Nola Pinnick (left) with graduate and CWA of NSW Murray Hut Award recipient Stacey Cole.
Three locals who have worked hard to take on new careers in the aged care sector have been rewarded for their efforts.
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Each graduates of Certificate III Individual Support (Ageing) in 2022, Hugo Canas Vanegas, Stacey Cole and Shanae Dolheguy were presented with Finley TAFE Campus awards at the end of the semester.
TAFE services coordinator Nola Pinnuck said it was important to recognise them for their achievements in the past 12 months.
Mr Canas Vanegas was awarded the Berrigan Shire Award for Excellence, Ms Cole the CWA of NSW Murray Hut Award and Ms Dolheguy the Finley Rotary Club Award.
Making Mr Canas Vanegas’ academic performance in aged care is even more impressive given he was also working on his English as a second language skill at the same time.
“Hugo and his family - wife Dora and two children - immigrated to Australia and then moved to Finley around 2014, and Hugo worked as a farm hand in the district,” his award citation read.
“Hugo’s English was very limited. His previous career in Madrid was as an accountant and his transition to Australia was enhanced by his commitment to TAFE New South Wales training.
“Hugo enrolled in Certificate III Individual Support (Ageing) and also Certificates II and III in Spoken and Written English.
“He has successfully completed all courses.
“Hugo demonstrated a level of dedication and commitment that is exceptional.
“He juggled family, a new country, limited English and the need to provide for his family whilst completing these studies.”
Finley TAFE Berrigan Shire Award for Excellence award recipient Hugo Canas Vanegas with his family.
In order to improve his English and gain confidence in the workplace, Mr Canas Vanegas commenced his career change by working as a cleaner at Finley Regional Care.
He then transitioned to work as a personal carer whilst studying Certificate III Individual Support (Ageing).
He remains employed at Finley Regional Care.
For Ms Cole, completion of the Certificate III Individual Support (Ageing) is just the latest in a series of upskilling.
“Stacey has utilised TAFE New South Wales over several years,” her award citation read.
“Her first enrolment was back in 2010 and she has accessed TAFE courses as required.
“She has consistently sought to improve her career options and has successfully obtained her Certificate III Individual Support (Ageing).
“Stacey has combined work, family and study commitments to achieve this goal with all its challenges.”
Finley Rotarian Barry Wilson presents the club's award to Shanae Dolheguy.
The transition for aged care has been a leap for Ms Dolheguy, who previously had a career in retail.
But she excelled in her studies, which has led to gainful employment in her new chosen field.
“Shanae has now successfully completed her studies and is employed at Tocumwal Lions Hostel, where she is very highly regarded by her employers,” her award citation read.
“Shanae’s teachers found her to be a real asset in the classroom – always willing to assist her fellow students and contributing to class discussions.
“Her work was exceptional, and she was a delight to teach.”
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