Congratulations Tahli Gleeson - NSW Trainee of the year
04 Oct 2022
Merriwa local Tahli Gleeson has been recognised for her role working with Hunter Local Land Services at the NSW Training Awards.
Tahli commenced a School-based Traineeship with Hunter Local Land Services in 2021 on entering Year 11 at Merriwa Central School as part of her Certificate II in Agriculture and Higher School Certificate studies.
Tahli works one day per week in the Merriwa office and often during school holidays to achieve 100 days work placement over the two-year program.
Tahli is now an integral member of the Sustainable Agriculture team in the Upper Hunter assisting in the field at pasture demonstration sites, workshops and field days, helping in administration at the office, and working on livestock programs and grazing management projects.
Local Land Services nominated Tahli for the NSW Training Awards due to her outstanding commitment to both her school studies and work role, said mentor Maria Cameron.
“Tahli’s enthusiasm on the job is infectious and we have gained so much from having her as part of our Upper Hunter team,” said Ms Cameron.
“Tahli has quickly developed a broad understanding of our service delivery at Local Land Services and confidently engages with staff, landholders and business partners on a broad range of rural issues.
“Our agriculture team enjoy mentoring and sharing knowledge with someone so keen and focused on building a career in agriculture.”
Tahli won the Hunter Central Coast regional final in June and then went on to represent the region at the 2022 NSW Training Awards state finals at Sydney Town Hall where she was announced as the winner of the 2022 NSW School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year award.
“The best life advice I have ever received is to choose a career path that you are passionate about, so the choice to do a Vocation Education & Training (VET) course in Primary Industries was easy,” said Tahli.
“I come from a country community and farming has always been a big part of my life, so, when I was offered the opportunity to complete a VET course while studying Primary Industries with the ultimate outcome of a Certificate II in Agriculture, I jumped at the chance of gaining another qualification before leaving school.
“I know I have made the right decision as I have already added so many new ag, IT, workplace and communication skills to my resume through my VET study and traineeship in the Hunter Local Land Services, Agricultural Extension team. Personally, I have a new confidence in my abilities and have stepped outside my comfort zone.”
Tahli enjoys the mix of theory and practical experiences the training course has provided her.
“I enjoy having a team at Local Land Services to go to for advice and get help when I need it,” said Tahli
“It’s great to learn from people who have more experience than me and learn on the job.
“I enjoy ag event management, planning and running field days. I love getting out in the paddock.”
Tahli now moves on to the National Finals, representing NSW and we know she will do Local Land Services proud.