T-Next Magazine Issue #1

S y d ney ’s Training an d Career M ag a z i ne ISSUE 1 | 2014

Me, Myself and I

Markeeta Douglas

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE

Amy Holzberger

Travel, Tourism and Events Student of the Year

Congratulations to all of our winning students Christopher Reid Apprentice of the Year

Kyara Sloan

Highly Commended Trainee

Rebecca Byrnes State Medallist

Lyndal Keen

Built and Natural Environment Student of the Year

Rodrick Parbery

Highly Commended Apprentice

Martin Pope

Minoo Toussi

Manufacturing and Engineering Highly Commended

Arts, Design and Media Student of the Year

Samuel Clipperton

Vanessa Sunhing Tso

Outdoor Recreation, Sport and Fitness Student of the Year

Finance and Administration Student of the Year

Carly Toms State Medallist

Caroline Felgate General Education Student of the Year

Catherine Goldzieher Trainee of the Year

Cherie Sant State Medallist

201 Genevieve Dawson

Jake Field

TVET Student of the Year

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Natalia Taumatauka

Nirenkumar Bansidhar Pathak

Hospitality Student of the Year and Insitute Medallist

Terese Simone

Hairdressing and Beauty Student of the Year

Jessie-Anne El-Tannoury Health and Community Student of the Year

Olena Kosenko

State Medallist

Arts, Design and Media Highly Commended

Timothy Walton

Vanessa Grimshaw

Logistics and Transport Student of the Year

State Medallist

Joshua Harris

Manufacturing and Engineering Student of the Year

Phuong Ngoc Ho

Information Technology and Library Student of the Year

Yuequn Guan

Equity - Special Achievement Student of the Year

Editor-in-Chief Dmitry Greku TAFE Western Sydney Editor Craig McCallum TAFE Western Sydney, Project Coordinator Carol Cave

CONTENTS

Cover Story Livonne Larkins Contributors Livonne Larkins Anthony Smith Holly Fitzgerald Photography Gosh You’re Gorgeous Photography Graphic Design & Layout Judith Tan Published by GWP Media ABN 82 096 352 064 85-91 Grose Street, North Parramatta, NSW 2150 Advertising Enquiries p 1300 889 132 e info@gwpmedia.com.au TAFE NSW Western Sydney Enquiries p 131 870 w wsi.tafensw.edu.au/register

PAGE 10

MARKEETA DOUGLAS Nothing is Impossible

COVER STORY

EDITORS’ LETTERS 6

DIRECTOR’S LETTER

Copyright T-next Magazine The opinions expressed in this journal do not necessarily reflect and are not to be regarded as the official opinion of the editor, publisher or their agents.

All information contained within this journal is provided for general information purposes only and on the understanding that none of the content herein constitutes professional advice. The editor, publisher or their agents accept no responsibility for any claim, loss or damages arising out of or in connection with any materials contained in this journal. Readers should not rely on the publications in the journal and seek appropriate professional advice in respect of their own circumstances.

Editors’ Letters

8

Associate Director’s Letter

GREAT TAFE ACHIEVERS 10 Cover Story: Nothing is Impossible

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T-next Magazine | Issue 1 | 2014

CONTENTS GREAT TAFE PEOPLE 14 Au revoir Susan Hartigan

TAFE PARTNER 26 ATEL Career Starting Point

BEST OF THE BEST

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 27 Your TAFE Calendar

16 WSI Top of the State 18 Students Win at Regional Awards

GRADUATES’ PROFILES 28 Student Profiles

PAGE 20 Steve Atkins – NSW VET Trainer/ Teacher of the Year

WHAT’S NEW? 30 A Guide to the Vocational Training System

TAFE EDUCATION TAFE BUSINESS 22 TAFE Western Sydney as a Business Enterprise

PARTNER’S SUCCESS

PAGE 32 Live Sound in WSI 34 Me, Myself and I – Art Project 36 The Australian Racing and Equine Academy PAGE 24 TAFE Western Sydney Adds Value to PRO IT Business Success

38 Jack Newton Junior Golf – Partnership with OTEN

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EDITORS’ LETTERS

Dmitry Greku Editor-in-Chief

What is T-next all about?

The completion of the final year of school brings students to a point, colloquially referred to as, a fork in the road. This location marks the point where profound decisions must be made. What is the best path to take in furthering one’s education and ultimately ensuring a smooth transition to a financially rewarding and satisfying job?

On the other side of the equation are those in business. They strive to find the cream-of-the-crop candidates, the very best staff members who will understand the nature of the company and be as involved, excited and passionate about its operations as they are.

T-next magazine is about facilitating all of this.

Perhaps you are still at high school and looking for the best opportunities in your life. The first step is to get the right tertiary education, perhaps a suitable apprenticeship or traineeship opportunity, and finally progress to a job in the company you were dreaming about for many years. T-next can help.

You are in charge of an enterprise and determined to succeed. Building a dynamic and united team, as much a part of your business as you are, is critical. T-next can help.

T-next is a communication channel that completes the circle. It unites Industry leaders, Apprenticeship/Traineeship Organisations, Educational Institutions, TAFE, Universities and Schools with the people who will manage companies, contribute to the national wealth, organise families and run this country during the next half a century – the students of today.

Take the initiative! Talk to them, be engaged and win with the best possible team in your business.

If you’re still at school, TAFE or University read T-next to better understand the world you are about to enter, so you can succeed on your own in the future.

I wish all prospective employers and employees every success in finding the right people and the most rewarding careers, respectively.

Craig McCallum Editor, TAFE Western Sydney craig.mccallum8@tafensw.edu.au

Introducing Ask Alfie Dear readers, It’s an honour to bring you this very first T-next. We hope you enjoy the read and more than that we hope you become a part of it.

This magazine is a selfie of TAFE WSI life. It’s about our students, their communities and what is happening on campus. It is about connecting local employers with their future workforces and helping young people to make their voyage from school student to savvy and skilled employee, which is at the heart of our work at TAFE Western Sydney.

I encourage you to have a good read and in particular to check out our summary of the changes that are coming our way in 2015 through the government reforms to the vocational education and training system.

These reforms affect TAFE Western Sydney, along with all vocational training providers, and our current and future students as well. Please also see page 27 for key dates for enrolments in 2015 and information on our newest Course Guide.

We are keen to keep it real here so please send us your ideas, questions and stories. We know if you are part of this, it has to work.

You will see in my selfie above I have included Man’s Best Friend, my adorable dog Alfie. Alfie is an inquisitive young chap and in his honour I thought we could include a column called ‘Ask Alfie’. Feel free to send your questions about training, assessments, careers and jobs to Alfie*. We will do our best to fetch some answers to your questions.

We would also like you to be part of this by sending in stories and anecdotes about your favourite TAFE teachers. There are some real crackers out there so we would love to hear about them. Perhaps you could take a selfie of yourself with your teacher or your pet! To send us your photos and stories, go to tafewsi.com/tnextmagazine.

With the year fast drawing to a close, you are no doubt heading into a busy time with assessments, events and holiday planning. We would like to wish you the very best for Christmas and look forward to helping you meet your training needs in 2015.

Until next time

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* Via me, of course. I haven’t taught Alfie to read. Yet.

I FORGE THE FUTURE Good things come to those who work.

And with TAFE WSI’s mix+match, I can plot my trade qualification around my job. I skip some classes using my work experience, and organise the rest around my shifts. This time is my time.

EDUCATE ON YOUR TERMS CHOOSE HOW, WHEN AND WHERE YOU STUDY

study now pay later

mix + match TAFE

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR’S LETTER

Francesca Saccaro Associate Director OTEN and Organisational Capability TAFE Western Sydney Dear readers, Welcome to the very first issue of T-next, a unique publication about life and times as a student at TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute.

One of the Institute’s core elements is a dedication to Customer Service and, in keeping with that approach, T-next is written especially for Western Sydney Institute students, school students, prospective students and parents.

The idea behind T-next is to provide a conduit for effective communication and giving a sense of the ‘bigger picture’ of the many activities that go on at TAFE. After all, Western Sydney Institute, including the online and distance education provider – the Open Training and Education Network (OTEN) – is one of the largest education and training providers in the Southern Hemisphere, so the ‘big picture’ is very big!

The Institute wants to make sure T-next includes articles and other items that are relevant and interesting to you and which will help you on your journey towards a successful career. Through T-next the Institute aims to keep you on the front foot with your training by including hints and tips and information on a broad range of topics. I encourage you to be a part of this by giving us feedback, ideas and articles which you think will be relevant to other readers.

The Institute also wants to showcase student successes so that you can see how studying at TAFE really can make a positive difference to your life. In this issue there are some particularly inspiring stories including this year’s Institute Medallist who overcame significant barriers to achieve her goals This is an interesting time for education and training with some big changes coming up for all vocational students in NSW from next year. In August, the Institute was privileged to have had a visit from the NSW Minister for Education, the Hon. Adrian Piccoli MP, and Mrs Tanya Davies MP, Member for Mulgoa who came and spoke firsthand with teachers and support staff from across the Institute at Nepean College, Kingswood about some of the upcoming changes. The Institute thinks it is important for you to know about these changes, which is another reason why I would like to encourage you to read T-next. You can read more about these changes – the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled initiative – later in this magazine.

STOP PRESS! A new Institute Director has been appointed to TAFE Western Sydney following the retirement of Susan Hartigan. Robin Shreeve commenced his position in October and brings with him a wealth of experience in the education sector.

Mr Shreeve will be profiled in the next issue.

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In June this year Western Sydney Institute’s Director of eight years, Ms Susan Hartigan retired from TAFE NSW. Under Susan’s inspirational leadership the Institute grew from around 78,000 to more than 140,000 enrolments annually. Susan truly believed that what the Institute does changes lives for the better, and contributes to the social and economic development of western Sydney region and beyond. You can read more about Susan and the proud legacy she has left behind in TAFE NSW and in Western Sydney Institute in this issue of T-next magazine.

Happy reading.

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PENRITH CAMPUS 117 Henry Street, Penrith Opening hours: 8am - 8pm, Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm, Saturday

GREAT TAFE ACHIEVERS

MARKEETA DOUGLAS Nothing is

Impossible Markeeta Douglas has just recently returned from Sri Lanka, where she addressed a conference in her role as Australian Training’s 2013 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.

When you have the privilege to hear the passion in her voice when she speaks about the work she does, you understand why she is the perfect choice to inspire others to reaching their goals through adversity.

Here is

her story

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GREAT TAFE ACHIEVERS Leaving school in Year 9, Markeeta felt she had more important priorities than her education.

She knew she wasn't fulfilling her potential but sometimes life takes you in other directions. The family had travelled a lot when she was growing up but when her mother became ill, they settled in the Newcastle area permanently. She began working in all sorts of jobs in bakeries, shops, etc. and finally landed a Business Administration traineeship in Bob Carr's office at 17. This was her first encounter with adult education.

Having gained her business and administration qualifications, she went on at 21 to secure a job at Awabakal Aboriginal Co-operative as a receptionist. Here, she began working in a role which fed her soul. Markeeta is a proud Dunghutti woman, who are originally from the Kempsey area in NSW and was passionate about the health and lives of her culture and people.

She became interested in Audiometry when her young son had some ear problems. She began working in this field at Awabakal just by watching and learning from those she worked with. This wasn't good enough for Markeeta and she wanted to further her knowledge and gain formal qualifications in Audiometry.

Unfortunately, there were no courses available for her but not one to be stopped, she kept looking and finally found a course through OTEN at TAFE NSW. OTEN (Open Training and Education Network) is the largest provider of vocational distance education and training in Australia. OTEN is part of the award winning TAFE Western Sydney winner of the 2014 NSW Large Training Provider and Industry Collaboration Award at the 2013 Australian Training Awards. OTEN offers world class distance education services and products to more than 60,000 students in more than 200 TAFE NSW Courses.

With three young children to look after (now aged 12, 10 and 6), Markeeta had her hands full and will admit that studying through OTEN was difficult at times. Without formal classes to attend, she found she had to be a lot stricter with herself and her study habits. There were online tutorials which she could have been a part of where students get to communicate with each other but due to having to balance her family, work and study responsibilities, she didn't take part much in these. She did however find the teachers to be so supportive and helpful as she worked at gaining her qualifications in Certificate IV Audiometry. Many of these teachers have since become her friends.

Markeeta found that one of the pros of studying through OTEN was that she was learning on the job. The studies she was doing made sense as they related directly to her workplace.

This made learning so much easier and part of her certificate included 100 hours of clinical practice which she completed in her workplace under the guidance of an Audiologist from Australian Hearing.

She was thrilled to be nominated and to indeed win the TAFE Western Sydney 2013 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year award. From there she went into the Hunter Regional Awards and won that, then progressed to the NSW State Awards held at Darling Harbour. Once again, she walked away with the major award which meant she had to travel to Perth Western Australia to compete for the National award.

She was so excited to meet the other contenders for the award and to hear their stories. Her mother, who is on dialysis, travelled to Perth to watch Markeeta vie for the National 2013 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year award. Having met the other

Markeeta with TAFE Western Sydney’s ambassador, Wippa

Markeeta at the 2013 Student Excellence Awards

Markeeta at the TAFE Western Sydney Student Excellence Awards with event sponsor Tahnee Woo from Val Morgan Cinema Network T-next Magazine | Issue 1 | 2014

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GREAT TAFE ACHIEVERS

(l-r) OTEN Teacher Monica Summers, Markeeta Douglas, Institute Director Susan Hartigan and OTEN teacher Janette Brazel

nominees, she was so impressed with their achievements and stories, she honestly didn't expect to win the award. She didn't mind as she was just happy to have made it to the National Awards and to have met and bonded with the other State winners. To her surprise, her name was called as the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for 2013.

Winning the award has meant so much more than just a plaque and title. She has spoken at many conferences including the most recent one in Sri Lanka. She has had a year of proudly representing not only her culture but also her profession. Her recent trip to Sri Lanka was also her first overseas trip and was the experience of a lifetime. She recently returned to Darling Harbour to hand the State title over to the 2014 winner and in November will travel to Adelaide to pass the National title onto the next worthy recipient.

Markeeta shows off her NSW Training Awards

and she is proud of being associated with an organisation which is leading the way in Aboriginal ear health in NSW and beyond.

In the future, Markeeta will continue to study and has currently completed 11 out of 19 units towards her Diploma. After that, she would like to study her Bachelor of Audiometry at University.

There have only ever been 3 or 4 Aboriginal Audiologists so she is looking forward to adding her name to that inspiring list.

She is thrilled to be able to promote vocational education and training as a pathway to learning and career progression and of course, the importance of education and health in the Aboriginal Community. The whole experience has made her more confident and she has discovered a real passion for sharing her knowledge and journey with others. Her work with the Awabakal Co-operative continues

Markeeta at the Australian Training Awards

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Her message to other people from all walks of life is clear. It doesn't matter who you are or what your educational or cultural background is, you can succeed if you believe in yourself. Having come from a background of low education and high unemployment, Markeeta is living proof that you can be anything you want to be. Her advice to others is to find out what it is you want to do and then surround yourself with role models and mentors. Nothing is impossible.

GREAT TAFE ACHIEVERS

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GREAT TAFE PEOPLE

au revoir

Susan Hartigan needs and so can't provide the right products and the appropriate services and you will never ride through the changing times with your stakeholders. You need to learn how they feel and what they want and then tailor your products and services accordingly,” says Susan.

In 2014, TAFE Western Sydney won Large Training Provider of the Year at the NSW Training Awards and in November will compete at the Australian Training Awards.

Somehow, the word ‘retirement’

just doesn’t seem relevant in reference to someone of the calibre of Susan Hartigan. Yet TAFE NSW Western Sydney Institute recently farewelled its Institute Director of eight years on 1 July 2014.

“TAFE Western Sydney is an amazing organisation. I have been honoured to lead it.

I have been in awe of the way we continually innovate and adapt to meet the ever changing training and education needs of individuals, industries and our communities. I have admired the way we embrace and work closely with industries and our communities and I truly believe that what we do contributes to the social and economic development of the western Sydney region and beyond.”

Susan knows she is leaving TAFE Western Sydney in good hands, having worked closely

with the Institute’s senior leadership team to implement organisational changes and new governance structure.

“The strategies and initiatives we have put in place, and others now are putting in place, in preparation for the Smart and Skilled environment are first class. TAFE Western Sydney has as its core element a dedication to Customer Service and is in a good position for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Susan’s three biggest supporters are her husband John and two sons, Jack and Ned. At the conclusion of her final day as Institute Director, Susan and John boarded a 7pm flight bound for Paris to celebrate and begin a threemonth holiday.

“For the last 8 years, John and I have holidayed in the south of France in a little village house we own with my brother and sister-in-law. Last year we began renovating a very old and dilapidated house as a project on our own. I wield a pretty mean paint brush and I love hunting down the old French antiques we are furnishing it with.”

Under Susan’s leadership, annual student enrolments grew significantly from 78,000 to over 130,000. The educational landscape changed dramatically during this period along with the needs and expectations of local businesses and industry across the western Sydney region. Innovative products and services are acknowledged staples of TAFE Western Sydney but the strength of the Institute lies in its relationships with stakeholders and close knit connections to local business, industry, government and community networks, a focus Susan has instilled across the organisation.

“From my perspective the relationships and the stakeholders always come first. If you haven't invested in the strong professional relationships you can't understand business Susan Hartigan with students at Automotive Student Graduation

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GREAT TAFE PEOPLE

While in France, Susan is busy entertaining, visiting family and friends, improving her French language skills (both written and spoken), scouring the countryside for antiques and tackling a house renovation challenge. Although, on the question of whether or not she is taking things easy for a while, perhaps the best insight comes from the local builder.

“Our builder refers to me as Madame La Directrice, so I think old habits die hard.”

Susan recognises her Director as the most professional career.

time as Institute rewarding of her

“TAFE and its values have been my working life, and a large part of my personal life, for over thirty years. I will take with me the stories and experiences of many students and staff.”

After a break Susan is looking forward to exploring new opportunities, starting in October with two work projects (unrelated to technical and further education) where she can utilise her range of specialist skills developed throughout her career. Susan also plans to progress her current certification in personal coaching to a higher level, while her passion for English literature looks like it might lead to further academic studies.

“My own definition of success is to be able to say, at the end of every day, today I challenged myself to do something just a little beyond my comfort zone and I achieved it.”

(l-r) Sharon Kerr, Director Education - Manufacturing, Engineering, Transport, and Mount Druitt College; Susan Hartigan, Institute Director

Susan with carpentry, joinery and plumbing student in front of a house built

by TAFE Western Sydney

We thank Susan for her vision and commitment to TAFE Western Sydney and wish her every success for all of her future endeavours.

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BEST OF THE BEST

TOP STATE Western Sydney Institute

of the

TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute was recently named NSW’s 2014 Large Training Provider of the Year at a Training Awards gala presentation in Sydney.

Western Sydney director Sue Westbrook said that this was a great achievement and a tribute to the Institute’s dedicated trainers.

“We are on the cusp of new era in vocational education and training in NSW and this award shows that our very strong team of WSI trainers is at the ready.

“The award acknowledges the positive impact TAFE Western Sydney has on individuals, communities and enterprises. Being named Large Training Provider of the Year recognises our achievements over the past year or so and we will keep evolving to meet training demands.

The award recognises ACHIEVEMENT, EXCELLENCE and INNOVATION in the vocational education and training sector in NSW.

“This award affirms TAFE Western Sydney’s strong reputation for quality and for imparting relevant skills which equip learners to be leaders in their industries.”

Pam Christie Managing Director TAFE NSW said she was delighted that TAFE Western Sydney was announced as the NSW Large Training Provider of the Year. Ms Christie congratulated the Institute for its role as the lead training institute for the Barangaroo Skills Exchange.

Through this collaboration it is projected that 50,000 learning outcomes will be achieved over the ten year construction period of the urban redevelopment project.

“I congratulate all staff and students who have contributed to Western Sydney Institute's solid reputation and to the positive and tangible outcomes that have been achieved” said Ms Christie”.

TAFE Western Sydney hospitality teacher Steve Atkins was named 2014 NSW Teacher/Trainer of the Year. The Mount Druitt College teacher is widely recognised for his high level of expertise for the hospitality industry, including 23 years as a chef and his excellent track record for students going on to successful hospitality careers.

TAFE Western Sydney vehicle painting student Daniel Brown who studied at Mount Druitt College was awarded the Phil Darby Award.

The Institute is now in the running for the national awards for the Large Training Provider of the Year and the Industry Collaboration Award which will be announced in November.

(l-r) Graham Luckman, Blackwoods; Sue Westbrook, TAFE Western Sydney and the Hon. Adrian Piccoli MP, Minister for Education.

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BEST OF THE BEST

(l-r) Mark Goodsell, Ai Group; Daniel Brown, Phil Darby Award winner; Bert Evans, AO

(l-r) Tony Thomas, Daily Telegraph; Steve Atkins, TAFE Western Sydney; Dr Michele Bruniges, Department of Education & Communities

ABOUT THE AWARDS The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by the NSW Department of Education and Communities (DEC) to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector. The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, trainers & teachers, training organisations, large and small employers.

(l-r) Michael Bennett from Group Training Association NSW & ACT; Ron Wright, Project Officer BSX; Andrew Wilson, Managing Director, Barangaroo South, Lend Lease; Mark Pincott, Construction and Property Services, Industry Skills Council; The Hon. Adrian Piccoli, Education Minister

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BEST OF THE BEST

Students Win at

REGIONAL AWARDS Four TAFE Western Sydney students and a teacher were AMONGST the WINNERS at the Western Sydney Regional Training Awards event in June.

Mount Druitt College commercial cookery teacher Steve Atkins was named Western Sydney’s VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year. Mr Atkins is widely recognised for his high level of expertise in the hospitality industry, including 23 years as a chef and his excellent track record for teaching students who go on to succeed in their hospitality careers.

“The award has inspired me to push the boundaries of innovative education techniques,” Mr Atkins said.

“Given the change that employment makes to my students’ lives, I am even more driven towards training techniques that will result in employment outcomes for them.”

(l-r) Stephanie Dewar, Robert Mendel

TAFE Western Sydney students receiving awards at the event included Richmond College student Lyndal Keen, named Western Sydney’s Vocational Student of the Year, and Mount Druitt College students Stephanie Dewar and Robert Mendel who were named Western Sydney’s Trainee of the Year and Apprentice of the Year respectively.

A former TAFE Western Sydney student, Kalinda Merton-Smith, was named the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.

Institute Director Susan Hartigan congratulated each of the students and teacher, Steve Atkins, on their achievements.

“These awards have been presented in a context of very high quality of training which is making a difference to individuals and communities,” Ms Hartigan said.

“This training is going on every day at the Institute’s seven local colleges and through our Open Training and Education Network (OTEN). But what makes it extraordinary is the impact it is having on economic and community development through the nexus of extraordinarily skilled and dedicated teachers meeting extraordinarily gifted and passionate students.

“My sincerest congratulations go to each of the award winners.”

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BEST OF THE BEST

Western Sydney Regional Apprentice of the Year

ROBERT MENDEL Engineering, Mount Druitt College (l-r) Susan Hartigan, Steve Atkins, Ann Goonetilleke

Western Sydney Regional Trainee of the Year

STEPHANIE DEWAR Engineering, Mount Druitt College

Western Sydney Regional Vocational Student of the Year

LYNDAL KEEN Landscape Design, Richmond College

Western Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

KALINDA MERTON-SIMON Children’s Services, Nirimba College

Western Sydney VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Lyndal Keen

STEVE ATKINS Commercial Cookery, Mount Druitt College

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BEST OF THE BEST

Steve Atkins NSW VET Trainer of the Year

by Anthony Smith Listening to him, it is not hard to see why he has transitioned from chef to head teacher so seamlessly. Steve has that rare gift of putting you at ease when he speaks. An articulate, persuasive man, you want to hear what he has to say, and once you do, his enthusiasm is infectious. You thirst for more. It’s a facility that makes him so popular with the apprentices.

The celebrated novelist, Virginia Woolf once wrote, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well”.

Listening to the inspiring 2014 NSW Vocational Teacher/Trainer of the Year recipient, Steve Atkins, it is a dictum he has applied to the core skills underpinning his working life.

From apprentice chef in Mediterranean-based restaurant South Wales south coast, he become head teacher at the College hospitality section.

a seafood, on the New has risen to Mount Druitt

Steve Atkins’ vocation has been the pursuit of excellence in commercial cooking. Since 2008, his innovative focus has shifted to training apprentices and imparting the considerable skills he has acquired to the three hundred students attending the College’s hospitality section.

From the age of seventeen, when he began an apprenticeship and obtained his Certificate III in commercial cooking, it took a mere twelve years for Steve to become an executive chef with 16 people working under him.

That experience imbued in this likeable achiever a desire to train apprentices. So, starting with just one night a week at Mount Druitt College and progressing to full-time in 2008, he began a journey that today sees him standing at the pinnacle of his chosen profession.

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Every word he utters demonstrates the passion Steve retains for his students. He tells of the transformation that comes over their lives as they progress through the course, an evolution he delights in being a party to. Students gain confidence as their core skills are instilled. They begin earning a living and branch out in the innumerable directions open to them once they attain their Certificate III. “It’s a privilege to be a part of their journey,” he says with considerable humility.

And some journey too, for the qualification once attained, becomes the ticket to a job the world over. But taking the first, right steps, and building a solid foundation, is the key to success.

Steve stresses the importance of inculcating the fundamental principles underpinning food preparation and cooking. Once these are fully understood, students go on to develop their own menus.

In that process, given the rich cultural mix at Mount Druitt, on occasions, he has become an avid observer, when a unique dish is presented.

“You never close the book on learning and this helps me to create a more eclectic menu of food.”

A career in catering has neither geographical or industry boundaries and is extremely flexible.

‘Whether it is a full- or part-time occupation, the opportunities are limitless. Work is available in hospitals, clubs and nursing homes, along with larger catering organisations at one level, or at another, trendy inner city cafes, restaurants and five star hotels.

“Many want to go out on their own. I remember two graduates who built a mobile wood-fired pizza oven and went round to markets where they baked breads and fancy pizzas, doing incredibly well,” he smiles warmly.

Steve regards the influence of technology as integral to the developments that are occurring within food preparation. Teaching protocols need to keep pace with the changing trends, and the citation for his Award emphasised his limitless capacity for innovation.

“Everyone has a smart phone, tablet or computer and this provides the means to store an electronic portfolio of what the students have created, all easily accessible at YouTube and Facebook.”

At the coalface, he equates the partnership developed with students, Mount Druitt College and industry, to a marriage. “We’re all combining to build the New South Wales economy,” he confidently asserts.

Contrary to what is often thought of as a profession where the hours are long and the wages frequently short, Steve believes that the remuneration on offer would surprise most people.

“The rewards for chefs are there. Those prepared to work hard, can shoot for the stars and really go places.”

Not content to savour his 2014 award and sit back, Steve has cast his sights a little higher, and is now a finalist for the Australian Training Awards’ Teacher Trainer of the Year NSW. He anticipates a rigorous challenge ahead, saying that the exercise is one to which he is much looking forward.

“I’ve been encouraged by the support that the students have given me thus far, and my primary goal is to advance them as a body of which I am very proud.”

BEST OF THE BEST

Steve Atkins at the Student Excellence Awards

Steve Atkins at the NSW Training Awards (centre) with Tony Thomas, Daily Telegraph (left) and Dr Michele Bruniges, Department of Education & Communities (right)

Steve Atkins, the Barangaroo Skills Exchange and TAFE Western Sydney are now in the running for National Training Awards which will be announced in November.

Steve with a group of students T-next Magazine | Issue 1 | 2014

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TAFE BUSINESS

TAFE Western Sydney as a

BUSINESS PARTNER

Interview with

WHITNEY ROUSHAM Former Business Unit Director TAFE Western Sydney

“He who opens a school door, closes a prison...” VICTOR HUGO Whitney Rousham joined the staff of TAFE Western Sydney in early 1995, going on to become the Director of Business Development in early 2006.

His adoption of that position coincided with a time when TAFE Western Sydney was battling to attract commercial revenue.

In eight years, driven by a combination of passion for education and astute stewardship, there has been a spectacular turnaround. TAFE Western Sydney has become a most successful magnet for commercial revenue.

These developments have been felt across the entity and business alike and, with a calm reserve of dignity, he exudes a pride at what TAFE Western Sydney has achieved.

In his twenty years at TAFE Western Sydney, the changes have been dramatic. Most of all, occasioned by government revenue imperatives, the cultural mindset had to be re-calibrated.

“We had to work in partnership with the private sector. The weaning process has not been pleasant, but we have become much stronger and more resilient for it. And the outcomes are better,” Whitney asserts.

Adapting to the changes has made TAFE Western Sydney a more robust and competitive educational institution. With the process of funding stringencies ongoing, the organisation is strategically placed not merely to adjust, but to advance and improve.

“This takes more than just one person,” he beams. “It is a team effort.”

“We now have nearly 50% of our funds coming from commercial revenue sources and I have no reason to doubt that our business dynamic can forge ahead. We are getting outcomes and that is why entrepreneurs and business want to partner with us.”

TAFE Western Sydney covers a significant area of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains and encompasses campuses at Katoomba, Wentworth Falls, Richmond, Kingswood, Penrith, Mount Druitt, Blacktown, Nirimba (Quakers Hill), Baulkham Hills and Castle Hill.

It also includes OTEN, based at Strathfield, which is the largest deliverer of online training in the Southern Hemisphere. These campuses cover an impressive range of subjects. Beauty, Hair, Hospitality, Arts, Sport, Music Industry and Cooking, are just a tiny sample of the streams available.

The TAFE institute offers a myriad of individual disciplines focussing on career training. There are more than 3000 staff, 160,000 students spanning the ten campuses and online training facility.

“This isn’t a small community college. It’s a big, competitive business, fully integrated with the private sector and is certainly functioning on professional and dynamic lines,” he says.

While training still includes the more traditional trades, there is a huge swing towards training in the workplace. Qualifications are becoming a prerequisite in almost every area of employment.

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TAFE BUSINESS

(l-r) Whitney Rousham and Duncan Ellis, Business Unit Director, TAFE Western Sydney

Whitney emphasises that most students are either doing their career training, are working already or are actively involved in looking for work.

“With our reality-based training, we are delivering the workers who are making all this happen.”

“TAFE is essentially about work. It is about learning the skills necessary to work and assimilating the cultural psyche necessary to make the transition to gainful employment.”

In August this year, Whitney finished his tenure with TAFE to enter retirement. He has left the Institute in safe hands and with a long legacy of achievement that has seen many individual and joint successes and awards.

“Students are equipped to fit straight into work and Business across the board appreciates our enterprising and innovative approach as our courses are so broadly tailored.”

One of the major projects for the Institute at present is a training program for construction workers on the Barangaroo site.

Barangaroo is the biggest redevelopment of land in Sydney since the Opera House and encompasses twenty-two hectares of land on the Northern side of Darling Harbour, almost to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

“Awards are a fantastic recognition that the Institute is doing its job. But it is the individual successes and outcomes for the students and business that have inspired me to keep improving our service to the people of Western Sydney and the New South Wales economy.”

For more information about Business Partnerships with TAFE Western Sydney: p 02 9208 9421

The Institute has many trainers and assessors on the job and because of its size, there are government-set targets for social outcomes and to ensure that a proportion of those working are training.

e askwsi@tafensw.edu.au w workforcedevelopment.edu.au

“This is an incredibly exciting and positive opportunity for us,” asserts Whitney. “So far six thousand training outcomes have taken place at Barangaroo. Most have been short-focused training but there are also long-term training including apprenticeships. It’s the biggest commercial building project TAFE Western Sydney has been connected with.”

Currently the focus is on the building phase. This will change as the project develops with the demand for IT specialists, electricians, planners, other specialties and trades. There are other upcoming projects such as the North-West rail project with a similar focus for infrastructure for Sydney’s West.

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PARTNER’S SUCCESS

TAFE Western Sydney

PRO IT

BUSINESS SUCCESS over the past 15 years

Operating since 1999, PRO IT are positioned delivering services but not limited to Finance, Banking, Education, Media, Travel and Transport industries across Government, Not for Profit and Private organisations from Small to Medium (SME) to large Enterprise operations.

PRO IT provides 24 x 7 x 365 support across services such as Helpdesk, Data Centre Hosting, Management, Field Support, Break Fix, IMAC services, Procurement, Vendor and Project Management to name just a few of our vast arrange of services.

PRO IT have quickly grown from our Sydney Head Office to currently supporting the Australasia region including offices in New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

PRO IT is currently engaged in providing support services to the core infrastructure of corporations such as Microsoft and Banking Institutions and slowly working towards Social Media industry giants.

This substantial growth has predominantly been driven by satisfied client referral which PRO IT are very proud.

With the corporate vision being to continue to provide its existing and potential customers with professional, responsive and personalised services, and to ensure that the integrity of its customers is always kept to the highest of standards” it is easy to see why Bekir and the PRO IT team have been and will continue to be successful into the future.

The founder of PRO IT PTY LTD, Bekir Kilic has an overwhelming and deep personal passion for Mentoring and Coaching young IT and other Professionals combined with adding value to the larger business and private communities across Western Sydney.

With a background in IT Financial markets Bekir transitioned to an industry leader initially identifying and acting upon a gap in the market and commenced working with businesses as a partner relationship type rather than the standard client/supplier relationship that was common in the IT industry at the time.

With his broad and robust commercial experience gained via various Managing Director and Board including Chairmen roles Bekir very successfully guided the PRO IT team through changing environments including the GFC era.

Over the years TAFE has proven to be a valuable resource to our organisation. We have a high volume of permanent staff in NSW that are ICT graduates and were sourced from TAFE. Bekir recently quoted: “By having TAFE working alongside with Industry providers such as PRO IT, together we are able to deliver up to date information and skills to TAFE students. As a result of this relationship we can see that TAFE graduates have more industry skills than applicants from just theory based organisations and this in turn helps to secure them jobs in the future”.

PRO IT Engineers possess individual industry experience of up to 25 years and blend well with its rich history of running traineeship programs and initiatives in a line TAFE curriculum.

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adds value to

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TAFE PARTNER

ATEL

CAREER

STARTING POINT Ulamila is a dedicated chef who cooks with passion. She is employed in a five star Italian restaurant at the Park Royal Hotel, Darling Harbour in Sydney. Ulamila has held a number of positions in catering and cooking. She did her apprenticeship with ATEL Group Training, which provided a strong support system through their mentoring program and also allowed her to experience different work environments. Upon completing her apprenticeship with ATEL Group Training, the Park Royal Restaurant offered her an ongoing position as a chef, which was a significant accomplishment.

Q. When did you know that you wanted to be a chef? At what age?

A. I started looking into being a chef when I was 19. I wasn’t too keen when I was younger because I was always in the kitchen at home so I didn’t think to make it a career until I was 19.

Q. What is your favorite thing about your apprenticeship?

A. I really liked meeting and working with different kinds of chefs that have their own way of doing things, using different techniques, and doing things the easier way with the same outcome.

Q. What did you enjoy most about working for ATEL Group Training?

A. I loved how I wasn’t in the same job for the entire three years of my apprenticeship; they moved me around, which was good. I saw and worked in different kitchens and met a lot of ATEL peers too.

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Q. What exciting cooking trends are you looking forward to experiencing?

A. I’m looking to learn a lot of trends. I’m not too sure what trends I’m looking forward to learn but I’m sure the places I’ll be going to in the future will show me.

Q. If you weren’t cooking, what would you do for a living?

A. I don’t know actually; it’s something I’ve never thought about. I have worked in other industries besides hospitality. I’ve done sales, retail and office work, 9-5 stuff, but I didn’t like any of that. I really don’t know.

Ulamila, chef of a five star Italian restaurant at the Park Royal Hotel, Darling Harbour

Q. Most embarrassing cooking moment?

A. Making a brûlée and adding into the mix, instead of 400 grams of sugar, 400 grams of salt and not knowing. I had a perfect cooked brûlée that tasted like a plate of salt Q. You recently won a scholarship with ATEL Group Training to travel and work abroad.

What do you feel is going to be your biggest challenge?

A. Being homesick, missing the ones I love and learning to live in a different environment and just adapting to something new.

Q. When you come back to Australia after your overseas trip, what are your plans?

A. I plan to move out of home and have a good position in a restaurant somewhere in Sydney or maybe even own my own restaurant.

Please contact ATEL for more apprenticeship opportunities.

Suite 5.02, 13-15 Lyon Park Road North Ryde NSW 2113 p 1300 784 787 w www.atel.com.au

CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOVEMBER 2014 Tue 11

8:00AM – 9:30AM

Future Skills Audit for your Business – A Breakfast Forum for CEO’s and the C-Suite

Thu 20

8:00AM – 9:30AM

Future Skills Audit for your Business – A Breakfast Forum for CEO’s and the C-Suite

YOUR TAFE

CALENDAR

KEY DATES 2015 TAFE services are not limited to the standard educational year dates. Enrolments, courses and other services are offered continuously throughout the year.

Semester 1

Term 1

Mon 2 Feb – Thu 2 Apr Autumn student vacation Fri 3 Apr – Sun 19 Apr

Term 2

Mon 20 Apr – Sun 21 Jun Winter student vacation Monday 29 Jun – Sun 12 Jul

Semester 2

Term 3

Mon 13 Jul - Sun 20 Sep Spring student vacation Mon 21 Sep – Mon 5 Oct

Term 4

Tue 6 Oct – 29 Nov Mid-summer student vacation Mon 14 Dec – Sun 17 Jan 2016

HTN is Australia’s largest group employer of: Apprentice Chefs Apprentice Butchers Hospitality Trainees and is now recruiting

1300 139 108 www.htn.com.au

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GRADUATES’ PROFILES

STUDENT PROFILES “When I first started this course I was scared to do new things, but I now know a lot more than I thought I would.”

Kyara Sloan Highly Commended Trainee Certificate II in Kitchen Operations The Hills College Kyara’s exemplary performance in her School Based Traineeship prompted her teacher to nominate her for a Student Excellence Award. After undertaking a two-week work placement as a Year 10 student, Kyara became hooked on commercial cookery and completed the Certificate II in Kitchen Operations whilst attending years 11 and 12 at school. In her traineeship she demonstrated perseverance, loyalty and an excellent array of job skills. She is now completing her apprenticeship with the Hogs Breath Café, North Parramatta and hopes to one day become an Executive Chef on a Cruise Ship.

Joshua Harris Manufacturing and Engineering Student of the Year Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting Mount Druitt College Joshua commenced his TAFE studies as a TVET student.

During this time he competed at state and national levels in the world’s largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics school competition, the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge. Following his HSC studies, Joshua returned to TAFE to continue his training in engineering. He has applied continual effort and through his TAFE studies, Joshua has enhanced his skills in design, project leadership, planning, reporting, communication and teamwork. He is a valued employee with increasing responsibilities and plans to ultimately become a mechatronic or mechanical engineer.

“I have developed more skills and understanding in drafting and engineering which I will continue to develop throughout many more years of TAFE.”

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GRADUATES’ PROFILES Jake Field Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Certificate II in Business Administration The Hills College Jake belongs to the Yuin people group and is a strong advocate for Aboriginal people and the important part that education plays in the preservation of culture. Before suffering a life-changing accident, Jake was training to become a plumber. No longer able to continue in his chosen pathway, Jake took the courageous step of retraining for a different vocation. Jake has been nominated a Student Excellence Award for the way he has strived to take control of his vocational destiny, while also being a highly valued and positive member of his learning community.

“After my accident I became quite withdrawn and lost direction. TAFE helped me step out of my comfort zone and has focused me on moving forward with my life.”

Minoo Toussi Arts, Design and Media Student of the Year Advanced Diploma of Interior Design Nepean College Minoo was highly regarded by her teachers because of her ability to lead and inspire, her initiative, and her exceptional creative ability. Endowed with natural skill and a steely resolve to exceed expectations, Minoo produced an extremely high quality of work and imbued her classmates with a passion for interior design. She has opened an online designer item shop and plans to complete the Bachelor of Applied Management in Design. She also plans to manage a studio for projects in interior design and decoration as well as product and accessory design.

“I am striving to become a designer that will create better and more sustainable spaces for people to love to live in, to work in, to visit.”

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WHAT’S NEW?

BIG CHANGES ARE ON THEIR WAY for the NSW training system.

If you plan to study in 2015 and beyond,

read on, as the changes will affect all vocational education and training in NSW.

The NSW Government has introduced reforms to training called Smart and Skilled which will commence in January 2015. This new system means that qualifications which lead to skills that employers are looking for in NSW will be subsidised by the government. These subsidised qualifications are published on the NSW Skills List.

As a part of this new arrangement, the government has set the fee for all qualifications which are included on the NSW Skills List, which means that you will pay the same fee for a selected qualification regardless of the provider.

The government has also introduced an ‘entitlement’ system, giving people who meet the set criteria an entitlement to training.

This entitlement is available for foundation skills courses and full qualifications up to and including Certificate III for individuals who: •

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are Australian citizens, permanent residents or humanitarian visa holders, or New Zealand citizens, and

•

are aged 15 years or older, and

•

live or work in New South Wales

•

have left school and do not hold qualifications at Certificate IV or higher.

T-next Magazine | Issue 1 | 2014

a guide to the

VOCATIONAL

TRAINING SYSTEM

in 2015 and beyond

For those who meet the above criteria but who already have a qualification equivalent to Certificate IV or above, subsidised training is available for qualifications at Certificate IV and above on the NSW Skills List and for apprenticeships and traineeships. There will also be options for deferred payment available such as VET FEE-HELP loans, Trade Support Loans and Pay As You Study schemes.

More information on Smart and Skilled can be gained through training.nsw.gov.au and wsi.tafensw.edu.au Through the Smart and Skilled website, you can find courses and approved providers, check your eligibility for courses, and estimate your student fees.

Individuals may also be eligible for exemptions from fees or concessions. These are for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disabilities and Commonwealth welfare recipients. Students will need to meet eligibility requirements for exemptions or concessions.

You can get more information at https:// www.training.nsw.gov.au/forms_documents/ smartandskilled/prices_fees/2015_special_ needs_students_fact_sheet.pdf

WHAT IS vocational education and training?

?

Vocational education and training focuses on the skills and knowledge required for a particular trade or profession. Vocational education and training can also include foundation skills such as language, literacy and numeracy and other skills which are essential for employment. VET covers post-school education offered through TAFEs, specialist institutes and other training providers.

?

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR in a training provider?

Training providers will need to meet strict criteria to be approved to deliver Smart and Skilled qualifications. While there will be number of training organisations offering the same qualifications for the same price in 2015 and beyond, TAFE will continue to offer its high quality training and a safe and reliable option for your qualification. When selecting a Registered Training Organisation, it is important to consider what is being offered and to consider whether you will receive: •

a nationally recognised qualification

•

quality training with a training provider who achieves results

•

training and support from teachers who care about their students are qualified and have relevant industry experience

•

up-to-date and relevant training that is flexible and meets your learning needs

•

relevant work experience, where applicable

•

assistance with career planning or further education pathways

•

pre course information so you know what you will be expected to do to complete the course.

Career in Hotel Management Bachelor & Masters Degree Pathways

Live it.

At the Hotel Management Institute you live in a real operating hotel. Life revolves around the patterns of the hotels’ operations so you learn to adapt your way of life to the hotel industry.

Learn it.

You’ll learn practical useful skills highly valued for employability in today’s modern hotel industry; as well as the long term business and strategic knowledge that two Advanced Diplomas and an optional University Bachelors and Masters Degree gives you.

Pathway to University This course articulates into either University of Western Sydney or Federation University for further development of your learning.

w w w. h m i . e d u . a u

P: 4788 1066 E: enquiries@hmi.edu.au

TAFE EDUCATION

LIVE SOUND If you thought taking concert photos meant grabbing your smart phone and snapping away at the Will.i.am concert,

then think again.

Not since Annie Leibovitz went on tour with the Rolling Stones in 1975 has there been a more exciting collaboration of musical talent and photographic skill witnessed than that of WSI Entertainment and Photo Imaging students this year.

Diploma of Photo Imaging students were granted all access passes to shoot music gigs at Nirimba Entertainment Precinct – and they loved it.

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“The feedback from the music students is the biggest reward for me”, said Kirsty Bremner, Diploma of Photo Imaging student. “They’re always so excited to see their photos.”

Thursday is band day where every musician from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma gets a chance to play for his or her peers and teachers.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, WSI Entertainment students find themselves in the myriad of roles that make the live entertainment industry tick.

It is these gigs that have proved so popular with Photo Imaging students.

The music students set up their gear – guitar amps, keyboards, bass and drums – and perform. The Live Sound students set up and operate a complete PA system. One student mixes the band and another operates the monitor system (so the musicians can hear what they are doing). The lighting students design a light show during the week and get the chance to put it into action on gig day.

The sound recording students are charged with making a 16 track live recording of the gig.

“Our soon to graduate Diploma students are shooting real jobs under real working conditions.

It’s a taste of what they can expect in the real world and a great learning experience for them.

They need to think on their feet, problem-solve and produce dynamic images,” said Head Teacher of Photo Imaging, Craig DaalmeijerPower.

The images produced have been used on Facebook with fantastic feedback from all involved.

TAFE EDUCATION “Having the gigs so brilliantly photographed has helped the students gain some insight into how an audience might perceive them. In many ways it has lifted the intensity of their performance”, said Head teacher of Music, Steve Bull. “Getting to see the results so quickly via Facebook has also been an amazing advantage. The students can instantly get an idea of what is working and what isn’t.”

“I get comments and shares on Facebook from the students that see their shots, it’s great!” said Kirsty Bremner.

TAFE Western Sydney is all about offering real workplace experience through handson training.

“Some of our students have never shot a gig before”, said Head Teacher Photo Imaging, Craig Daalmeijer-Power. “Now they have portfolio images they can be proud of, and the confidence to go out and shoot real live gigs.”

“It’s the practical experience at TAFE that takes us out of the world of theory and gives us the opportunity to put what we have learned into practice”, said Diploma of Photo Imaging student, Kate Harriott. “Photographing the bands, lighting and sound technicians was a fantastic learning experience.”

For more course information go to: nadc.wsi.tafensw.edu.au facebook.com/wsi.nadc http://entertainment.wsi.tafensw.edu.au/ facebook.com/WSIEntertainment

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TAFE EDUCATION

Me, Myself and I

is an annual A4 self-portrait exhibition held by Nepean Arts and Design Centre (NADC) at TAFE Western Sydney Institute. Each year hundreds of entries are submitted by students and staff of NADC and this year was no exception. Over 300 works lined the walls of Trapezium Gallery for the first two weeks of May this year, marking our 9th selfportrait show. In 2010 we introduced a book of 101 portraits as a record of each show, and our fourth book (of works from 2013) was released with the closing of our exhibition this year. In 2013 tons of pics from these shows were printed on the side of a bus which has been travelling around the Penrith area to promote the NADC.

ME, MYSELF and I It’s always wonderful to see the diverse range of responses to such a simple and direct brief, and the vibrancy of the art school is reflected by the hundreds of submissions we receive. Next year is our 10th anniversary of this annual exhibition, and we’re planning on an extravaganza! All past students and staff of NADC will be invited to submit works and return to the TAFE for the grand opening and celebration. It should be our biggest show ever and we’re really looking forward to seeing some old friends again.

If you want to check out the books we’ve made go to blurb.com and search the bookstore for TAFE WSI. Like what you see? Maybe a creative industries course at Nepean Arts and Design Centre is for you. Visit www.nadc.wsi.tafensw.edu.au or Google NADC to find all about the Diploma of Visual Arts, the Diploma of Photo Imaging, and much more!

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Preparing you for your P s TAFE NSW - WSI is now a provider of Safer Driver courses for young learner drivers The Safer Drivers Course is available to learner drivers under the age of 25 who have completed at least 50 log book driving hours.

Earn 20 hours of bonus log book credit by completing a Safer Drivers Course.

Book a Safer Drivers Course: www.tafesaferdrivers.com (02) 9208 0164

Get

20

hours credit on log bo your ok

TAFE EDUCATION

The Australian

RACING AND EQUINE Academy The Australian Racing and Equine Academy (AREA) continues to ‘churn’ out talented apprentice jockeys, with Mollie Partridge and Melinda Graham being the latest to join the winning ranks on the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers.

The promising riders competed at their first race meeting at Grafton on June 14th, with both riders enjoying a fairy-tale victory on debut.

Melinda saluted with Rebel Dancer for her mother, and master, Jenny Graham, while Mollie scored with Jack's Kiss for her master/trainer, Colt Prosser.

“Nobody could ask for a better outcome than to win on debut,” declared AREA workplace trainer and assessor, Malcolm Fitzgerald.

“Everyone who has worked with Melinda and Mollie are very proud!”

To prove it was no stroke of luck, the pair ventured to the Casino meeting on June 24th where they again joined the winners’ circle.

Mollie was victorious with Curley Mac for trainer Vanessa McLennan while Melinda scored with Pryendi for her father, trainer Darren Graham.

With more race experience under their belt, further success is expected to follow.

“It was very exciting to win at each of my first two outings – I couldn’t have asked for a better result,” Melinda Graham declared.

While Melinda has a lifelong association with Racing through her family who have trained horses, the 24-year-old decided to put study ahead of her career ambitions in the saddle.

“I’ve been involved with racing my whole life but, I wanted to go to University first and get a qualification before looking at anything else,” she said.

“I went to University at Newcastle where I achieved a degree as a dietician. That was my goal once I left school.

“After I finished my degree, only then was I going to get into racing by taking the steps to become an apprentice jockey. I’m very happy with what I’ve achieved in the saddle so far and, I’m definitely keen to continue down the pathway of a jockey.”

Unlike Melinda, Mollie Partridge couldn’t resist the urge to follow her jockey aspirations and, she has juggled her school education with parttime work at the stables of Colt Prosser.

“I couldn’t start my career quick enough,” Mollie revealed. “I started working for Colt when I was 14 and-a-half years old and the goal has always been to become a jockey.

“I’ve finished school now and I’m very happy to give racing my full attention,” the 17year-old added.

Malcolm Fitzgerald said that apprentices such as Melinda and Mollie achieve success through a combination of factors that has been put in place by AREA, which is a strategic training partnership between Racing NSW and TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute.

Fitzgerald said that the Racing Industry also supports the work that the AREA team is doing with the mentoring of apprentice jockeys.

“Firstly, nothing is possible without the great support of the whole AREA team, and that’s from the office in Sydney right up to the workplace trainers like myself, who are based around NSW,” Fitzgerald said.

The AREA mentor team includes Ron Quinton, Malcolm Johnston, Jamie Whitney, Karlie Triffitt, Michael Donoghue, Melina Remacle, Pat Webster, Rodney Quinn and Dan Power.

“We are very grateful also to have the support of industry from a wide perspective,” Fitzgerald said.

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TAFE EDUCATION

“That includes the Racing NSW Stewards, and in particular Drew Smith who plays a pivotal role when working with apprentice jockeys such as Melinda and Mollie on the Mid North Coast.

Drew holds them all in good stead.

“There are also senior jockeys who take the time to mentor the young apprentices at trackwork or on race days – particularly Robert Thompson, Peter Graham, Andrew Gibbons and Dale Spriggs.

“Many people play a part and the apprentices themselves can’t achieve what they have without dedication and hard work.”

(l-r) Melinda Graham, Mal Fitzgerald (AREA Workplace Trainer) and Mollie Partridge AREA can be found online at www.racingacademy.com.au or by phoning 1800 200 724

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TAFE EDUCATION

JACK NEWTON

JUNIOR GOLF

partnership with OTEN

The Aboriginal Education and Training Unit (AETU) has been working in partnership with the Jack Newton Junior Golf Association (JNJG) to develop and strengthen links with Aboriginal communities and high schools across NSW. JNJG approached the AETU in an effort to develop their existing school sporting program My Golf. JNJG weren’t a hundred percent sure of what they wanted, they did however want a project that would engage more Aboriginal students with the sport of golf. A series of meetings and consultations were held to test ideas of how to link their existing program to a qualification which could allow students to take away something tangible. The AETU was the conduit to link JNJG with schools with high enrolments of Aboriginal students. Meetings were held with representatives from National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA) and potential schools. From here the AETU brought together JNJG reps, NASCA reps, TAFE Western Sydney TVET coordinators and teaching staff from the Health services faculty to develop a TVET course – the Certificate II in Sports and Recreation. A partnership was formed and this was formalised in December 2013. The key element of the JNJG program is it provides a sporting alternative to Aboriginal students in both metropolitan and regional communities. TAFE Western Sydney will pilot this course with four high schools.

This is an evolving project with discussions underway to develop a state wide program. The AETU has been instrumental in bringing the major stakeholders Jack Newton Junior Golf, National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy and Western Sydney Institute together to advance a project that aims to combine sport, education and employment pathways for Aboriginal students.

phone 181 870 website wsi.tafensw.edu.au/register

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Your first call for ALL Building & Construction training

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