28 March, 2019

TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga student Luke Baker has been honoured for his academic achievement and positive work ethic at the prestigious 2019 TAFE NSW Excellence Awards in Albury today.

Mr Baker, who completed a Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology at TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga in 2018, was announced as the winner of the Supply Chain and eCommerce 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 Baker said he was “deeply honoured” to win the award and said it was testament to his passion for the job.

“I believe this field of mechanical trade chose me,” Mr Baker said.

“I have achieved some things I’m very proud of during my short career and this is a real honour.

“I’d really like to thank my TAFE NSW teacher and my employer, Hutcheon and Pearce.”

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.

“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

Caption: WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Supply Chain and eCommerce Student of the Year Luke Baker with TAFE NSW Regional General Manager Kerry Penton at the 2019 TAFE NSW Excellence Awards in Albury.

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