We are excited to share graduating student Dean Clark has been selected as a Regional Finalist for the 2023 Queensland Training Awards ‘Equity Student of the Year’ through his Diploma of Sport (Coaching) at GeSS Education who has helped unlock his #SkillsPower.

The Equity Student of the Year award is presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in overcoming a significant barrier or disadvantage to effectively participate in vocational education and training (VET).

Dean Clark is a mature aged student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in overcoming his disadvantaging brain injury to effectively participate in vocation education and training (VET) by undertaking a nationally recognized qualification SIS50321 Diploma of Sport (Coaching and Sport Development) which was completed in April 2023, delivered by GeSS Education on behalf of RTO Fit Education (Provider code 32155). This qualification provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career working in sport through coaching, leading, and developing athletes along with managing competitions, sports centres, and facilities. Upon successful competition of the course students can work as a qualified coach within a range of sporting disciplines.

Dean has lived and breathed Rugby his whole life, but after his traumatic brain injury suffers memory loss, epilepsy, drop foot, anxiety, and lack of confidence resulting in self-disbelief it was possible to undertake an education as a mature aged student to gain new skills and develop employment opportunities within the sporting industry. Alongside his qualification assessment requirements, Dean was offered a career pathway role as the assistant coach and captain for the Titans Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) in which he was an existing player. This has expanded to Dean helping launch the first PDRL World Cup held in England in November 2022 with Australia, New Zealand, England and Wales. He is also featured in Spicks and Specks comedian Adam Hills follow up documentary ‘Take His Legs’ chronicling the world cup and has since build his confidence by participating in paid speech opportunities at sportsman football lunches.

The experience has ‘changed my life’ and I am ‘blown away that I have nearly completed the course’. ‘I would be proud to be an advocate for Vocational Training Career Pathways’ – Dean Clark.

Awards night is scheduled in July so fingers crossed for the win Dean. #QTA2023 #education #training #coaching

About the Queensland Training Awards:

The most prestigious and longest running training sector awards program in the state, the Queensland Training Awards provides individuals and organisations with a unique opportunity to showcase their achievements, best practice and innovation in training since 1962. Across a range of categories, the annual awards recognise individuals and organisations that strive for and have achieved success, best practice and innovation in vocational education and training (VET). The awards showcase all that’s great about VET in Queensland, with categories for apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers and trainers, as well as training providers and employers. For more information visit https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta