Fiona French is an Advanced Skills Teacher and VET Coordinator at the Tasmanian Academy’s Hellyer College located in the coastal town of Burnie, northwest Tasmania. In 2012, she won the coveted VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award.
“I’ll never forget the moment when my name was announced. It was a defining moment for me. It was so gratifying, yet also humbling to achieve recognition and acknowledgement for a job that I simply just love to do,” Fiona said.
Immediately after winning the award, Fiona was inundated with congratulatory messages from across the country.
“The congratulations came from all over – emails, telephone calls, letters, cards and gifts. I heard from ministers, education officials, former work colleagues and students. the words of encouragement were overwhelming. I also received some media attention and opportunities to speak at conferences and events,” Fiona said.
Since winning the national title, Fiona’s career has gone from strength to strength, from receiving a promotion at work, to becoming sought after by hospitality and tourism students.
“As the national VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year, I’ve received a promotion, and have had the privilege of being asked by the Tasmanian Government to sit on a vocational education and training expert panel. I’ve featured in VET publications, and students have sought me out to teach them now that I am known as the ‘best VET teacher in Australia’.”
While continuing her Master of Education, Fiona has also been involved with WorldSkills Australia since her win.
“The highlight has definitely been my trip overseas to participate in WorldSkills at Leipzig, Germany as a volunteer in the Hospitality and Protocol area. I had an incredible time and enjoyed working at such a huge international event. I got to meet many outstanding VET students and personnel including dignitaries from all over the world and this increased my networks immensely,” she said
Fiona hopes to continue her work as an ambassador for VET into the future.
“Winning the award has reaffirmed my absolute passion for what I do. I want to continue to contribute to the future of VET in Australia in any way I can. Most importantly, I don’t ever want to lose sight of the importance of the relationships I have with my students and the difference I can make to their lives by equipping them with skills, knowledge and confidence to be whatever they want to be,” Fiona said.
In 2014 Fiona promoted the Australian VET sector as a delegate at the 3rd India Australia Skills Conference in Mumbai, India.