Bella Noonan is South West TAFE’s school-based apprentice/trainee of the year, recognised for her work in beauty services at Horsham’s Mode Skin and Beauty.

Graduates and outstanding students of 2025 were celebrated in a ceremony at Warrnambool last week, in the areas of accounting, beauty, business, community services, conservation and ecosystem management, early childhood education and care, leadership and management, and nursing.

Ms Noonan said she was offered a school-based apprenticeship after completing her year-11 work experience at the salon.

She has completed Certificates III and IV in Beauty Services, and is working towards her diploma. 

“My plan was to stay at school, finish year-12, then maybe go to university. I wasn’t really sure, but I knew I wanted to do beauty,” she said.

“My main passion for beauty started when I was growing up with acne. I love doing a bit of everything – facials, spray tans, a bit of waxing, but my main drive is skin.”

Ms Noonan’s teacher nominated her for the award – her second, she was also announced the school-based beauty trainee of the year – before she was interviewed by a panel. 

“My biggest driver through school was vocational major, so I spoke about that and how I got into the beauty industry,” Ms Noonan said. South West TAFE chief executive Mark Fidge said the awards night was a fantastic opportunity to recognise the success of students.

“It was a great evening celebrating our students’ achievements and acknowledging the valuable partnerships we have throughout the region,” he said.

“It is wonderful to hear of so many of our graduating students following their passions and who are now in employment in their chosen fields or going on to further study.

“It’s great South West TAFE can play a part in changing people’s lives and leading them on to further study or employment.” 

Ms Noonan will progress to the state level of awards. 

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