The auditorium of the Merimbula RSL was abuzz with chatter about dream jobs and future plans as 228 students from the Bega Campus of TAFE NSW Illawarra gathered for their graduation ceremony on Tuesday night.
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Accompanied by parents and friends, the students represented a huge cross section of employment training, from metal welding and horticulture, to tourism and cookery, to childcare and the dairy industry.
The memorable night began with a ‘Welcome to Country’ by Pastor Ossie Cruse, followed by a formal address by TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute Director, Dianne Murray.
“Congratulations to all of our graduating students from TAFE Illawarra Bega,” Ms Murray said.
“It’s from our graduating ceremonies that hundreds of recently trained professionals proudly emerge with their qualifications, thanks to the combined efforts of our dedicated teaching and staff.”
Student guest speaker, Tracey Escreet, offered a memorable speech on behalf of the students, recalling highlights of study from a special insider’s perspective.
The presentation of awards then began, involving a long list of names, lots of formal handshakes, and a pink flush in the cheeks as students took to the podium with a mixture of pride and nervousness.
Among them were eight graduates from the Eden area; Reyman Gacis, from Pambula, graduated with a certificate I in written and spoken English: Emily Ferencz, Lochiel, received a certificate III in early childhood education and care: Brian Ahern, Nethercote, and Dean Muscat, Eden, graduated with a certificate III in engineering: Samantha Godfrey, Eden, received her certificate II in hairdressing: Andrew Golightly, South Pambula, and Jackson Knol, Wyndham, with a certificate III in hospitality: and Jan Wheeler, Eden, not only received her certificate III in business administration but was also given a special encouragement award, donated by Bega Business Systems, for her overall diligence and dedication in class, including helping other classmates.
Ms Murray was glowing about our regional graduates, and expressed a commonly shared positivity about the future ahead.
“A TAFE NSW qualification is a stamp of quality recognised by employers locally, nationally and internationally,” Ms Murray said, “which will prove highly valuable for all graduates when forging careers.”
