28 March 2019

TAFE NSW Nowra student Philip Freeland has been honoured for his academic achievement and positive work ethic at the prestigious TAFE NSW Excellence Awards in Albury Thursday.

Mr Freeland, who completed Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation at TAFE NSW Nowra in 2018, was announced the winner of two awards; Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills Student of the Year, as well as TAFE NSW 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 Mr Freeland said the award was the culmination of hard work, and a decision to change direction in his life.

“This award validates my decision to change careers and go into teaching. It also validates the effort I put in to get university entry this time around. The award is a reward in reflection of my effort,” Mr Freeland said.

“My HSC results could be described as mediocre at best, so I am very proud that I have overturned that result with my efforts this year in the TAFE NSW TPC and gained entry into university.

“My personal knowledge and skills have grown tremendously over the year; my initial expectations were well-exceeded, and my goals for the year were more than achieved. I feel well-prepared to study teaching at university.”

The TAFE NSW Excellence Awards come on the back of a successful graduation in December where Mr Freeland received the Lions Club of Nowra TAFE NSW Nowra Top Academic Student award; the UOW Shoalhaven Excellence in Certificate IV Tertiary Preparation award; and the Evelyn Award for Top Student in Certificate IV Tertiary Preparation.

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 skillful 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: Adam Wright, TAFE NSW Media Officer, 4421 9895, mobile 0466 375 552.