VET in School Student of the Year

Sponsored by ConocoPhillips.

Winner: Joshua Tarrant - Certificate IV in Fitness

School: Palmerston Senior College
Registered training provider: Charles Darwin University

Joshua Tarrant sought out a healthier lifestyle for himself three years ago and after losing 20kgs through his own dedication and commitment, he decided to enlist the assistance of an expert to take him the rest of the way.

To this day, 18-year-old Josh credits his personal trainer with changing his life. This life-altering experience led Josh to want to develop his knowledge and skills to ensure he could always stay fit and healthy, as well as provide the same hope to others seeking a new, fitter lifestyle.

With the encouragement of his trainer, Josh started his Certificate III in Fitness and through his study realised that exercise was now a natural and enjoyable part of his life and no longer a painful, exhausting chore. As soon as he completed his Certificate III, Josh started a Certificate IV in Fitness with Group Fitness Specialisation, which he has now also successfully completed.

Josh can still hardly believe that in just three years he now has a professional career guiding people towards a happier and healthy life. His own personal experience means he fully understands the hardships, emotions and difficulties many people have with making such changes; making him a wonderfully supportive and empathetic trainer.

As an active member of the community, Josh is a former St John cadet and has assisted the YMCA with the Annual Defence Expo, which he coordinated. He has recently completed his Bronze Medallion and Pool Lifeguard qualifications and extended his previous certificates in CPR, resuscitation, defibrillation awareness and remote emergency response.

Runner up: Gabrielle Birch - Certificate I in Business and Certificate I and II in Information Technology

School: Nhulunbuy High School
Registered training provider: Nhulunbuy High School Council