Student announced as one of three finalists in statewide awards
The awards will be exciting for the Darling Downs this year with 33 finalists from the region announced across 11 categories.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
She might be just 17-years-old but the future looks bright for one student after she was announced as a finalist for a statewide award that recognises the power of skills.
Oakey State High School student Keesha Charles has been named as one of three finalists and in three separate categories for the Queensland Training Awards.
But this year’s awards are more special than ever with the event celebrating its 60th anniversary.
“I didn’t think I’d make it into all three (categories) because it’s quite competitive so I was very excited when I found out,” Ms Charles said.
“When my mum first told me there was a bit of disbelief … I had to text her three times to make sure.”
The 17-year-old student was announced as a finalist for the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year and Vocational Student of the year categories.
Ms Charles was nominated by the school’s vocational project officer Haley Darr for her school-based qualifications in health support services (Certificate II) and individual support (Certificate III).
The Oakey student’s mum Ange Muirhead said she was very proud of her daughter.
“Keesha has come such a long way over the last couple of years,” Ms Muirhead said.
“She has suffered from Anxiety and low-self esteem in the past but she’s just really pushed herself and it’s been so great to watch her grow into such a strong, independent young woman.”
The pair both thanked Ms Darr for her nomination and support.
When she graduates from high school, Ms Charles who is the indigenous leader at her school, hopes to use her qualifications to work in youth or disability support and has a particular interest in assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Across 11 categories, 33 finalists have been announced for the Darling Downs South West region.
Minister for Training and Skills Di Farmer said the range of people, projects and employers who had been named finalists, highlighted the region’s diversity of careers and options available.
“Keesha is aiming to work in the healthcare industry and has been named a finalist in the awards for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students, Vocational Students and School Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year,” Ms Farmer said.
“Congratulations to all the regional finalists who are the skilled Queenslanders we need for our economy to continue to bounce back better.”
The Training and Skills Minister said it had been a tough 18 months for businesses, trainers and employees who had to adjust to different ways of working during Covid-19.
Regional winners will be announced at the virtual event on July 30.
More Coverage
Originally published as Student announced as one of three finalists in statewide awards
‘More than a meal’: 30-year legacy crying out for support
A valiant Toowoomba essential social support services has united the community for its annual Hike for Homeless fundraiser for almost a decade, at a time when it’s needed more than ever. See the event photo gallery here.
The Palaszczuk supporters who have abandoned Steven Miles
An exclusive Courier-Mail poll reveals many of the voters who helped an Annastacia Palaszczuk-led Labor secure victory at the last state election have returned to the LNP.