Leteah Mitchell, 19, and Katie Hall, 18, are finalists in the NSW Training Awards, a journey that began when they were first nominated by staff at Taree TAFE. 

Katie, who is in contention for vocational student of the year, and Leteah, nominated for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander of the year, then won their respective categories at the North Coast TAFE awards, announced on June 24 at Byron Bay. 

The duo will now interview alongside fellow finalists at State level this week, with the winners to be announced on September 8. 

If successful at State, then the pair will compete nationally, although both women admit they’ve already surpassed their own expectations by making it this far. 

“I was massively surprised to get this far, it’s been a really good opportunity,” said Katie, who studied a certificate three in tourism and certificate two in aviation and ground handling while completing her HSC at Taree High last year. 

Leteah, who completed a diploma of community services at Taree TAFE and currently studies a Bachelor of social work at Port Macquarie CSU, agreed. 

“I didn’t think I was going to get this far, I’m shocked really,” she said.

The two are also the face of the 4000 students at Taree TAFE, with their images and stories appearing on radio and video campaigns for the institution. 

It’s all contributed to a hectic schedule for the two, which they do well to manage. 

“It’s hard to balance it all, but once you find your pattern it gets easier,” Leteah said. 

“It’s about staying on top of everything,” Katie agreed. 

Both women encouraged fellow Taree locals to be aware of the educational opportunities available at their doorstep. 

“I’d like to tell people about the opportunities that are here, you can do it all from  your home town,” Katie said.

“It’s going to open up so many doors I wouldn’t have expected, it’s pretty amazing,” Leteah said. 

Lyn Connors, local area media marketing co-ordinator at Taree TAFE, called Leteah and Katie “inspirational ladies of an incredible calibre”. 

Lyn also acknowledged the duo’s “kindness and compassion”, which she said shone through alongside their determination and commitment to their studies. 

“They’re inspirational young ladies and high achievers, but they’re really hard workers as well,” Lyn said.