An Ulladulla resident, who won a TAFE NSW region excellence award, has encouraged senior high school students to explore elective subjects that will give them a head start after school.
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Tonia Lavalle was honoured for her academic achievement and work ethic when she was announced as the winner of the technology and business services student of the year award at a gala ceremony in Wollongong on May 10.
Ms Lavalle, who completed certificate III in business administration at TAFE NSW Ulladulla in 2017, was among a group of finalists from the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands regions. She said the win came as a surprise.
“My employer and I thought ‘why not we can only try’, and thought I was suitable for the nomination,” Ms Lavalle said.
The 19-year-old has worked at Mollymook Golf Club for the past 12 months. She also completed her work experience at the club and at Alan May Holden Ulladulla while studying vocational education and training (VET) courses in year 11 and 12.
While Ms Lavalle attended Ulladulla High School, she studied certificate III in tourism and events, certificate II in business services and certificate II in hospitality.
Ms Lavalle urged high school students to choose a VET subject or certificate they could complete over the two years because it is a “great way to get a head start when looking for a job”.
She also backed the work experience she had at a business close to home.
“When completing work placement within a business, you learn and build on your experience,” she said.
“Second year in my traineeship and I wouldn’t look back on a different career.”
