8 April 2026
Outstanding achievements of students were celebrated at the South Metropolitan TAFE Student Awards, held on Monday 30 March at Bentley Pines Training Restaurant.
South Metropolitan TAFE has celebrated the outstanding achievements of its students at the 2026 Student Awards, recognising not just results, but the determination, resilience and personal growth behind them.
More than 100 guests came together to honour 23 finalists whose stories reflect the real impact of vocational education. From career changes later in life to students overcoming personal challenges, each journey was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through opportunity, support and hard work.
Seven students were named winners on the night, representing a diverse range of study areas and career pathways. Together, they showcase the breadth of talent and ambition across South Metropolitan TAFE.
A strong theme throughout the evening was gratitude, with many students acknowledging the role their lecturers played in building their confidence, supporting their learning and helping them stay on track.
The event also brought together staff, industry and community representatives, reinforcing the important role vocational education plays in building a skilled and capable workforce for Western Australia.
South Metropolitan TAFE supports more than 32,000 students each year and delivers over eight million student curriculum hours, helping people gain practical skills for meaningful careers and new opportunities. To be recognised among such a large and diverse student community is a significant achievement. We congratulate all finalists and winners and look forward to seeing what they achieve next.
The Student Awards are a celebration of student success, and a reminder of the life-changing impact of education and training.
2026 Student Award Winners and Finalists
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Finalist
Ryan Tate I AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Winner
Eldrick Jetta I 22691VIC Certificate II in General Education for Adults
(Pictured left to right: Eldrick Jetta and Ryan Tate)
Culturally Diverse Student of the Year
Finalist
Rayanne Muniz de Sousa I 22640VIC Certificate III in English as an Additional Language
Finalist
Seher Temel I CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services
Winner
Wina Bayang I 22640VIC Certificate III in English as an Additional Language
(Pictured left to right: Rayanne Muniz de Sousa, Wina Bayang, Seher Temel)
International Diverse Student of the Year
Finalist
Lara Zakss I ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Finalist
Valerie Asmus I SIT50322 Diploma of Event Management
Winner
Warona Machingaifa I CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services
(Pictured left to right: Valerie Asmus, Warona Machingaifa, Lara Zakss)
Trainee of the Year
Finalist
Georgia Roussel I Defence Industry Pathways Program
Finalist
Jay Webb I BSB40120 Certificate IV in Business (Administration)
Winner
Chen'ee Edgar I CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
(Pictured left to right: Jay Webb, Chen’ee Edgar, Georgia Roussel)
VET Secondary Student of the Year
Finalist
Elle Williams I AUR20720 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation [Light, Heavy and Electrical Rotation]
Finalist
Makayla Gordon I 52913WA AE25 Certificate II in Engineering Foundations (Fabrication Pre Apprenticeship) [Women in Pre- Apprenticeship]
Winner
Callum Abbey I SIT30522 Certificate III in Events
(Pictured left to right: Callum Abbey, Makayla Gordon, Elle Williams)
Vocational Student of the Year
Finalist
Amy Sales I Women in Defence Industry Scholarship
Finalist
Bree Zouethout I SIT50322 Diploma of Event Management
Finalist
Tracy Mcleod I CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services
Winner
Emily Ward I SIT50322 Diploma of Event Management
(Pictured left to right: Tracey Mcleod, Emily Ward, Bree Zouethout, Amy Sales)
Apprentice of the Year
Finalist
Alex Christou I MEM31219 Certificate III in Engineering - Industrial Electrician
Finalist
Anthony Ricetti I AUR30620 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Finalist
Brody Leahy I MSF20322 Certificate II in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Cabinet Making and Timber Technology Pre-apprenticeship)
Finalist
Zac Martin I AUR30620 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Winner
Cody Cole I MEM31219 Certificate III in Engineering – Industrial Electrician
(Pictured left to right: Cody Cole, Anthony Ricetti, Alex Christou, Brody Leahy, Zac Martin)
WA Training Awards
Applications for WA Training Awards close on Friday, 10 April 2026. South Metropolitan TAFE encourages all students, including our winners and finalists, to apply for the individual categories.
Visit the WA Training Awards website to apply and find out information.
Want to train at South Metropolitan TAFE?
Applications for Semester 2, 2026 open on 30 April 2026.