Two TAFE NSW students from Coffs Harbour have been recognised for their academic achievement at the prestigious North Coast & Mid North Coast Regional Training Awards Presentation Event at Opal Cove in Coffs Harbour last night.

Jeremy Rush who studied a Certificate III in Electronics and Communications has been awarded Apprentice of the Year and Letisha Johnston who studied a Certificate III in Community Pharmacy has been awarded Trainee of the Year.

TAFE NSW students claimed 3 of the 6 awards on offer at the Training Services NSW event, including Vocational Student of the Year.

Mr Rush, who is employed by Vertel Digital, said he could not believe he had won.

“I’m pretty shell-shocked to be honest, it’s just awesome to win. I have loved learning with TAFE NSW and my goal is to continue learning and to get as much experience as I can.”

Miss Johnston, who is employed by Terry White Chemmart, said she has not yet even processed the excitement of being nominated.

“This means so much to me, it’s not just an achievement for me but an achievement for my work and for all kids who don’t yet know what they want to do with their life.

“TAFE NSW helped get me this job, many promotions and loads of experiences. I want to be able to share that with people so they know there are so many options and ways to study. TAFE NSW helped me to work out my passion and decide on a career that I could do for the rest of my life.”

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

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

“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 Jeremy and Letisha grow in the knowledge that the skills and talents they learn with us have the potential to transform their lives,” Ms George concluded.

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 North Coast & Mid North Coast Training Awards will be considered for the NSW Training Awards which will be held in Sydney this September.

The full list of awards won by TAFE NSW students included:

Name - Award - Home town

Letisha Johnston - Trainee of the Year - Coffs Harbour

Jeremy Rush - Apprentice of the Year - Coffs Harbour

Julian Bester - Vocational Student of the Year - Lismore

Various TAFE NSW courses can also be studied online, when and where it suits students, via TAFE Digital.

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au