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 Student of the Month for February 2025 was:
Olivia Erasmus! Hard work, passion, and dedication have paid off for Olivia, a standout student in the Future Chef Program. Throughout her training, Olivia demonstrated a strong work ethic, a keen ability to learn new skills quickly, and a genuine love for cooking.
During her work placement at Market Grounds, Olivia impressed her team with her professionalism, teamwork, and attention to detail. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed—her employers were so impressed that they offered her a job!
Olivia is set to begin her part-time role at Market Grounds in Perth City, with plans to transition to full-time. There’s also potential for a traineeship, providing her with an exciting pathway to further develop her skills. This opportunity marks the next step in her culinary journey, and we can’t wait to see where her passion and talent take her.
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 October 2024 is:
Kayden T! Kayden’s dedication and determination have made him a standout student in his training. He approaches every task with a strong work ethic, ensuring his theory work is thorough and well-researched and asking for assistance when needed to deepen his understanding.
In the kitchen, his skills continue to grow, and his attention to detail is evident in the high standard of work he produces. His progress has been so remarkable that he no longer requires support from his EA during practical sessions—an incredible achievement that reflects his confidence and capability.
Beyond his skills, Kayden’s positive energy is contagious. He brings a smile to everyone’s face with his enthusiasm, greeting classmates and trainers with warmth and excitement.
Congratulations, Kayden! Your hard work and uplifting spirit are an inspiration to all.
The VTS Student of the Month for September 2024 is:
Mitchell Douglas. Passion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the craft of cooking have made Mitch a standout student in the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Lalla Rookh. His enthusiasm for the industry is second to none, and his drive to excel has been evident in his impressive progress over the past two months. Congratulations Mitch.
The VTS Students of the Month for August 2024 are:
Noor Subha who completed Certificate IV qualifications in business, leadership and management. Noor was an excellent trainee who was committed to completing every unit each month.
The second Student of the Month is Danika B, a school-based trainee at Kingsway Christian College. Danika is a true quiet achiever who exemplifies leadership, maturity, and self-discipline. Currently completing her Certificate II in Cookery, Danika approaches every task with professionalism, precision, and a meticulous work ethic that sets her apart.
Danika follows in the footsteps of her older brother, Makan, who was awarded Student of the Month at KCC two years ago. While her future career path may take her beyond hospitality, she possesses an invaluable sense of responsibility, punctuality, and a strong work ethic—qualities that will serve her well in any field.
The VTS Student of the Month for July 2024 is:
Kaitland Kelly. Kaitland is a school-based trainee completing a Certificate II in Workplace Skills through Maxima Group Training, hosted by Westpac Geraldton. Determined to succeed, Kaitland has been working closely with her VET Coordinator, dedicating extra study time each week to ensure she remains on top of her assessments. Even when faced with challenges, she maintains a strong focus and unwavering determination, making her progress an inspiration to those around her.
The VTS Student of the Month for May 2024 is:
Joanna B, known to her friends as Chi Chi. Chi Chi has truly excelled this term, proving herself to be a dedicated and hardworking student in the hospitality program. As a quiet achiever, she listens carefully to guidance from her trainers, including Mrs. Edwards and Chef Paul, and applies herself diligently to every task. Her theory work is of high quality, and her kitchen skills are equally impressive, demonstrating both precision and professionalism.
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! ⭐
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.