Finalists prepare for WA Training Awards

North Regional TAFE will have the opportunity to showcase both student and lecturing talent State wide, after two local entrants were selected as finalists in the prestigious WA Training Awards.

Derby based access lecturer Richard Rose will compete for the title of WA Trainer of the Year, while Broome student Soleil White vies for WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.

The winners will be announced at a presentation dinner in Perth on 28 September, where the State’s top achieving students, lecturers and training providers will be recognised and awarded.

About Richard Rose

Richard Rose is based in Derby and is an access lecturer, teaching language, literacy and numeracy, along with a range of other work, life and leadership skills to students in Derby and communities around the West Kimberley.

“As an Aboriginal man, I am passionate about helping my mob succeed. I believe education is the most powerful tool in helping to close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. Education empowers Aboriginal people to make their own choices and influence policy that affects their everyday lives.” – Richard Rose.

About Soleil White

Soleil White is based in Broome and studied a Certificate IV in Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care with Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS), along with a Course in Applied Vocational Study Skills, and a Course in Underpinning Skills for Industry Qualifications with NRT. The two courses delivered by NRT provided Soleil with the additional literacy, numeracy and study support needed to complete her healthcare qualification.

Now a qualified Aboriginal Health Worker, Soleil is playing a part in closing the gap within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare industry, and is encouraging other Aboriginal youth to follow the same path.

“I believe I can do my part in closing the gap for our people to provide and assist them with a high quality of care, to give them a holistic approach to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. I hope to give all of my patients the best possible quality of life; to be an advocate, and to empower my people. I would also like to encourage Aboriginal youth to study in the health sector to become health workers, nurses, doctors and more.” – Soleil White

For more information on the WA Training Awards, please click here.