BUILDING and Construction graduate Matthew Hurley has been named 2017 Student of the Year at the TAFE NSW Hunter and Central Coast Awards.
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Mr Hurley, a builder with Chris Wade Constructions, on the Central Coast, also received the Medal of Excellence at the annual awards at Noah’s on the Beach on Friday.
He was among 35 of the brightest local TAFE students and three alumni recognised at the ceremony.
Mr Hurley, of Erna Heights, completed both his trade level Certificate III in Carpentry and Certificate IV in Building and Construction qualifications at TAFE NSW, Ourimbah.
His refined skill and passion for the building industry, in particular bespoke architectural projects, has seen him compete in WorldSkills Australia competitions at regional and national level.
Our award winners are the future industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and small business owners of tomorrow.
- - Elizabeth McGregor
He won Silver at the WorldSkills Australia National Competition in Melbourne last October, and was then selected to receive a prestigious BBM Skilled Futures Scholarship that will see him travel to the UK this month for a leadership program and work experience.
Jake Berry, of Coal Point, a Diploma of Electrical Engineering graduate, was named Apprentice of the Year.
Mr Barry is employed by Eraring Power, and was commended for completing all activities to the highest standard. At Eraring, he liaised with the site electrical draftsman to design and install the electrical control circuit of water quality analysers and a shut-off valve control for a new onsite stormwater system.
He recently expanded his studies into the Advanced Diploma of Electrical Engineering.
Alex Townsend, of Eleebana, received the Together Today Award as one of the best-performed students, averaging a high distinction while completing his Associate Degree of Applied Engineering in Renewable Energy Technologies.
Mr Townsend is passionate about making a difference in the renewable energy industry and hopes to pursue a career specialising in solar energy.
Winner of The University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW Pathways Scholarship, Daniel Ryan, of Warners Bay, graduated with a Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation.
Since he could remember, Mr Ryan has always wanted to be a lawyer. Despite an injury that disrupted his final year of school, Mr Ryan has continued with his ambition of going to university.
He enrolled in the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation as an alternative to the HSC, and is now in his first year of the Bachelor of Laws at the University of Newcastle as he embarks on a journey to become a practising lawyer.
Winner of the Business Award, Rochelle Troughton, of Belmont North, came to TAFE NSW with many years of experience working as part of a national sales and marketing team at ConvaTech.
She enrolled in the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management course to develop her skills and knowledge. Her excellent leadership skills were recognised by her employer who awarded her a promotion to senior coordinator internal sales where she is now managing a team of four staff.
Ms Troughton’s thirst for learning has inspired her to continue her studies with the Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management at TAFE NSW, Newcastle.
TAFE NSW regional general manager north, Elizabeth McGregor, said the awards highlighted the value of industry-relevant vocational education and training in skilling the workforce of tomorrow.
“Our award winners are the future industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and small business owners of tomorrow,” Ms McGregor said.
“The awards represent the diversity and breadth of skills learning, educational pathways and career opportunities that are possible through TAFE NSW.
“Importantly these awards also recognise the skills our graduates have developed through practical, hands-on and industry relevant training. This training prepares students for the jobs that will support the growth of existing and new industries across the Hunter and Central Coast regions.”
