Two Broome women, Laurenzia Divilli and Chanelle Williams, announced as finalists in WA Training Awards

Two Broome women have been recognised in this year’s WA Training Awards for going above and beyond in their chosen field being selected as two of 43 finalists.

Beauty Therapy student Laurenzia Divilli was announced as a finalist in the WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category and Early Childhood Education and Care TAFE lecturer Chanelle Williams was announced as a finalist in the WA Trainer of the Year category.

Ms Williams played a pivotal role in leading the Early Childcare Education and Care team at North Regional TAFE and developing an Early Childhood skillset pilot program aimed at attracting local residents into the early childhood education sector.

Motivated to represent Indigenous women in the beauty industry, and demonstrate career paths for others, Ms Divilli completed a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy at North Regional TAFE Broome.

She has also earned qualifications in Leadership and Business and currently works in administration, where she is expanding her professional experience.

Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said this year’s individual finalists are fantastic ambassadors for vocational training, with their unique stories representative of the many ways vocational training transforms lives.

“The WA Training Awards recognise the outstanding talent, achievements and contributions individuals and organisations make to our world-class vocational training sector,” she said.

“I’m especially thrilled to see that regional Western Australians represent 21 out of the 32 individual finalists, highlighting the important role our regional WA TAFEs play in providing affordable and accessible training in their local communities.

“I congratulate this year’s finalists, and look forward to celebrating their success at the 2025 WA Training Awards presentation ceremony in September.”

Individual award recipients will become ambassadors for WA’s vocational training sector, where they work to inspire others to take up vocational training.

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services was also announced as a finalist in the Industry Collaboration Award for their work across the region including their 2023 allied health pilot program, upskilling family support workers with a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance.

The 2025 WA Training Awards will be presented at a ceremony in September with individual recipients also taking home a $3000 cash prize.