General News
5 December, 2025
Lucinda awarded at gala
CORANGAMITE Shire Early Childhood Education trainee Lucinda Evans has been named Best Victorian GTO (group training organisations) School Based Apprentice of the Year.
The announcement was made at the Apprentice Training Awards Gala in Melbourne on Wednesday, November 19.
The Camperdown College Year 11 student resident Lucinda Evans said she first began looking after her four younger siblings and younger cousins.
“Before high school started, I was thinking about jobs and TAFE in later years,” she said.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I love kids, helping them develop and being part of their journey.
“I wanted to start my career journey early so I started looking at South West TAFE and they have a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.”
Lucinda started the course and did a placement with Corangamite Shire, where she learnt about council’s trainee program.
“I didn’t want to leave school, but I wanted to finish my Cert III quicker,” Lucinda said.
“I ended up getting the traineeship and started in early 2025.”
Family and Children’s Services officer Amy Nuske has supported the School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) program since inception.
She said Lucinda always shows up with a positive attitude and is ready to work alongside the team at council’s McNicol Street Training Centre on Fridays.
“She is the first student we have taken on under the SBAT program,” Ms Nuske said.
“She is an integral part of Growing Our Own educators.
“Lucinda has shown hard work and dedication while studying her VCE as well as working towards completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, attending South West TAFE and working.
“She has impressed her school, Westvic Staffing Solutions and the team at McNicol Street Training Centre – as well as members of the Family and Children’s Services team – and has set a high bar for future students looking to participate in the SBAT program.
“We hope to continue to guide Lucinda in our services and know she will be a fantastic educator.”
Wayne Roberston from Westvic Staffing Solutions also congratulated Lucinda for her achievement.
“To be recognised as a finalist – and then named the overall winner – through a nomination and interview process assessed by an independent panel is a true credit to her dedication, capability, and character,” he said.
“Completing a school-based traineeship has played an instrumental role in Lucinda’s development, and this recognition reflects not only her hard work, but also the commitment of all who have supported her along the way.
“The success of trainees like Lucinda highlights the broader benefits to our communities, helping to build a skilled, confident, and future-ready workforce.
“School-based traineeships not only open doors for young people but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of local industries by developing talent within the region.
“Lucinda’s achievement is a powerful example of how investing in young people creates long-lasting opportunities and strengthens our communities.”
Camperdown College careers coordinator Kate Wells said the school was proud to share the news within the Camperdown College community.
“She is a highly regarded employee and her hard work and dedication has paid off,” she said.
“Lucinda’s achievement reflects her outstanding dedication, work ethic and growth throughout her school-based apprenticeship.
“Her success also highlights the strong support of Westvic Staffing Solutions, who continue to champion opportunities that help young people build real skills, real confidence and real futures.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate Lucinda’s journey and recognition on this state stage – a wonderful reflection of her hard work and the support of her family, Camperdown College and the community.”
Corangamite Shire council has invested heavily in supporting staff to upskill and mentor developing team members, and training new educators, to address a critical shortage of early years educators through its Growing Our Own program.
To date, 33 educators have been part of the strategy, completing 45 qualifications from Certificate III to Bachelor’s degree.
Council now employs 78 early years educators across 13 services, up from 46 in 2020, and has six trainees at any one time.
The Growing Our Own Early Years Workforce project earnt council’s Family and Children’s Services team state-wide recognition as a finalist in the MAVlab Innovation Awards.
The project is one of three finalists in The Now and Forever Award for Impact and Legacy, supported by Australian Red Cross.
Council is also preparing to offer 20 hours of pre-prep in 2026.