Quirindi's Josh Redgrove announced as 2020 TAFE NSW School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

This outstanding achievement was to have been announced earlier in the year, but due to COVID-19, the awards day could not go ahead, until Tuesday's presentation.

Josh was selected as the winner from a staggering 35,000 students in the western NSW region (70 per cent of the state).

This prestigious award is given to a TAFE NSW student who was in an SBAT program during their senior years at high school in recognition of academic achievement at TAFE and the HSC, dedication to their chosen industry as well as contribution to the local community.

"I was very humbled and shocked to be chosen from such a large pool of students, to win an award for doing something that I enjoy and am passionate about," said the young achiever.

"I would like to thank QHS. In particular Kerri Saunders for signing me up and completing the mountains of paperwork involved with the SBAT, principal Ian Worley for always being supportive and listening to what students would like to achieve and to Ian Packer my year advisor that mentally supported me through the ups and downs."

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QHS careers advisor, Ms Saunders, is super excited about this news and congratulated Josh on his dedication to his career path and his well-deserved success.

Josh undertook his SBAT in a Certificate II in Community Pharmacy and Retail Management, while at QHS. He is now in full-time employment, working six days a week as a dispensary technician at Quirindi Pharmacy whilst completing his Certificate III in Community Pharmacy and Retail Management via correspondence with TAFE NSW.

On behalf of the QHS community, Principal Worley congratulated Josh.

"Well done Josh on your achievements and well done everyone from his family friends, to the school and business communities for the support you have provided him on his journey," Mr Worley said.

"This is also acknowledgement of the great work done at QHS in providing 'bespoke' pathways for students, there is a lot of work goes into the SBATs in the background and Ms Saunders is a great believer in delivering these opportunities for our students."

The young local encouraged SBAT's as an excellent pathway available to all students looking to get into an industry that they are passionate about while completing their secondary education.

"My advice to students wishing to do an SBAT during their senior years at school is to not be afraid to ask for help, teachers are there to assist you and are more than willing to go that extra mile to get you over the line," Josh said.

"I would also like to thank Quirindi Pharmacy for employing me and teaching me the practical skills associated with the pharmacy/retail industry, and last, but not least, my amazing TAFE NSW teacher Karen French who has passed on her many years of industry knowledge to me. And also, to my family for always, always encouraging me."

Congratulations Josh on this momentous achievement.