Coffs Trainee finalist for 2020 NSW Training Awards

Coffs Coast Trainee Corey Warn has been named a Trainee of the Year finalist in the 2020 NSW Training Awards.

The young man completed a Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care course (CHC30113), as part of ETC’s Earn While You Learn traineeship program, while he was working at Goodstart Early Learning.

ETC’s Regional Training Manager Jane McGowan said this was a huge accomplishment for Corey.

“The ETC Training team are very proud of Corey and we think he is a great role model – very passionate and dedicated. He was given 12 months to complete the course but completed this in half the time!” Ms McGowan said. “Corey has also progressed to undertake training in the Diploma qualification now.”

Marissa Vaughan the Director at Goodstart Early Learning said it was an honour to have Corey as a member of their team and to be part of his journey.

“The team and I at Goodstart Toormina are very proud of Corey’s accomplishments – he has become an amazing educator. During his traineeship he learnt a great deal about early learning and has taught us and our community of families and children, about inclusion. He is a role model to all of us and we will continue to support him as he furthers his studies and reaches his goals.”

Corey said it had been a challenging journey for him studying with a hearing disability, but despite that, his passion for the Child Care industry and support from his friends, family, trainers and workplace kept him going.

“I really love teaching and supporting young children to be the best they can, to try new things and step out of their comfort zone. I enjoy helping them to learn and to be kind, to play together and to follow rules. I would like to inspire them and to teach them how to sign and communicate in other ways,” Corey said.

Corey’s grandmother Christine Davis said his family had supported Corey to take small steps at a time and reap the benefits along the way.

“We have always encouraged him to prove his ability and stand as a role model for others with disabilities and show that they can stand tall and achieve what anyone else can,” Ms Davis said.

ETC General Manager Training Karen Busby said that ETC was proud to help Trainees gain skills and a nationally recognised qualification while they work.

“We have been delivering traineeships for more than 20 years. The things that appeal to Trainees about a Traineeship include: availability to people of any age, ability to combine training and employment, leave entitlements covered, opportunity for a career path or further study after completing their qualification, a nationally recognised qualification in Business, Childcare, Hospitality, Retail, Community Service (RTO 6998).”

The announcement of the Trainee of the Year winner will be made on Facebook at 6pm on 30 June.