A working mum and human resource management student has been named the South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) Vocational Student of the Year.
Lakeisha Hammond plans to use her role as an SM TAFE ambassador to inspire other women returning to the workforce, especially those considering retraining while balancing the needs of their families.
It was a thirst for knowledge and a desire to succeed that drove Lakeisha to complete three qualifications in business and human resources resulting in numerous promotions with her employer ALDI.
Her commitment and juggling between work, study and being a parent was further compounded by the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
“During lockdowns my girls had to be home-schooled, while I was adjusting to online learning,” Lakeisha said.
“I was studying at a time when many people were forced to isolate and could not participate in work in some industries. I saw this as an opportunity to take advantage of government-funded courses, which contributed to a change in my career pathway.
“I learnt about workforce planning, which has proved invaluable in my current role where I am able to research market data and support decisions related to skilled labour shortages.”
Upon the successful completion of her Diploma of Human Resource Management, Lakeisha was promoted to the ALDI Perth head office, and currently assists with human resources matters at a corporate level. She is passionate about talent management and believes every employee matter is a pursuit of personal fulfilment.
SM TAFE General Manager Training Services and panel chair Blair Marsh said Lakeisha’s study commitment and passion for the industry made her a worthy award recipient.
Lakeisha is planning to complete a Diploma of Business at SM TAFE and then go onto university studies in human resources.
SM TAFE’s Student Awards recognise the achievements of students from across the college, including winners in the categories Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Trainee of the Year, International Student of the Year, VET Secondary Student of the Year, and the Culturally Diverse Student of the Year Award.