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    TAFE NSW Casino | 26 May 2026

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    Northern Rivers teen takes top honour at TAFE NSW awards

    ‘There’s more than one path. A traineeship lets you get real experience to find the right fit for you’ Ruby Beckenham, Schools Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year award winner at the 2026 TAFE NSW Student of the Year Awards*

    Ruby Beckenham, a Northern Rivers student has taken out one of the top awards at the 2026 TAFE NSW Student of the Year Awards. She credits a TAFE NSW traineeship in helping shape her ambition to pursue a career in politics.

    Ruby won the Schools Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year award at the ceremony in Sydney, beating nominees from across the state.

    Her win was both unexpected and deeply rewarding.

    “When they announced that I was the winner, I was so proud to represent my school, Richmond Valley Council and TAFE NSW.”

    The former Casino High School student completed a Certificate III in Business while finishing her HSC through a school-based traineeship with Richmond Valley Council, gaining hands-on experience with the Council.

    Ruby Beckenham is standing on stage in a navy gown delivering her speech on behalf of all award recipients at the 2026 TAFE NSW Student of the Year Awards. She stands in front of a bright bouquet of flowers and next to a gentleman sitting in a mobility device, smiling up at her.

    Ruby’s pathway reflects the value of traineeships, with employers placing increasing value on practical, job-ready skills.

    The latest Hays Skills Report shows communication, teamwork and problem-solving are now among the most in-demand skills for employers.

    At the same time, the nature of work is changing rapidly. More than 90% of new jobs are expected to require post-school qualifications, according to Jobs and Skills Australia.

    Richmond Valley Council General Manager Vaughan Macdonald acknowledged Ruby’s efforts.

    “Through her school-based traineeship as part of the Richmond Valley Council Youth Employment Strategy (YES) intake, Ruby experienced a wide range of council roles and responsibilities, including library, administration and people and culture.

    “We are proud to see her hard work at council recognised through her award win and wish her further success in what we know will be a bright future,” he said.

    Ruby said her traineeship helped her build independence and workplace confidence.

    “I missed out on some things socially and had to work hard to keep up with school, but this shows the extra effort was worth it.”

    Her traineeship introduced her to local government and business. It ultimately shaped her decision to study a Bachelor of Business and Political Science at the Australian National University.

    Ruby credits her TAFE NSW studies with preparing her for the transition to university.

    “One of the biggest things I gained was being an independent learner, including managing my time, communicating professionally and keeping on top of things. This has made the move to uni a lot easier.”

    A strong advocate for education pathways, Ruby encourages young people to stay engaged with school while exploring practical options like traineeships.

    “There’s more than one path. A traineeship lets you get real experience to find the right fit for you.”

    Ruby’s success highlights the growing impact of school-based traineeships and how TAFE NSW pathways provide regional young people with practical skills, confidence and career direction.

    Media contact: Melanie Pope, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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