Career boost

Changing careers at 30 was a daunting experience for Busselton youth worker Chloe Baigent, but the risk has paid off.

Earlier this month, Ms Baigent was named the South Regional TAFE student of the year, the South West student of the year and Busselton Campus student of the year.

Now she is employed by the City of Busselton as a youth development support officer. It is a full-circle moment for the former horticulturalist, who did her placement with the City during her studies.

“I love working in youth development and I always thought it was hugely important to guide the next generation,” she said. “I hope to be an example to the youth that you can really do anything, no matter your background or where you started.

“I did, and the world really is your oyster.” Vasse MLA Libby Mettam, who sponsored the Busselton Campus prize, said Ms Baigent was a great endorsement of South Regional TAFE’s youth work program.

City of Busselton youth development officer Angela Griffin also praised the program, and said Ms Baigent was a brilliant addition to the team.