Student profiles

Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Locksmithing)
TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Apprentice of the Year

Andrew, an apprentice locksmith, knew he didn’t want to do a desk job or go to uni. For him a trade was always the way to go. He says he found TAFE very practical and the teachers down to earth, with “a wealth of knowledge in the trade”.

Andrew says TAFE “allows you to learn new ways of doing things, and see what other apprentices are doing at work”. He looks forward to helping his company expand and further build their name in the industry.

Diploma of Quantity Surveying, Ultimo College
State Medal winner

Bronwyn had worked in the building industry for over 20 years but didn’t have formal qualifications.

“I now have so much more self confidence in my ability. My oral and written communication skills have also improved. I have expanded my career into project management with Jarberg Investments Pty Ltd where I am currently employed. I wouldn’t be where I am now without my TAFE experience.”

Diploma of Architectural Technology, Ultimo College
State Medal winner

After school Chris worked in the hospitality industry and knew this wasn’t the direction in which he wanted to head.

“I am now studying Architectural Design at UTS. Without having completed this Diploma I would have had to go back to school to complete my HSC. I knew what I wanted to do, so returning to school would have been wrong for me. Also, due to my Diploma, I have been exempted from four subjects.”

Diploma in Structural Engineering, Ultimo College
State Medal winner

Linda had been working as a draughtsperson for five and a half years. By completing a Diploma in Structural Engineering she has more future career options.

“The teachers had really good industry knowledge; you could tell they worked in the industry. Being the only girl in the Structural Engineering Diploma there is an even bigger sense of accomplishment because engineering is traditionally a male dominated field. I was very proud of myself.”

Diploma of Business (Marketing), Ultimo College
State Medal winner

Since completing her Diploma, Angela has taken on a marketing focus in her role at Deloitte.

“I’ve always had this ambition and didn’t know what to do with it – you could say Sydney Institute has helped me turn my ambition into action! I left school at 16 and worked ever since so study was a big step. Sydney Institute is a first choice for professionals working in their industry.”

Certificate III in Business Administration, Ultimo College
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Alicia moved to Sydney to improve her career opportunities and is now a Resource Officer with the Nura Gili Indigenous Programs Unit at UNSW.

“I want to work with young kids to help them stay at school and pursue a career path so they can do what they really want to do in life. TAFE has helped me do that and it will play a huge role for these kids, to get them on track to a career.”