A passion for learning about her State and the tourism industry have paid off for 21 year old indigenous trainee Alisha Spurgeon who was named Central TAFE's 2008 Student of the Year.
The Yanchep student also landed the titles Apprentice/ Trainee of Year and Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year after impressing judges with her natural leadership ability and strong commitment to learning.
Following a stellar academic performance in high school, Alisha completed a Certificate III in Tourism as a trainee with the WA Visitor Centre in just seven months.
Two weeks into her traineeship she was selected to speak to Curtin University international students on tourist activities in Perth and was delegated increased responsibility by her managers.
“Through my traineeship at the WA Visitor Centre I was given a fantastic opportunity to learn about my own indigenous culture and travel around the State to witness first hand the products that we are promoting,” Alisha said.
Alisha is also activity involved in her community, having mentored other indigenous students and conducted peer counseling at her high school, receiving numerous awards and commendations.
“The traineeship journey and everything I have been through has truly shaped me as a person,” she said.
“It has made me realise that I do have the capacity to be an effective ambassador for any industry that I work in, for my multicultural community and Australia.”
“I have confidence that I will achieve in everything I apply myself to. Even when the outlook is grim I can approach a task positively and give it my best shot. I am proud of where I come from, who I am and what I will achieve in the future.”