05/09/2026
"Vocational education and training is for everyone, whether you’re doing tertiary or accredited, because who knows where that might lead people. We’ve had students who are on track to get the highest ATARs that want to be tradies … it’s not an either/or: the two very different pathways can intertwine.”
It’s giving advice like this that has led to Hawker College teacher career practitioner Chontel Green making the shortlist for the ACT Training Awards this year, alongside three Hawker College students. Chontel is in the running for the high profile Norm Fisher Award, which recognises the outstanding and extensive contribution of an individual to vocational education and training.
Her principal, Lyndall Henman, agrees with Chontel’s advice about varied pathways. “Students have so many opportunities to be able to follow their passions, pursuits and aptitudes.”
Lyndall says she is incredibly proud of the work that Chontel does. “We have amazing outcomes for all students in the vocational and career space because of Chontel’s professionalism and her effort and unwavering commitment to all pathways for all students. She goes way above and beyond.”
Of the other three Hawker College finalists, Nathaniel and Riley are in the ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year (ASBA) category, while Ella is in the ACT Vocational Student of the Year category. “They’ve worked really, really hard. We just couldn’t be prouder of them,” Chontel says.
“They’ll just be incredibly equipped, ready to go to the next stage of their life.”
Ella was in year 10 when she first met Chontel and her colleague Laura, and was then considering not going on to college. The teachers talked her into combining year 11 and 12 with vocational training.
“We’re pretty lucky that we have a timetable here that aligns itself well with ASBAs,” Chontel says, adding that Riley, Nathaniel and Ella were all able to bank classes on college days so they didn’t miss out while in training or at work.
“Ella will finish with a Diploma in Beauty Therapy, a Certificate II in Workplace Skills and a Certificate III in Business, as well as an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate.”
Nathaniel, whose ASBA is in individual support, says Chontel was fantastic, and “the main person that helped me get my ASBA”.
He’s currently working for Hartley Lifecare caring for people with disabilities as part of his ASBA. “Different clients have different needs and I just have to gain experience to learn how I can help them.”
Juggling the training and work with school has been manageable. “It’s not that hard as long as you just keep track of your work. You have a lot of support.”
Riley is two years into a plumbing apprenticeship, and says continuing on with college during his apprenticeship allowed him to spend time with his mates.
“When you go full-time, you don’t have those days through the week to hang out with your mates. I’m pretty grateful that I decided to stay.”
Congratulations to all the ACT public school students and teachers among the finalists for the ACT Training Awards.
