CQUni's Business training helps Litia earn Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award

Litia Pitt's career at Isaac Regional Council is shining brighter' after the CQUniversity Certificate III in Business student was recently named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the Central Queensland Regional Queensland Training Awards.

Litia' who belongs to the Erub people' being Darnley Island' was named the winner during an online ceremony on 30 July. She was one of two CQUni-trained students who won at the awards.

"I am so overwhelmed by the love and support I have received these past few days since the announcement – it feels so surreal'" she said.

"Whilst I am so grateful that I did come out on top' I'm also so proud of the other finalists and the hard work they put into getting that far within the awards.

"I have my eye on becoming the State winner' but am soaking up every moment that I can at this point in time.

"Without CQUni and the immense support I received from the teaching staff' I think my training experience would be vastly different. My training experience with CQUni was nothing short of delightful' even despite the challenges I faced along the way. I am very grateful for CQUni and could not see myself getting this far without their support."

Litia said she completed her Certificate III in Business with CQUni in September 2020 while she was employed with Isaac Regional Council.

"I am delighted that I've now transitioned into a receptionist role as of January this year. I firmly believe that my transition into this role was seamless and the training I undertook for almost two years certainly contributed to that'" she said.

"My understanding of business functions within an organisation and the role customer service plays within a community is what I believe got me over the line for this position. This understanding could not have been gained without completing this certificate' and for that I am grateful.

"Ultimately' I feel so empowered with the knowledge I have gained from this training. I believe that completing this certificate has enabled me to diversify my portfolio."

She said she was also studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science simultaneously with her Certificate qualification.

"I think it goes without saying that I do have a passion for learning and hope to continue putting myself in situations or taking opportunities whereby I learn something new'" she said.

CQUni Deputy Vice-Chancellor VET Operations Peter Heilbuth congratulated Litia on her achievement.

"CQUni is very pleased for Litia. The win demonstrates the quality of our vocational education and training'" he said.

Two other CQUni-trained students were also nominated. Jack Mitchell in the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year and Latitia Briggs in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category.