We are proud to announce that Chisholm Institute of TAFE graduate, Alicia Farr was named the winner of two awards at the 2024 Victorian Training Awards (VTA)

Alicia won both the School-based Trainee of the Year Award and the People’s Choice Award (in the same category) for taking the plunge into teaching young children water safety techniques.

A lifeguard and swim teacher at Bayfit Leisure Centre in Altona, Alicia completed a Certificate III in Aquatics and Community Recreation at Chisholm as part of her traineeship through Leisure Employment Australia, while studying Year 12 at Mount St Joseph’s Girl’s College in Altona.

Alicia will now go on to compete in the 2024 Australian Training Awards, to be held in Canberra on Friday, 6 December.

“I was really surprised to be nominated but I put in a huge effort with my studies and it’s paid off,” said Alicia of her dual triumph where her passion and dedication to teaching children water safety was recognised”

“I strongly believe swimming is an essential skill that can save lives and promote overall wellbeing,”

Chisholm Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Varty, said he was delighted for Alicia; that she was given the highest recognition in Victoria's TAFE sector for her dedication to learning and helping others.

“I want to congratulate Alicia and recognise the Chisholm educators who helped her to achieve this goal. Having your accomplishments recognised with a Victorian Training Award is a significant honour.”

The course was Alicia’s opportunity to challenge herself and achieve personal growth. Initially, she was overwhelmed by the volume of work for school - and the traineeship. She rallied, and spurred by a strong work ethic, Alicia created a schedule that allowed her to complete everything while developing strong leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

At first it was very stressful as I had this big pile of work, so I learned to schedule and plan better,”

“The training has strengthened my sense of personal development and empowered me both personally and professionally,” Alicia said.

Alicia created a learning atmosphere that was engaging and reminiscent of the positive experiences she had as a child doing swimming lessons. She relished the opportunity of contributing in this way to her community. She also volunteers at an animal shelter and ultimately hopes to pursue a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and become a veterinarian.