Above: Wee Waa High School Student Caitlyn Galagher was named the 2019 School Based Trainee/Apprentice of the Year for the Hunter New England Region, pictured with her parents John and Ann-Maree Galagher. Photo Credit: NSW Training Awards.

Wee Waa High School student Caitlyn Galagher has been named the 2019 School Based Trainee / Apprentice of the Year for the Hunter New England Region.

The announcement was made at a Training Awards presentation night, a glamorous gala event, held at the Tamworth Memorial Town Hall on Friday June 28.

As part of her HSC, Caitlyn is studying a Certificate III – Health Services at TAFE NSW Gunnedah.

In addition to the theoretical component, the course requires the year 12 student to work one day a week at the Wee Waa Hospital where Caitlyn has learnt a wide range of practical nursing duties and clinical procedures.

“When my name was announced I was quite honestly in shock for a moment,” said Caitlyn.

“I’m really grateful and pleased to have been given the award.

“It’s encouraging and really great to be recognised in this way.

“I have to say though that my achievement has really been assisted greatly by the staff at Wee Waa Hospital and our careers adviser, Ms (Stephenie) Blewitt who does a lot for me.”

Chosen from more than one thousand nominees, Caitlyn’s nomination made it to the final 20.

Also present on Friday night, to see Caitlyn take out the major award were her parents Ann-Maree and John Galagher.

“Both John and I are very proud of Caitlyn and this achievement as 2019 Regional winner,” said Ann-Maree Galagher.

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