Macquarie Fields student J’Leigha Spiteri has transformed her future through a school-based traineeship and is now a finalist in the 2026 Southern and South West Regional Training Awards.
The proud Darug teenager has been named a finalist in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category after completing a Certificate III in School Based Education Support through TAFE NSW while undertaking a traineeship with the NSW Department of Education at Macquarie Fields Public School.
Working with primary-aged students, including children with learning difficulties and disabilities, J’Leigha supports classroom learning while also leading Aboriginal dance and cultural groups at the school.
“This school-based traineeship has put me on a new path to success,” J’Leigha said.
“It’s helped me to re-engage with my schooling, and I have found a strong passion to help young people like me.”
J’Leigha said helping students feel confident and connected to culture had become deeply important to her.
“The students love being together, sharing ideas and connecting, which strengthens the school’s cultural bond and helps them connect with Country and culture,” she said.
She hopes to continue working with disadvantaged Aboriginal youth after finishing school.
Her mother, Cian Ciftci, said the change in her daughter had been incredible.
“She has gone from being a disengaged teenager to this well-balanced and hardworking young woman,” Ms Ciftci said.
“The traineeship has taught J’Leigha valuable skills. She has done a complete 180.”
Winners of the 2026 Southern and South West Regional Training Awards will be announced on Thursday 21 May, with successful finalists progressing to the NSW Training Awards later this year.
