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    TAFE NSW Ballina | 8 July 2025

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    North Coast nursing student honoured with top TAFE NSW award

    “Alex’s journey is a powerful example of what determination and support can achieve…He consistently sought feedback, deepened his understanding of nursing concepts, and showed a genuine passion for helping others. It’s been incredible to watch him grow into a confident, capable student nurse.”

    Mel Ramsay

    Casino local, Alex Synott, has been named TAFE NSW Student of the Year and Health, Wellbeing and Human Services Student of the Year after an inspiring journey that saw him progress from a Certificate III in Information Technology to a Diploma of Nursing, all while demonstrating remarkable dedication, growth and academic excellence.

    With a projected nursing workforce shortfall of over 70,000 by 2035 particularly across aged care, acute care, and primary healthcare sectors, Alex’s achievement is a timely reminder that meeting Australia’s growing need for nurses starts with strong, skills-based education and training opportunities.

    Before beginning his studies, Alex spent nearly 10 years working as a kitchen hand - an experience that shaped his resilience and work ethic as he considered new career options. Starting his studies at TAFE NSW in 2018, Alex initially enrolled in a Certificate III in Information Technology before switching to healthcare and completing a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Acute Care). Despite early setbacks, Alex persevered and steadily progressed through further study, including a Statement of Attainment in Medical Administration and Medication Assistance, before earning his Diploma of Nursing in 2024.

    Alex Synott, a young man wearing a black graduation cap and gown, smiles while holding a certificate. Beside him, a woman with glasses and tied-back blonde hair proudly holds his arm and smiles. TAFE NSW banner in the background reads "Study Nursing."

    Diploma of Nursing teacher, Mel Ramsay, who nominated Alex for the awards, said he was a standout student. “Alex’s journey is a powerful example of what determination and support can achieve,” Mel said. “He consistently sought feedback, deepened his understanding of nursing concepts, and showed a genuine passion for helping others. It’s been incredible to watch him grow into a confident, capable student nurse.”

    Alex credited his success to the practical training and strong support network he found at TAFE NSW. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my teachers,” Alex said. “When I was struggling, I felt comfortable to put up my hand and ask for help. From day one, I felt like my teachers had my back and wanted me to succeed.”

    Since December 2024, Alex has been working as a nurse in the new graduate program at Lismore Base Hospital on the Oncology and Hematology ward, a demanding but rewarding position he describes as “different every day.”

    “Through studying at TAFE NSW, I was able to really focus on where I needed to strengthen my skills, and I was never left behind,” he said. “The practical components of the courses were invaluable. They made everything click.” As a recipient of the 2025 TAFE NSW Student Excellence Awards, Alex exemplifies the impact of vocational education and the value of dedicated educators in shaping the future of healthcare.

    Media contact: Rachel Ecclestone, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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