Warrnambool firey named Student of Year

Leading Firefighter Ben Tatti has been named Vocational Student of the Year for his professional and hard-working attitude while completing the Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment qualification, which is delivered on behalf of the CFA.

This qualification comprises of three sections which Box Hill Institute delivers on CFA’s behalf, including the Plan, Organise and Deliver; Train and Assess; and Language, Literacy and Numeracy clusters.

“I’m extremely humbled and honoured to receive this award,” he said.

“The course has given me the important skills required to train others within our organisation both on station and in other areas.”

“This means I can better deliver training, as well as develop and assess others on how to use a wide range of firefighting equipment and tools. It ensures I can facilitate a better leaning and assessment environment for all learning types and abilities.”

John Blake, the teacher at BHI who nominated Ben for the award, said he was among a small number of CFA participants in the course who stood out.

“He went over and above, on his own time, to complete the qualification, and exhibited a strong work ethic and self-drive to complete the course to the best of his ability,” Mr Blake said.

“His community service, through the organisation and previously as a paramedic, no doubt reflect his personal level of achievement and community responsibility.”

Leading Firefighter Tatti said he enjoys taking on the role as mentor at the brigade and hopes to build on his leadership abilities on the fire ground.

“When I’m teaching others, I find that I’m also learning with them,” he said.

“I like to get the best out of other people and teaching others gets the best out of me as well.”

Leading Firefighter Tatti also delivered three training sessions in Ballarat to CFA staff on how to manage an unconscious person while looking for causes and considering management options.

Acting Officer in Charge of Warrnambool Fire Brigade Michael Doreian said the award reflects Ben’s hard work and willingness to “go the extra mile”.

“Ben typifies the professionalism of the CFA members we have here at Warrnambool,” Acting OIC Doreian said.

The award was due to be celebrated this month, however due to current restrictions, there will be no official presentation ceremony.

From here, Leading Firefighter Tatti will be put forward by Box Hill compete against other workplace finalists at the state-level awards in September.