrating initiative, teamwork, and enthusiasm.
Programs like these reflect VTS’s commitment to delivering high-impact, real-world training that empowers individuals to build brighter futures. We’re proud of the outstanding achievements of our trainees and their journey toward becoming skilled professionals in the culinary world.
VTS also partners with schools across Perth to deliver high-quality, school-based training that equips students with valuable skills and real-world experience. At John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School, we provide hospitality training that has seen students thrive, including our November Student of the Month, Yabsira. Despite a challenging start, Yabsira has shown remarkable growth and was also nominated by the school for the Year 11 Trainee of the Year award. The Student of the Month initiative has been a hit at John Septimus Roe, fostering friendly competition and inspiring students to excel in their training.
The VTS Student of the Month for April 2024 is:
Layla Cassian. Layla, a Certificate III in Hospitality student at Mundaring Christian College, has shown incredible self-motivation, confidence, and enthusiasm. Nominated by VTS Trainer Chris Martin, Layla consistently maintains high standards in her assessments and logbooks.
At the beginning of the year, Layla led the bakery, short order, and larder sections of the kitchen filling in for the Café Manager who was away on long service leave. Layla admirably stepped up, guiding her fellow trainees with ease. Her willingness to take on any task and her commitment to excellence truly set her apart.
Congratulations, Layla, on this well-deserved recognition! ⭐
VTS Student of the Month April 2024 Layla Cassian
The VTS Student of the Month for March 2024 was jointly awarded to two hard-working students from John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School: Kimberly Edmonds and Chris Loruwi. Both of these students have worked exceptionally hard to get their units up to date.
The VTS Student of the Month for February 2024 was Chloe Tinley. Chloe, a dedicated Year 11 student from Kingsway Christian College, is currently excelling in her Certificate II in Cookery through our school-based traineeship program. Chloe’s passion for learning, coupled with her natural leadership qualities, sets her apart. She consistently demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond, making her an absolute pleasure to train. Her commitment to excellence is truly inspiring! Congratulations, Chloe, on this well-deserved recognition. Your hard work and dedication are a shining example to us all. Keep up the fantastic work!
VTS Student of the Month February 2024 Chloe Tinley
The VTS Student of the Month for October 2022 was Ebony Belfield! Ebony is completing a traineeship at Gallery Works in Albany. Ebony has taken over the meet and greet at Gallery Works. Ebony works with them to produce the best framing available and they trust her opinion and feedback that she gives. Ebony has developed excellent customer service skills and attention to detail. Congratulations Ebony!
The VTS Student of the Month for September 2022 was Annmarie Patterson who works at the Spudshed in Morley. Annmarie’s VTS Trainer, Sandra nominated Annmarie for the quality of work she completes and her outstanding customer service. Annmarie sets a good example for the younger team members with her calm, professional and patient approach to customer service.
The VTS Student of the Month for August 2022 was Kyara Truninger who is completing a Certificate III in Retail at Subway. Kyara’s VTS Trainer, Maureen nominated Kyara as she is a model student who is always prepared. Kyara has developed a great rapport with her customers and co-workers and she has been offered further work when her traineeship is complete. Well done Kyara!
VTS Student of the Month August 2022 Kyara Truninger
Kathleen Burke was our Student of the Month for July 2022. Kathleen is currently completing her Certificate III in Retail while working for the Smokemart. VTS trainer & assessor, Nicky Young says Kathleen is the most enthusiastic trainee she has ever had. Kathleen is a model trainee always meeting deadlines, asking for and taking on feedback and genuinely adapting herself to accommodate her new learnings. Well done Kathleen!
Kathleen Burke VTS Student of the Month July 2022
Makan Bhana was our Student of the Month for June 2022. Makan is a Year 11 Certificate II in Kitchen Operations trainee at Kingsway Christian College. Makan’s VTS trainer & assessor Chris Martin says Makan is an absolute pleasure to train and takes his training seriously. A quiet achiever who deserves to be recognised. Makan has a strong work ethic, humble yet assertive and takes pride in all tasks he is part of. Congratulations Makan.
Makan Bhana VTS Student of the Month June 2022
Kallen Fantasia was the VTS Student of the Month for May 2022. Kallen is currently completing the Certificate II in Workplace Skills with the Commonwealth Bank in Bunbury. Kallen has received excellent feedback from customers at CBA Bunbury, and the staff there say they absolutely love having him around too. Kallen is an amazing success story on how vocational education can really help students that aren’t quite fitting into the formal education model.
Kathy Purves with VTS Student of The Month for May Kallen Fantasia
The VTS Student of the Month for April 2022 was Jessica Ralston-Harfield! Jessica is currently completing a Certificate III in Business Administration with CGS Quality Cleaning in Albany. Jessica’s VTS Trainer, Bronwyn O’Flanagan says Jessica is a dedicated worker with a delightful personality which makes her an absolute pleasure to deal with on any level. Jessica’s manager Debra says that with Jessica’s ability to learn quickly, Debra feels confident to hand on more work to Jessica in order to be able to focus on other areas of the business. What an asset you are Jessica. Well done!
Jessica Ralson-Harfield is VTS Student of the Month for April 2022
The VTS Student of the Month for March 2022 was Lhasa Bartsch-Smith. Lhasa is completing a traineeship with Six Degrees in Albany. Raelene Paunic, VTS Trainer believes Lhasa is dedicated to her job and training. She is always calm, engaged and helpful to others. Congratulations Lhasa.
Lhasa Bartsch-Smith – VTS Student of the Month for March 2022
The VTS Student of the Month for February 2022 was Christina Meier. Christina is one of our regional trainees, working for the Shire of Kulin. Christina’s workbooks are completed to a very high standard and she is also using knowledge gained from her studies to implement changes in her daily work tasks. Christina’s trainer, Sandra Satchell, observed Christina running an IT drop-in centre for seniors. She showed immense patience while helping them create email accounts, use mobile phones and online banking. Well done Christina.
The VTS Student of the Month for November 2021 was Dillon O’Donoghue! Dillon is completing a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations with Island Market. Dillon is a valuable team member who has full respect from the chefs and staff at Island Market. VTS trainer, Chris Martin, said Dillon’s knife skills are “amazing” and his organisational skills are astounding. Dillon is considering continuing his studies by completing the Certificate III In Commercial Cookery. Well done Dillon. You have come so far.
Student of the Month Nov 21 Dillon O’Donoghue, Island Market
The VTS Student of the Month for October 2021 was Lawson Baker! Lawson is completing a Certificate IV in Business with Earthtrack. Lawson’s VTS trainer, Penny Loveland-Coombs nominated Lawson for his continuous hard work and dedication to study. “He will no doubt continue on to a thriving career and future,” said Penny. Barry Bloomfield, CEO of Earthtrack also highly commended Lawson. “Lawson is a very motivated and talented member of our team…and we are very impressed with his commitment and enthusiasm and willingness to help other.” Well done Lawson.
Lawson Baker VTS Student of the Month for October 2021
The VTS Student of the Month for September 2021 was Annabelle Punzalan. Annabelle is completing her Certificate III in Retail with VTS through The Good Grocer. “Annabelle is passionate about everything she does. She has a refreshing work ethic and a desire to learn,” enthused Maureen Gardner, VTS Trainer and Assessor. Annabelle’s supervisor and colleagues say she is a credit to their store. Congratulations Annabelle.
Annabelle Punzalan VTS Student of the Month for September and Maureen Gardner, VTS Trainer & Assessor
The VTS Student of the Month for August 2021 was Faith Jones who is currently completing her Certificate III in Hospitality at Dome. “Faith is excellent to work with. I always enjoy visiting her,” says Rae Paunic, VTS Trainer & Assessor. Faith’s manager is equally impressed and delighted with Faith’s work ethic and her ability to build a rapport with their many regular customers. Well done Faith.
Faith Jones VTS Student of the Month for August
The VTS Student of the Month for July 2021 was Caitlin Sears. Caitlin is currently completing her Certificate III in Retail at Koorong. “Caitlin provides outstanding customer service. She is very knowledgeable and forthcoming with recommendations to customers,” says Sandra Satchell, VTS trainer and assessor. Caitlin’s work is always completed to a high standard and incredibly detailed.
Congratulations Caitlin.
Caitlin Sears with VTS trainer and assessor, Sandra Satchell
The VTS Student of the Month for June 2021 was Georgia Pepper currently completing her Certificate III in Business at Bunbury Hospital. VTS trainer and assessor, Kathy Purves says that Georgia is powering through her studies. Georgia has also been acting as a wonderful mentor to other students. Georgia was very excited to receive this award.
Well done Georgia.
Georgia Pepper with VTS trainer and assessor, Kathy Purves
The VTS Student of the Month for May 2021 was Tegan Bright was part of the very first intake of students at our new Joondalup hospitality training centre. Tegan completed her Certificate III in Hospitality; an excellent student who worked very hard to gain her certification. She is now currently employed within the hospitality industry.
Congratulations Tegan.
Tegan Bright – Student of the Month for May 2021
The VTS Student of the Month for March 2021 was Tyson Stokes King of Spudshed Stirling. Tyson is engaged in his training and contributes well to each and every training session. He is always on time and completes his workbook submissions for his Certificate II in Retail to a high standard. Tyson is doing a great job with customers too. “There’s not a week goes by that I don’t get a compliment from a customer,” said Brandy, Tyson’s supervisor.
Well done Tyson.
Maureen Gardner (VTS Trainer), Tyson Stokes King
The VTS Student of the Month for February 2021 was Leilani Van Tobruk of Kingsway Christian College. Leilani is studying a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations through a WA School Based Traineeship with VTS. Leilani is completing the course through a combination of classroom and workplace training within the school’s kitchen and functions operations.
VTS trainer/assessor, Chris Martin, is highly impressed with Leilani and her approach to her training. “Leilani consistently demonstrates initiative, readiness to learn and leadership in planning and completing her work tasks”, says Chris.
Leilani receives a gift voucher for her outstanding effort.
(L-R) Mrs Caitlin Lowndes (KCC), Karen Theunissen (VET coordinator), Leilani Van Tobruk, Chris Martin (VTS Trainer)