Bunbury resident Louise Brookes has taken top honours in this year’s WA Training Awards, having turned her interest in cooking into a fulfilling career through formal training.
Ms Brookes was named the WA vocational student of the year for 2016 during a presentation dinner on Friday night.
Department of Training and Workforce Development director general Dr Ruth Shean congratulated Ms Brookes for her achievement.
“The awards’ judges were impressed with Louise’s commitment to her training, as well as her willingness to learn continuously and develop her skills,” she said.
Ms Brookes worked as a paediatric nurse for 15 years and also juggled a household of four children.
She then decided she needed a fresh challenge and realised the amount of time she spent devising new recipes for her family could lead to a career in commercial cookery.
She embarked on her new training pathway, which included a diploma in nutrition to complement her nursing background and passion for serving good food.
Mr Brookes was among 12 winners of individual and organisation categories, chosen from a competitive field of 42 statewide finalists.
“The WA Training Awards provide a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the success stories of individuals as role models for others, as well as the important contribution that organisations make to the VET sector,” Dr Shean said.
“All of this year’s winners and finalists should be proud of their achievements which will provide a solid foundation for future success.”
Each winner received $5000 in cash or prizes and some may now be eligible to compete against the nation’s best in the Australian Training Awards in Darwin in November.
For more information about the WA Training Awards visit dtwd.wa.gov.au/trainingawards.