Lithgow High School is celebrating an exceptional achievement, with FutureSkills HSC student Anabelle Hampton named the 2026 NSW Training Awards Western Region School- based Trainee of the Year at the regional awards ceremony in Orange.
Anabelle’s award recognises her outstanding dedication, professionalism and maturity as a school-based trainee with Hartley Realty, where she has developed real workplace skills while completing her HSC through Lithgow High School’s innovative FutureSkills Fast-Tracked HSC program.
Her success is a significant moment not only for Anabelle but also for Lithgow High School, Hartley Realty, and the broader regional community. In regional areas, where access to diverse training, employment and post-school pathways can be more limited, strong school-industry partnerships are vital. Anabelle’s achievement demonstrates what becomes possible when local employers actively invest in young people, and schools create flexible, ambitious pathways into the workforce.
As the only school in Australia offering the FutureSkills Fast-Tracked HSC model, Lithgow High School continues to lead the way in connecting education, industry and employment. The program allows students to complete their HSC by the end of Year 11 while gaining nationally recognised qualifications, industry experience and direct exposure to future career pathways.
Principal Dr Foty Loupos said Anabelle’s achievement captures the purpose and promise of the FutureSkills program.
“Anabelle’s success is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when a capable young person is given the right opportunity, the right mentoring and a genuine connection to industry,” Dr Loupos said.
“The FutureSkills Fast-Tracked HSC was designed to create bold, practical and meaningful pathways for students, particularly in regional communities where opportunity must be deliberately built. Anabelle’s recognition as Western Region School-based Trainee of the Year shows the power of that vision in action.
“We are incredibly proud of Anabelle, not only for this award, but for the way she has represented herself, her employer, her school and her community. She now has the opportunity to represent the Western Region at the NSW State Training Awards later this year and to become a powerful SBAT and VET Ambassador for our region.”
Lithgow High School also paid special tribute to Kristie and Johan from Hartley Realty, whose support has been central to Anabelle’s success.
By opening their workplace, providing authentic mentoring and believing in the potential of young people, Hartley Realty has done more than host a trainee. They have helped shape a future career pathway, strengthened the connection between school and industry, and shown the crucial role local employers play in building the next generation of skilled regional workers.
“This award is also a celebration of Hartley Realty’s commitment to regional youth,” Dr Loupos said.
“Employers like Kristie and Johan are essential to the success of programs like FutureSkills. Their willingness to mentor, guide and invest in a young person has helped Anabelle grow in confidence, skill and professional identity. That kind of support changes lives.”
The FutureSkills HSC program is coordinated and supported by dedicated Lithgow High School staff, including Ms Spiridoula Dervenis and Ms Fotini Papas, who provide individualised mentoring, case management, and guidance for students undertaking early-commencing HSC VET pathways. Their work ensures students are not simply placed into courses or traineeships, but are actively supported to pursue personal excellence, develop confidence and make informed decisions about their futures.
Anabelle’s achievement stands as a proud moment for her family and friends, Hartley Realty, Lithgow High School, and the Lithgow community. It is also a clear demonstration of the importance of regional schools and employers working together to create ambitious, practical and life-changing opportunities for young people.
