Former Richmond Valley Council trainee Ruby Beckenham has been recognised at the 2026 TAFE NSW Student of the Year Awards, taking out the Schools Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year category.
Ruby, who completed the school‑based traineeship with Richmond Valley Council while finishing her HSC last year, received the state‑wide award at a ceremony in Sydney, competing against nominees from across New South Wales.
Ruby completed a Certificate III in Business through TAFE NSW as part of her traineeship, gaining hands‑on experience across a range of Council work areas alongside her school studies.
TAFE NSW said Ruby’s achievement highlights the value of school‑based apprenticeships and traineeships in helping young people build practical, job‑ready skills while still at school. The organisation noted that employers are increasingly looking for strong communication, teamwork and problem‑solving skills, alongside formal qualifications.
Ruby said the award was an unexpected but proud moment.
“When my name was announced, I was really proud to represent my school, Richmond Valley Council and TAFE NSW,” she said.
She said the traineeship helped her develop independence, confidence and time‑management skills, while also giving her a clearer understanding of workplace expectations.
Following the traineeship, Ruby decided to pursue further study and is now undertaking a Bachelor of Business and Political Science at the Australian National University.
TAFE NSW said pathways such as traineeships play an important role in supporting regional students to explore career options, gain real‑world experience and transition successfully into further study or employment.