Ashlee applies passion to her studies

December 7, 2021

Throughout her Certificate II Retail Cosmetics studies, VET DSS Student of the Year, Ashlee Storey, applied her positivity and passion with the same brushstroke of purpose as her makeup skills. A talented and tenacious character, Ashlee matured personally and professionally during the course of a difficult year.

VET DSS stands for ‘Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students’ (previously known as VET in Schools or VETiS). It’s a hands-on program that allows students to try out potential careers, develop skills and boost their resume with a nationally recognised qualification, all while completing school.

Ashlee was selected for the award from over 110 students attending CCG from all over Gippsland, in courses such as Retail Cosmetics (beauty), Salon Assistant (hairdressing), Stablehand (equine), Business, Horticulture and Community Services.

Despite the setbacks Ashlee faced in her own life, receiving support and encouragement from her trainer and nominator, Sarah Abrell, uncovered a determination to improve. Ashlee perfected her ability to offer her clients a tailored, creative experience.

In her nomination, Sarah noted Ashlee’s encouragement of her fellow students, her respect and her thirst for learning. “Ashlee is such a breath of fresh air. She lights up a room and constantly encourages students to learn and she motivates them to do so.”

The more her hunger for knowledge was fed, the more Ashlee’s skills developed, not just with respect to the tools and procedures of her chosen career, but in the social skills necessary to become a professional makeup artist.

Over the course of her studies, Ashlee’s raw talent for makeup application has been underpinned with proficiency in technical and salon expertise. A bright future awaits.

When asked about the award, Ashlee said, “I felt really surprised and shocked but happy when I received the award. I am so proud of what I have achieved.”

The VET DSS Student of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has completed their course as part of the VET Delivered to Secondary Schools program and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.