Maryville local, Dascha Harrison, was announced as the School Based Trainee of the Year at the 2024 Hunter and Central Coast Regional Training Awards at Newcastle Town Hall on Friday night.  

The annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of students, trainees, and apprentices in the vocational education and training sector, with finalists representing the best in their field.  

Accepting the award for her studies in Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at TAFE NSW Newcastle, Dascha, 17, said it was a rewarding feeling to be named the best out of a strong list of nominees. 

“I was so surprised when I won the award, but also felt very proud to be representing healthcare as one of the most important industries in NSW,” Dascha said. 

Dascha is channelling her own experience in hospital into a career helping others. 

"I spent two months in hospital during my battle with anorexia nervosa, and the doctor who treated me inspired me to pursue a career in medicine specialising in adolescent health and the treatment of eating disorders.  

“I absolutely love TAFE NSW, especially the practical experience I’m gaining, and I have access to so much support from our wonderful teachers,” she said. 

In addition to her day at TAFE NSW, Dascha completes a day of practical work placement on the Nephrology and Dialysis ward at John Hunter Hospital. She is also working towards completing year 12 later this year at Cooks Hill Campus and has a part-time job at a local supermarket.  

TAFE NSW Nursing School Based Coordinator, Angela Simpson, acknowledged Dascha’s hard work and the role TAFE NSW plays in providing a pipeline of skilled workers to the state's most in-demand industry.  

“Winning an NSW Regional Training Award is an outstanding achievement, and Dascha is a wonderful example of the high-quality graduates TAFE NSW is training to meet the growing demand for skilled nurses and healthcare workers in our region.  

“School based trainees, like Dascha, gain valuable real-life experience working in the hospital. They complete their Certificate III in Health Services Assistance qualification in conjunction with the Human Services curriculum for the HSC, which opens a pathway to a Diploma of Nursing or a Bachelor of Nursing at University. On completion, trainees can work as Assistants in Nursing while they pursue further study,” Ms Simpson said. 

Another TAFE NSW Newcastle Certificate III in Health Services Assistance student, Ella Marceau, was also a finalist in Friday night’s awards.  

NSW Regional Training Award winners now progress to the NSW Training Awards, which will be held in Sydney on 13 September. 

Media contact: Emily Graham, Communications Specialist, emily.graham40@tafensw.edu.au, 7921 3756.