Two TAFE NSW students have been recognised for their academic achievement and positive work ethic at the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards in Western Sydney and Sydney.

Haya Qudsi was presented with the Industry Award (Innovative, Manufacturing, Robotics and Science) and Charlie Le was announced as Student of the Year and Higher Education Student of the Year at the prestigious Excellence Awards at a gala awards ceremony at Kingswood and Ryde.

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Michael Cullen, commended the winners for the commitment and dedication they have shown to their studies.

“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,” Mr Cullen said.

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

Mr Cullen 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.

“It’s very gratifying for TAFE NSW staff to watch students like Haya and Charlie grow and transform their lives through education.”

Mr Cullen said the awards emphasised the commitment of TAFE NSW to train the workforce leaders of the future when, where and how it suits them.

“I decided to study Pathology since I came to Australia as I believe it to be an essential tool in the health system of any society. For me, the decision to study Pathology was based on having the opportunity to contribute to the society, along with the interest in the biological aspects of the human body that I have passion toward,” said Haya Qudsi.

“Firstly, I enrolled in Certificate IV of Laboratory Techniques at TAFE NSW Granville, then I enrolled in the Diploma of Laboratory Technology specialising in Pathology testing. This course was so enjoyable, detailed and relevant to the workplace which helped me to gain great knowledge in Pathology to be able to work in the laboratory and diagnose different diseases and conditions and at the same time, I made new friends.”

Prior to studying at TAFE NSW, Charlie had extensive experience in residential sales, management and commercial leasing in a range of property teams, with a background in finance and relationship management at American Express.

Keen to create a positive change in the industry, Charlie is passionate about property and sustainability and has written a number of academic papers which have been published in the Australian and New Zealand Property Journal.

Charlie says the reason he choose to study at TAFE NSW was because it offered the best industry relevant qualification to become a Property Valuer.

“The reason I choose to study at TAFE NSW was that the Bachelor of Property Valuation offered the most direct qualification to become a Property Valuer. It certainly gave me an edge on other graduates when I started my job at National Australia Bank, as no other degree offered the practical side of valuation as well as the theory component.

“The Bachelor of Property Valuation is a dedicated degree that prepares students to be a Property Valuer across a broad range of property asset types including residential, commercial and the public sector. I’m not sure where my career will take me, but I feel property valuation is a great position to start as my skills will be transferable.”

Major awards received by TAFE NSW students:

Media contact: Teresa Lane, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner 9796 5476, mobile 0412 773 887.