Love of painting leads to trade skills and coveted award

For pre-apprenticeship student Maddison Worthington, helping with some home handywork has ultimately led to her being named the winner of the South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) VET Secondary Student of the Year Award.

Completing a painting and decorating certificate, the Year 12 student from Dudley Park excelled enough in her studies in 2020 to beat hundreds of other school students that attended SM TAFE as part of their secondary school education.

SM TAFE’s Student Awards recognise the achievements of students from across the college, including winners in the categories Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Trainee of the Year, International Student of the Year, Vocational Student of the Year, and the Cultural Diversity Training Award.

Attending Coodanup College, as a Year 9 student Maddison had the opportunity to undertake a Try-a-Trade program at school. The program provides secondary school students with a three-day program introducing them to a career in the building and construction industry.

Maddison enjoyed the program and decided to apply for a VET course in Years 11 and 12. Maddison chose the Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway - Trades) (Painting and Decorating Pre-Apprenticeship) after discovering a love of painting when helping her parents paint their new home.

Maddison this year secured an apprenticeship with the City of Mandurah and will return to SM TAFE to continue her training in this industry.

SM TAFE Education Pathways Manager, Tracey Beer, said Maddison had already proven to be an ambassador to SM TAFE and her industry.

“Maddison demonstrated strong leadership skills and was always willing to help her fellow students, including helping students in the special education painting and decorating program for students with special needs,” she said.

SM TAFE offers courses across many industries to secondary students at our own campuses and at selected secondary school locations. Choosing a VET pathway means you make school more interesting and relevant to you while kickstarting your career with recognised qualifications. Graduate with your Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and have the choice to continue in your TAFE studies, or decide to move into a higher education course. Secondary students can speak to their school VET Coordinator for more information or contact the SM TAFE Education Pathways via email at vetdss@smtafe.wa.edu.au.