Top honours for Parramatta diocesan trainees
 |
| Jonathan Foley, Mary Jiggins, David Barbagallo and Steve Kernahan |
 |
| Tristan Slusaczyk, Eva Brundell, Jonathan Foley, Steve Kernahan, Mary Jiggins, David Barbagallo and Karen Ruppert |
The western Sydney regional final of the NSW Training Awards 2008 was held on Friday 18 July, and among the award recipents were four trainees working in the Parramatta diocese. Mary Jiggins, a school support officer at Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary, Greystanes, joined Catholic Education Office (CEO) ICT trainees, David Barbagallo and Steve Kernahan, as Category Winners; with Jonathan Foley, CEO ICT trainee, receiving a High Achievement award.
The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector. The awards honour and reward the achievements of students, training organisations, employers and small business; and were presented by Mike Horne, the chair of the Western Sydney Vocational Training Committee.
Winner of the ‘Education Support - School Support Services Certificate III’ category, Mary Jiggins became a trainee in February 2006 and completed her course 11 months ahead of schedule, in January 2007. Mary was also a finalist for 2008 Regional Trainee of the Year.
During her studies with BCA National, Mary mastered modules on developing strategies for learners with numeracy needs and providing support for those with literacy needs; working effectively with diverse cultures; and guiding children’s behaviour, among others. Mary says that her deeper understanding of how children learn allows her to capture their interest and make learning more enjoyable.
‘The course has given me further motivation and a renewed sense of confidence,’ said Mary.
Staff who work with Mary at Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary say that her commitment to the students is of the highest standard. Trainers at BCA National nominated Mary because of her outstanding personal and job skills, which translated through the course in her taking initiative in her group presentations and the sharing of her new knowledge with others in her workplace.
Steve Kernahan, winner of the ‘Information Technology (Networking) Certificate III’ category, became a trainee in 2007 and is currently completing his Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking). Nominated by the Australian Training Company, staff who work with Steve at the CEO say that he displays professionalism and enthusiasm whether he’s on site or attending training.
‘Steve was thrown into the deep-end, into a one-to-one laptop environment with a platform that he knew little about; and he has risen to the challenge. Steve often excels the level of support expected of a trainee,’ said Linda Pearsall, schools' technical support coordinator.
David Barbagallo, winner of the ‘Information Technology (Networking) Certificate IV’ category, joined the IT traineeship after completing his HSC in 2005. He completed his Certificate II in IT while at school and then fast-tracked his studies to complete his Certificate III in 14, instead of 24 months. David then signed on for a second traineeship in Certificate IV. He accelerated his studies once again, and completed this two-year traineeship in 12 months.
Throughout his traineeships, David supported St Paul’s College and Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary, Greystanes. His initiative and drive assisted in building robust and effective technology that allows these schools to be leaders in ICT.
Jonathan Foley, who received a High Achievement Award in the ‘Information Technology (Networking) Certificate IV’ category, followed a similar path to David in the completion of his two traineeships. He actively contributed to twelve schools and supported many more through his work on the ICT Helpdesk.
Developing skills in knowledge facilitation has inspired Jonathan to become a trainer. He has expressed eagerness in reinvesting his skills and knowledge into the traineeship program to ensure the future of the program.
‘The course inspired me to further my education in vocational studies with my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. I've also started studying my Bachelor degree at uni in Voc Ed,” said Jonathan.
Steve, David and Jonathan are all former students of Catholic schools in the Parramatta diocese and joined the traineeship program after hearing of the opportunities that were offered.
« Return to news list