Veterinary nurse Charlotte Zimmermann has been recognised for her strong work ethic and commitment to learning, receiving the Trainee of the Year Award at the Riverland & Mallee Vocational Awards.
Charlotte, 20, completed her traineeship with Riverland Veterinary Practice, combining on-the-job training and study at TAFE SA to gain her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
She says the Trainee of the Year Award has given her a chance to reflect on her achievements to date, which include two certificate qualifications.
“It’s a huge accomplishment for me to complete the four years of study,” Charlotte says.
“Winning the award was quite a shock at first but it means a lot to me – it’s recognition for the hours of work I’ve put in.”
Passionate about animal welfare, Charlotte has embraced the opportunities and experiences that have come with her role at the vet clinic where “every day is different”.
“I work mainly with small companion animals such as cats and dogs, and occasionally with horses, sheep and cattle,” she says.
“We also have a lot of kangaroos come through, although I think a ferret is probably the most unusual animal I’ve cared for.
“We went to Coober Pedy last year and ran a remote clinic where we saw dogs, cats and horses.”
Charlotte’s career in animal care began after a stint of work experience at the Riverland Veterinary Practice in Year 10 where her work ethic shone through and she was offered an after-school job.
Her rapport with animals was evident, prompting her employer to suggest a school-based traineeship through her senior school years.
In Year 12 at Loxton High School, she juggled schoolwork, on-the-job training and TAFE SA study towards a Certificate III in Companion Animal Service and went on to be named School-based Trainee of the Year 2022 at the Riverland & Mallee Vocational Awards.
Charlotte embarked on her second traineeship in 2023 and says she’s grateful for the opportunity to learn as much as she can from her colleagues at the vet clinic, as well as her lecturers and classmates at TAFE SA.
Charlotte completed her veterinary nursing qualification through a combination of online study and practical workshops at TAFE SA’s Gilles Plains Campus.
“My TAFE SA lecturers were so supportive, and I’ve enjoyed meeting other people in the industry and hearing about their experiences during our block training,” she says.
The following TAFE SA students were also successful at the Riverland and Mallee Vocational Awards, which are organised by the Rotary Club of Berri:
- Apprentice of the Year - Michael Grosser (Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician)
- Automotive Industry Award – Cameron Kuchel
- Cookery Industry Award - Stefan Symeonakis
- Electrical Industry Award - Michael Grosser
- Engineering Industry Award - Kaleb Ivanovic
- Painting and Decorating Industry Award - Dillon Vandergiessen
- Vocational Education & Training Student of the Year - Zahlee Steele (Certificate II in Salon Assistant)
- Vocational Education & Training Student of the Year Runner-up - Sophie Thompson (Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance)