Central Regional TAFE (CR TAFE) has been announced as the WA Large Training Provider of the Year 2023 as part of this year’s WA Training Awards.
CR TAFE Managing Director Joanne Payne accepted the accolade at the presentation ceremony held in Perth on Thursday 14 September 2023.
CR TAFE faced fierce competition from other large vocational and educational training providers across WA during the competition process, but it was their dedication to providing local, distinctive courses through strong industry partnerships that set them apart.
Ms Payne said CR TAFE has a strong commitment to providing the next generation of industry leaders with the best training and development possible.
“The core relationships our staff have maintained with local industries - over an area larger than the Northern Territory - continue to serve the college and our students, as they excel in their training and beyond,” she said.
“I would like to thank our staff, who are always showing their commitment, capability, and dedication to this organisation.”
“They are an amazing group of people who support each other and all have the common goal of focusing on the student experience and the industries we support,” said Ms Payne.
Former CR TAFE student, Hannah Morrison, was announced as the WA Trainee of the Year 2023, with judges recognising her dedication to serving her community and inspiring the next generation of education workers in Early Childhood Education and Care.
After receiving the award, Hannah said she was overwhelmed with gratitude.
“It is such an honour to have this opportunity and I feel so grateful to have won when there were so many amazing candidates,” she said.
“This win has already opened me up to incredible opportunities where I am able to continue my development as an ambassador for VET training.”
“My TAFE journey with Central Regional TAFE was outstanding, I always felt supported by TAFE, I knew that whenever I had any questions or problems, I was able to reach out and receive assistance.”
“It feels like such a family where every person is encouraging each other to succeed,” said Ms Morrison.
Hannah is currently studying a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and is interested in becoming a primary school teacher.
CR TAFE Business Lecturer Casey McCagh, was also recognised as a finalist in the WA Trainer of the Year 2023 award category.
Ms McCagh said she was honoured to be recognised for her dedication and efforts.
“I believe CR TAFE truly makes an impact,” she said.
“We value training, and I love that, and I’m very humbled and blessed to be in the job I have been for the last 17 years,” said Ms McCagh.
CR TAFE provides training to regional students across nine campuses, with more than 9,000 students unlocking their learning potential in 2022.
Following her award win Hannah automatically qualifies to represent WA at the national training awards, while CR TAFE will progress to the short-listing stage. The presentation ceremony for the Australian Training Awards will take place in Hobart in November 2023.
Photo provided by the Department of Training and Workforce Development.
Pictured from left to right, the Hon. Simone McGurk, Minister for Training, Water and Youth, presenting Central Regional TAFE Managing Director, Joanne Payne, and Central Regional TAFE Governing Council Member, Jeffrey Gunningham, with the 2023 WA Large Training Provider of the Year award.