Jessica Watt, 27, of Kilaben Bay has been named Trainee of the Year in the Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma section of the 2016 NSW Training Awards for the Hunter.

A trainee at Peter Pan Preschool, Ms Watt recently accepted a fulltime position on staff at the preschool.

Ms Watt’s passion for working with children was a trait that judges from the Department of Industry quickly identified.

“Every day in this job I get to come to work and make a positive difference in children’s lives,” Ms Watt said.

“And if I can make a difference in just one child’s life then I’ve accomplished something. That’s what I love being a part of.”

Having completed a Certificate III in Children’s Services, Ms Watt is now studying for a diploma in Early Childhood Teaching.

The degree involves two years of study through Hunter TAFE, combined with practical on-the-job training.

Ms Watt said she was fortunate to be accepted as a trainee at Peter Pan Preschool.

“I have the most amazing mentors here,” Ms Watt said.

TAFE staff monitor Ms Watt’s progress by visiting her in the workplace.

“Being hands-on here is a really great way to learn,” she said.

And when it comes to childcare, nothing beats on-the-job experience.

Working closely with children had enabled Ms Watt to gain a deeper understanding of a range of early childhood behaviours, strategies for helping children to learn, and different developmental stages.

“It’s all very good to read about these things in a textbook, but it’s different to see these things with your own eyes,” she said.

“Working here has taught me a million things that a book couldn’t.”

Ms Watt was nominated for the award by the Peter Pan Preschool director Lynne Howard.

Ms Watt said she looked forward to adding to her qualifications and, one day, being director of her own preschool.