MORE THAN YOU IMAGINE
Pathways newsletter October 2011
Join us for our 120 Gala Showcase at Sydney’s Town Hall Sydney Institute is organising a spectacular finale to a year of anniversary celebrations with the 120 Gala Showcase and Dinner at Sydney’s Town Hall on 9 November 2011. Open to the general public, the Gala will feature more than 200 students and 120 fashion models over six different parades. The evening will also include live music performances from students and graduates including The Stiff Gins and will be hosted by radio presenter Brendan Jones. Star graduates, including Alex Perry and Nicky Zimmerman, will show off samples of their latest work, and current students from a range of study areas including fashion, hair and make-up, costume design, floristry, film production, animation, visual merchandising, radio broadcasting, stage management, hospitality, music and carpentry will provide a taste of things to come. Sydney Institute has a proud track record of producing world leaders in fashion and the creative arts and this is a chance to see the up and coming stars of the future.
What: 120 Gala Showcase and Dinner Where: Sydney Town Hall When: 9 November 2011 Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm start Ticket Price: $35 - show only $135 - dinner and show Tickets available through www.moshtix.com.au For more information on the Gala please visit www.sit.nsw.edu.au/imagine
Tickets for the 120 Gala Showcase and Dinner are on sale through Moshtix and range in price from $35 for show only to $135 for dinner and show. (Tables of 10 available for $1250).
MORE THAN YOU IMAGINE
Cameron turns his passion for rock climbing into a career
Have you ever thought about being an outdoor guide or instructor? Did you realise that with strong outdoor skills you can work all over the world doing what you love best? Cameron Floyd is studying the Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation course at Sutherland College, Loftus Campus. His passion for rock climbing led him to pursue professional qualifications to become an outdoor guide and instructor. After researching courses on the internet he enrolled in the course at TAFE because it offered him a range of practical and theoretical skills which would enable him to work as an assistant guide or skills instructor in abseiling, rock climbing, high ropes, bushwalking and flat water canoeing. “I am really enjoying every aspect of my study. The course is very hands-on, so you get to learn in a practical outdoor environment as well as in a classroom. You have so much fun learning and it is just so inspirational being around like-minded teachers and students,” Cameron said.
Parts of the course require students to learn about group management, problem solving, first-aid and leadership skills. The groups’ final assessment before graduation requires them to apply their learning in a real educational situation. Through a unique partnership between Sutherland College and Heathcote High School, Cameron and his peers will be given the opportunity to test their educational leadership skills when they embark on an abseiling, canoeing and hiking trip around Sutherland Shire with a group of selected high school students in November. “I am really looking forward to the forthcoming two-day adventure hike with the Year 10 students. We will be leading the group on a 14 kilometre walk through the Royal National Park from Otford to Watamarla. Our role is to guide them through the area and make sure they are safe but at the same time having fun. We will also show the students how to construct tents and prepare and cook meals. “Studying this course has been one of the best things I have ever done. The practical experience has been fantastic and it will definitely help me when I start looking for work after graduation. I have met some incredible people and it has prepared me for a long-term career in outdoor instruction,” Cameron said. Cameron’s future plans include heading off to the USA to undertake an alpine course, so he can broaden his skills and instruct in ice climbing and trekking. He is also interested in working in American summer camps.
Painting apprentice wins gold medal Jo Reynolds, a second year painting and decorating apprentice from Ultimo College, has won a gold medal at the 2011 Sydney Regional WorldSkills Competition. As the only female to enter the painting and decorating category – Jo competed against fellow TAFE apprentices in a series of trade projects including design painting, colour matching and enamelling over an eight hour period. Jo was over the moon with her result. “I was so thrilled to win the competition. When I tell people I am a painter, their first reaction is to ask me what it’s like to work in a male-dominated trade. I love my work and in my experience, there is a lot of respect for girls giving it a go. I work just as hard as the boys and do everything they do including carrying ladders, heavy paint tins and scaffolding. I recommend more girls to get into trades; it’s a skill for life and a really rewarding job,” Jo said. Since the age of five, Jo has been passionate about painting and although she didn’t start her apprenticeship immediately after school, she took steps to help set her on the right path. “I first heard about the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating course at Ultimo College through the TAFE open day at my school. I was unable to gain an apprenticeship immediately so I completed a retail traineeship. I then enrolled into a free painting access course for women through TAFE. The course actually helped me secure my apprenticeship and gave me three months credit for recognition of prior learning in my current course. “In just 12 months I have learnt so much about all aspects of the painting trade; from surface preparation, paint application to reading and interpreting plans, calculating quotes and problem solving. The assessments are practically based which makes it more relevant to my apprenticeship. I can’t wait to see what we learn over the next two years,” Jo said. Jo is undertaking her apprenticeship with Manly Council, where she is able to work in three-week blocks as a painter and spend the last week at TAFE. “My job is fantastic. I get to experience something different every day. We do a range of painting around the area from buildings such as the local arts gallery to childcare centres, beachfront shelters, seats, fences and even the removal of graffiti.” “Painting is one of the last traditional trades and there is a major skills shortage. I would definitely recommend this trade to anyone who is interested in working with their hands as you get a great feeling of accomplishment once the job is finished,” Jo said. Once Jo completes her painting apprenticeship she plans to stay with the council and expand her skills by commencing a second apprenticeship as a sign writer.
Graduate success at the NSW Training Awards Congratulations to graduates Joshua Toomey and Galit Segev, on their recent win at the 2011 NSW Training Awards, hosted by the Hon. Adrian Piccoli, Minister for Education. Galit Segev, who graduated from the Certificate IV in Hospitality Patisserie at Ultimo College in 2010, won the Vocational Student of the Year award. Following her passion for food, Galit turned to TAFE to help her find a new career path. She completed her course with a distinction, earning herself a 2011 State Medal for her accomplishments. “I am thrilled with winning last night’s prestigious award. It is great to be recognised for your hard work and dedication. Studying hospitality has opened many doors and has helped me to combine my passion for food and science into an innovative and unique career,” Galit Said. Joshua Toomey, who graduated from the Certificate III in Electricity Supply Industry through the Ausgrid Indigenous Pre-Apprenticeship program at Petersham College, was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year. The students were presented with their awards in front of 850 guests from the vocational education and training sector, as well as business, government and community leaders Congratulations to Galit and Joshua on this wonderful achievement. We wish them all the best at the Australian Training Awards, which will be presented in Brisbane in November.
Briana’s winning design makes its way to Parliament House When Briana Bondaruk-Jachin entered the National Skills Week design competition, she thought it would be a great practice run for her major assignment. It never crossed her mind that her scarf and tie design would actually win – let alone be presented to federal members of parliament. Briana, who is in her final year of the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design course at Ultimo College, was invited to attend the National Skills Week (1 - 8 October) launch at the National Press Club in Canberra; where she was introduced to Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Work Place Relations. “I was invited to meet Senator Chris Evans and present him with his tie. We chatted for a while about my course, studying at TAFE and what I want to do in the future. The Senator went on to address the Press Club about the importance of gaining new skills and formal qualifications for future careers. “My designs were inspired by Australian nature, and by the colours of the Australian houses of parliament. I wanted my designs to have a modern appeal – something that could be worn in the future and in any environment. “The entire experience was fantastic and it came about because of my TAFE course and having great teachers that encourage you to get involved in events like National Skills Week. I am so glad I was given this wonderful opportunity,” Briana said. Winning the competition has given Briana the confidence to now look at pattern design as a possible future career path. “When I first started my course, I wanted to pursue theatre costume design – but after winning this amazing competition – I may think seriously about pursuing a career in pattern making. This is the great thing about studying at TAFE, you are exposed to so many different opportunities and it can lead you to a career option that you never thought possible,” Briana said. Briana finishes her Diploma of Applied Fashion in 2011 and is hoping to enrol in the Diploma of Costume for Performance at Ultimo College in 2012.
Multimedia competition The winners of the TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute More Than You Imagine multimedia competition were announced on 5 October at the launch of the multimedia exhibition in the Muse, Ultimo College. Joel Tankard from Gymea Technology High School has won the NSW High School category with his digital animation entry Shut Up And Let Me Go. Highly commended awards also went to: ▲▲ Jed Finnane from Sydney Secondary College ▲▲ Isaiah Wright from Dulwich High School Winners in each category won $1000, with highly commended entries winning $500.
All shortlisted entries are on exhibition at the Muse, Ultimo College, Harris Street, Ultimo. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm, 5 - 16 October. Entry is free. For more information visit www.sit.nsw.edu.au/imagine.
New Course. New Start. New Future. Applications close 28 October for high demand courses.
Published October 2011
Congratulations to all our winning students.