When a family member was diagnosed with autism, Eylish Perry developed an interest in learning about children with disabilities. After undertaking two placements at Canberra’s Cranleigh School, a school for children with developmental delays, autism and moderate to severe intellectual or multiple disabilities, Eylish was inspired by the school’s educators.
Enrolling in a Certificate III in Disability at Australian Training Company, Eylish commenced an Australian School-based Apprenticeship at Cranleigh School while continuing her studies at Melba Copland Secondary School. She has since commenced a Certificate IV in Community Services.
She now works at Canberra’s Black Mountain School, a high school for teenagers with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, and as a respite carer.
Eylish won the Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year Award at the 2014 Australian Training Awards. The award recognises the most outstanding Australian School-based Apprentice undertaking a Certificate III or above qualification