The SA Training Awards will be announced later this week.
Congratulations to St Patrick’s Technical College students Layla and Rebecca for being named as finalists in this year’s awards.
SA Training Awards School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Finalist
Rebecca is currently studying Year 12 at St Patrick’s Technical College while also attending TAFE SA and studying a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication and working (as a 1st year apprentice) at BAE Systems Ship Building at Osborne.
“I got to the place I am today, by my ‘can do’ attitude and work ethic,” Rebecca says.
“Taking opportunities when they arise and having the confidence to pursue my dream, no matter what obstacles I encounter.”
Rebecca says her family inspired her to start her apprenticeship and taught her that a good work ethic and hard work does pay off.
“It is a great honour and privilege working for a world-renowned global company knowing that I am assisting in the construction of Australia’s newest Hunter Class Frigate that will be protecting not only our borders, but assisting in the security of our nation and our allies for the future.”
Rebecca’s aim for the future is to complete her apprenticeship and come out of it with a wealth of knowledge that she hopes will help her secure a position back at BAE Systems Maritime Australia, working on the Hunter Class Frigate for the duration of the project.
Rebecca also intends to gain a forklift licence, complete all welding qualifications, and go back to TAFE to do a Certificate IV in Engineering – Fabrication.
“My long-term aspiration is to be one of the few women to gain a Team Leader role within the company.”
SA Training Awards Vocational Student of the Year Finalist
Layla Syed is a Year 11 Hospitality Student at St Patrick’s Technical College in Edinburgh North SA.
She is currently undertaking a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations with the Adelaide Institute of Hospitality.
Layla has always had a great interest in baking from a young age, with her great nana Lynette teaching her everything she knows.
She passed on her recipes and bakeware and is still on hand to inspire and teach her today.
“My solo journey as a baker began in March 2020 during the peak of the COVID pandemic,” Layla says.
“I used cooking as a creative outlet during COVID and a way to alleviate boredom and isolation as all other hobbies were cancelled.”
Layla started posting pictures of her food on her social media page and it blew up to the point where people were asking her to make cakes and cookies for their events.
This led to the creation of a dedicated social media page for the business and 'Layla's Desserts' was born.
Over the last three years, Layla has filled hundreds of orders and they are still rolling in. Her most popular social media post has over 48,000 interactions.
This has led her to pursue a VET course in Kitchen Operations and clearly defined her pathway as a pâtissier.
In the future, Layla dreams of becoming a qualified Patisserie, working and travelling the world learning and developing her skills and craft.
We wish Layla and Rebecca the very best of luck.
Source acknowledgment: SA Training Awards Finalists
Photographs: Kindly supplied by St Patrick’s Technical College
