Last night three local TAFE NSW students were announced as award winners at the prestigious Central Coast Regional Training Awards Presentation Event, held at Mingara Recreation Club in Tumbi Umbi.

From a possible six awards on offer at the Training Services NSW event, they won:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year - Josef Graf-Cooper, Wyong

• School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year - Abigail O'Grady, Umina Beach

• Apprentice of the Year - Nelson Florimo, Long Jetty

Another seven TAFE NSW students were named as finalists.

Award winner Josef is completing a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance at TAFE NSW Gosford while completing high school and working at Wyong Hospital.

He said, “I’m honoured, it’s been great to even be a finalist. That’s amazing in itself for me. I want to thank my trainer for showing me the ways of the workplace, the hospital, and to thank my mum and my pop plus my Aboriginal liaison officer at school for everything they’ve done for me. There are too many people to thank.”

“I’ve enjoyed studying at TAFE NSW, I’ve really liked it, it’s a whole different way of learning. It’s nothing like school. The adult learning environment is much more hands on with plenty of activities.

“When I finish school I’m planning to hopefully continue part time work at the hospital and continue studying, in an allied health role. In the longer term I want to be a ranger on Fraser Island, which is traditionally where my people are from, taking care of and managing the land.”

Award winner Abigail is completing a Certificate III in Individual Support at TAFE NSW Gosford while completing high school and working at Peninsula Village in Umina Beach. She said, “It gives me great honour and privilege to make it this far overcoming many obstacles and really believing in myself.”

“Winning this award is an excellent achievement and shows that hard work and effort pays off. Receiving this for my hard work is indeed one of the most deeply joyful moments that one can ever get in their life.

“At TAFE NSW I am highly supported and encouraged by my teachers and fellow students. Studying and working hard to complete my SBAT I have gained heaps of knowledge and skills necessary for the workforce... I am enjoying my course very much as it allows me to help those in need of support. I get to learn new skills and experiences that not only help me do my dream job but can also help me in everyday life.

“I say: make your life a masterpiece; imagine no limitations on what you can be, have or do.”

Award winner Nelson Florimo From Long Jetty, who recently completed a Certificate III in Carpentry at TAFE NSW Ourimbah and works for North Construction & Building, said, "Being involved in these awards makes me want to get advice out to younger people that they should keep an open mind with their career path."

"When I was at school going to uni was an expectation but we’re thankfully getting to a stage where it’s not and there are other great options like TAFE NSW. Keep an open mind and don’t let anyone try to tell you what you should do. Take the opportunities when they present themselves, even if you’re unsure, because only through getting involved can you make a decision on the right career path."

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Susie George has congratulated the region’s “training champions” after an impressive performance by TAFE NSW students at the regional Training Awards.

“TAFE NSW is proud of the winners’ achievements and confident that the exciting learning opportunities we created for them helped develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their career,” Ms George said.

“Being able to access and continue with high quality education and training is a key factor in students securing a solid job and becoming an effective member of the workforce. Employers look for currency of knowledge and practical, hands-on experience for their employees, and that is something I can proudly say TAFE NSW provides.

“It’s incredibly rewarding for TAFE NSW staff to watch students like Josef, Nelson and Abigail grow, in the knowledge that the skills and talents they learn with us have the potential to transform their lives.”

The annual Training Services NSW event recognises and rewards the outstanding achievements of vocational students and demonstrates the extent of quality in the vocational education and training sector. The winners of the Central Coast Training Award will be considered for the NSW Training Awards, to be held in Sydney in September.

TAFE NSW has a wide range of life-changing courses, from certificates to degrees, that the Central Coast community can explore by visiting the TAFE NSW InfoFest between 24 and 28 June 2019 or attending online information sessions at www.tafensw.edu.au.

The full list of TAFE NSW student winners and finalists is below:

Australia’s largest training provider, TAFE NSW offers over 1200 courses and many can be studied online via TAFE Digital, when and where it suits students. Visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.