THREE Hawkesbury students have been recognised in this year's TAFE NSW Excellence Awards for their academic achievements across their respective areas of study.
Jasmine Perrett of Oakville, Glossodia's Christine Kelly and North Richmond's Patrick Brassell were among 13 major award recipients across NSW.
Ms Perrett was named Technology and Business Services Student of the Year at the prestigious Sydney Excellence Awards at a gala awards ceremony at TAFE NSW Ryde on April 8.
Ms Perrett completed Certificate IV Property Services [Real Estate] at TAFE NSW Ultimo in 2018.
"I'm absolutely honoured to win the award and be recognised for my hard work. I put my whole heart into the study - it's definitely changed my life," she said.
"I have made some invaluable friendships with my fellow students who are like-minded and supportive. I was accepted, encouraged and looked up to by them, in return I was also able to encourage them to do their utmost best and not to give up on their dreams.
"To have the support of my TAFE NSW teachers and classmates and the positive feedback and encouragement from them has been most humbling. It has not only boosted my self-esteem and self-confidence but has given me the motivation and desire to keep on learning.
"I'm now studying a Graduate Diploma of Legal Studies at UTS with the goal is to specialise in property law."
Ms Kelly and Mr Brassell were both awarded for their academic achievement and positive work ethic at the Western Sydney Excellence Awards at a gala awards ceremony at TAFE NSW Nepean in Kingswood on April 4.
Ms Kelly was announced as the winner of the Industry Achievement Award (Tourism and Experience Services) for her work studying a Diploma Beauty Therapy at TAFE NSW Mount Druitt.
"This year has been particularly rewarding. From the initial orientation, you realise the extent of the qualification and the commitment required to graduate. Beauty often seems superficial, however the general population don't understand the physical, emotional and technical skills required to be successful," Ms Kelly said.
"The teachers at TAFE NSW Mount Druitt are of a very high standard and also exceeded my expectations. The level of experience and professionalism from the staff was part of why I succeeded as well. They were all nurturing and encouraging. To this end the environment has been one of balance between support and enabling the students to push through personal barriers.
"My time at TAFE NSW Mount Druitt has been something just for me. After years of caring for my two children, it was time to have a new goal and to forge a new future for us through role modelling that you are never too old to reinvent yourself."
Mr Brassell won the Industry Achievement Award (Supply Chain and eCommerce) for his work studying a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology at TAFE NSW Mount Druitt.
He said his interest in mechanics started from a young age, and he was always drawn to anything with a motor.
"I chose to study at TAFE NSW Mount Druitt as the training provided is of the highest quality and tailored to current industry standards. This is important to me to be able to keep up with the rapid advancements and skills required to become a highly skilled technician," he said.
"My best career achievements includes finishing my apprenticeship early, being signed off by my employer, also finishing Automotive Electrical at the same time therefore becoming a dual tradesman has been incredibly satisfying and a career goal, having been met."