Jade Cockerill, Cathryn Walder and Jodie Maybery

Portland’s Jade Cockerill has been able to balance her studies and work to win a regional employment award.

Jade is completing year 12 at Bayview College while undertaking an Australian School Based Apprenticeship (ASBA). She is hosted by the Portland Child and Family Centre and employed by Westvic Staffing Solutions.

Jade has been named Westvic’s ASBA of the Year, beating finalists from Warrnambool, Hamilton and Colac to win the title.

While many students undertake a school-based apprenticeship as part of their VCAL studies, Jade has managed to do her apprenticeship while completing her full VCE.

"I have to be very well organised but it has been busy." she said.

But when you have your mind made up about where you want to work it's easy to make the sacrifice.

Jade is now completing her Certificate III in Children's Services and plans next year to continue her study with a Diploma in Children's Services.

“All the work had paid off and this award makes it worthwhile,” she said.

Jade is determined to pursue a career in the childcare field and believes the award will help her prospects.

“I feel very honoured,” she said.

Workplace Learning Coordinator, Cathryn Walder, from Westvic Staffing Solutions, said the VCE and ASBA had proven to be a successful study combination.

“Jade has worked very diligently to make sure it works out and has grown in confidence and maturity over the past year,” she said.

The Portland Child and Family Centre was named as Westvic’s Employer of the Year for the Portland region. The award was accepted by Children’s Service Coordinator Jodie Maybery.

The other finalists of the Westvic Staffing Solutions ASBA were Rebekah Conheady, of Warrnambool, Charles Munro, of Hamilton, and Peter Fulton, of Colac.

The Westvic Staffing Solutions award winners were announced at a ceremony in Warrnambool on November 4.

The winners were chosen for achievements in their school-based apprenticeship and for their commitment and long-term goals.