Learning something new and being able to put her skills to the test every day excites Kaitlyn Blanchard-Sanford as she forges a successful career with Cowra Law Firm, Garden and Montgomerie.

The talented TAFE NSW Cowra Business student was appointed as junior Administration Assistant with the company in April last year and has already made a big impression on her peers and colleagues.

Garden and Montgomerie Licensed Conveyancer, Karen Herrmann, said: “Kaitlyn has become a valued member of our team. She is very eager to learn, takes initiative to look for work to ensure she is busy and takes care to make sure that her work is correct and looks professional.

“Kaitlyn is friendly to co-workers, professional staff, clients and other contacts of the firm.

“At Garden and Montgomerie we have employed trainees and worked with TAFE NSW with those trainees for the past nine years. We have a policy to train and employ the best local people wherever possible, using TAFE NSW graduates because we know they learn important office skills.”

TAFE NSW Business Teacher Kathyn Cahill was also full of praise for Kaitlyn: “Kaitlyn is a motivated young person with clear goals in life. Her work ethic and commitment to improving her knowledge and skills is to be applauded,” she said.

“Kaitlyn recognised early on the role TAFE NSW could play in helping her achieve her goals, enrolling while still studying at Cowra High School. Since leaving school, Kaitlyn has transitioned from multiple part-time jobs to full-time employment at Garden and Montgomerie, with TAFE NSW’s flexible training and delivery options allowing us to support her fully throughout the process.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see Kaitlyn’s hard work pay off. We’re extremely proud that she’s well on her way to an exciting career in an industry she loves.”

A modest Kaitlyn added: “I’ve really enjoyed studying at TAFE NSW and learning lots of skills. I was very fortunate to be recommended for this job by my TAFE teachers - I’m really enjoying it because I’m learning something new every day and have the ability to practice my skills as a secretary.

“I never thought that when I graduated Year 12 that I would be working in a law firm or have any qualifications. This has all happened thanks to TAFE NSW.”

Australian Government statistics reveal that the number of general clerks and administration workers grew strongly over the past five years, with more 182,000 new jobs expected Australia-wide until 2023.

Ms Cahill said: “Kaitlyn is a great example of the real-life employment opportunities that are available when you study at TAFE NSW. We have strong industry connections and the skills we provide our students are in high demand. With our flexible training options and job prospects looking bright, there’s never been a better time to consider coming to TAFE.”

For more information on a number of new business and leadership courses available at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Luke Schuyler, TAFE NSW Communications and Media Business Partner, 0439 536 563.