Congratulations are in order for one Central Coast teacher, who has been named as Vocational Education Teacher of the Year at the 2021 Annual NSW Training Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bateau Bay teacher Erin Jacob has been recognised as one the State\u2019s top teachers for her work with at-risk students at Central Coast Community College according to Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cErin designs accredited and non-accredited horticulture programs for Central Coast Community College that engage and motivate students at risk. She enables students to gain qualifications so they can get a job and realise their full potential,\u201d Mr Crouch said,<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cErin\u2019s innovative \u201cStep Forward\u201d and \u201cKeep on Stepping\u201d programs successfully re- engage students in learning and help to facilitate a pathway towards employment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cErin\u2019s award is also well-deserved recognition for the entire team of staff at Central Coast Community College,\u201d Mr Crouch said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Erin said many of her students experience a multitude of barriers to education and employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStudents are typically unemployed, living in shelters, at risk of homelessness and or escaping domestic violence,\u201d Erin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith a focus on work-based skills as well as art therapy, students can reflect, explore their identity and think about the future.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee congratulated Erin on receiving the prestigious award while also completing her Certificate IV in Community Services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is a great honour to be recognised on a State level and I have no doubt Erin will go on to be a great ambassador for vocational education and training,\u201d Mr Lee said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe students, educators and training providers represented at the NSW Training Awards are living proof that NSW\u2019s training system is gold standard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by the NSW Department of Education in recognition of outstanding achievements in VET.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Congratulations Erin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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