FIVE finalists from the Perth Hills and surrounding areas have been recognised in this year’s WA training awards for their achievements in the WA vocational education and training (VET) sector.

They are among 30 individual finalists across eight award categories including the WA apprentice, trainee and vocational student of the year.

The finalists have been acknowledged for their outstanding achievements in vocational education and training and are among the state’s leading students, apprentices, trainees and trainers.

Breanna Zoethout (23) of Wattle Grove has been nominated for WA vocational student of the year award.

Ms Zoethout said she chose to train and work in events because she believes it’s an industry that brings people together and creates shared experiences that extend beyond the event itself.

She is currently working as an events officer at Football West and said her studies in events management at South Metro TAFE had really helped her career.

“I have always been drawn to events especially in the sporting arena and my study really helped me gain hands on, practical learning to prepare me for the workforce,” Ms Zoethout said.

“Completing my diploma also gave me more confidence to go out and get a job – which I was extremely fortunate to find at Football West – as I am really passionate about football and especially the women’s game.”

Other local training award finalists include Hannah Usher of Northam (WA apprentice of the year), Timothy Rowberry of Glen Forrest (WA trainer of the year), Marlissa White of The Vines (WA school-based apprentice of the year) and My Quyen Pham of York (WA cultural diversity training award).

Mrs Usher said she is now working as a line worker at Western Power after completing a four-year combined apprenticeship at Midland TAFE and the power training centre.

“My studies have given me a strong foundation for my current job, while working in the Northam area provides me with plenty of variety,” Mrs Usher said.

A mother of two and trailblazer in a largely male dominated field, Mrs Usher was Western Power’s apprentice of the year in 2025.

WA trainer of the year nominee Timothy Rowberry said his background in teaching and as a former captain in the Royal Engineers had helped him in his current role as director of technologies at John Curtin College in Fremantle.

“One of my passions is Vocational Education and Training (VET) along with helping our high school students achieve the very best they can,” Mr Rowberry said.

“I would also like to see better training available in rural areas with more rural communities receiving some of the training advantages we have in the metro areas.”

This year, 11 organisations were also shortlisted in four categories at the WA training awards including the WA small employer of the year and the large training provider of the year.

This month’s awards recognise the outstanding support, commitment and contribution training providers and organisations make to building WA’s workforce.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre on September 10 with individual recipients also taking home a $3000 cash prize.

For more information go to the Government's website.