28 March, 2019

TAFE NSW Leeton student Emma Tyrrell has been honoured for her academic achievement and positive work ethic at the prestigious 2019 TAFE NSW Excellence Awards in Albury today.

Ms Tyrrell, who completed a Certificate III in Electrotechnology at TAFE NSW Leeton in 2018, was announced as the winner of the Infrastructure, Energy and Construction Student of the Year at the gala awards ceremony at Albury’s Hovell Tree Inn.

The awards recognise the pinnacle of achievement for TAFE NSW students across 29 campuses in Southern NSW.

An ecstatic Ms Tyrrell said she “shocked but honoured” to win the award and hoped it would inspire other young women to consider a career in the traditionally male-dominated trades.

“I’m really surprised to win such a big award but I’m also honoured,” Ms Tyrrell said.

“Whether you’re a male or female shouldn’t determine what trade you do and I hope me winning this award sends a positive message to other young women who might be thinking about a career in the trades.

"I was really lucky to have great teachers are electrotechnology facilities at my local TAFE NSW campus and lucky to have an employer like SunRice prepared to give me an opportunity.”

Ms Tyrrell had a realization at age 24 that she wanted to be an electrician and was offered the opportunity to become an “older” apprentice with SunRice, where she was working in another capacity.

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager Kerry Penton commended the winners for setting a benchmark in their chosen areas of study and helping inspire other students to follow suit.

“These awards recognise our most passionate, industrious and skilful students, and the fact teachers are the ones who nominate the students makes it even more special,” Ms Penton said.

“I have no doubt these students will go on to forge highly successful careers and will be wonderful ambassadors for TAFE NSW.”

Ms Penton said the awards exemplified TAFE NSW’s commitment to training the workforce leaders of tomorrow.

“TAFE NSW is proud to equip students with practical skills and work experience so they’re ready to hit the ground running in their chosen field,” Ms Penton said.

“The fact is, TAFE NSW graduates earn higher wages, on average, than university graduates when they enter the workforce. They also have a higher employment rate than university graduates, with 82 per cent of TAFE NSW graduates gaining employment after training.

“TAFE NSW is Australia’s largest education provider and has the greatest range of courses to support any career.”

2019 TAFE NSW Excellence Awards Honour Roll:

* Student of the Year: Philip Freeland

* Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Students of the Year: Nicole Smith

* Apprentice of the Year: Renee Jones

* International Student of the Year: Gustavo Martins

* Trainee of the Year: Taylor Piper

* Agribusiness Student of the Year: Gustavo Martins

* Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills Student of the Year: Philip Freeland

* Health, Wellbeing and Community Services Student of the Year: Jisha Davies

* Infrastructure, Energy and Construction Student of the Year: Emma Tyrrell

* Innovative Manufacturing, Robotics and Science Student of the Year: Emma Godsell

* Supply Chain and eCommerce Student of the Year: Luke Baker

* Technology and Business Services Student of the Year: Louise Carroll

* Tourism and Experience Services Student of the Year: Renee Jones

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Media and Communications – Business Partner,  6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428