THE sense of achievement could not be denied this week as two Border and North East TAFE colleges honoured their students.
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TAFE NSW Riverina Institute held its graduation ceremony at the Albury campus on Wednesday, with 376 students being recognised in a range of disciplines.
Sara Ngalula, who graduated with the Certificate III in Spoken and Written English, was named the Albury Campus Student of the Year, while Christine Bundy was the National Environment Centre Student of the Year.
In Wangaratta on Monday, about 270 apprentices, employers, sponsors and trainers celebrated the annual trade awards of Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (GOTAFE).
More than 50 awards were presented to outstanding apprentices from the Benalla and Wangaratta campuses from the automotive, building and construction, electrical, engineering, hairdressing and beauty, hospitality and plumbing learning areas.
Wangaratta’s Jeremy Connell won Apprentice of the Year, having completed his Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade.
Albury’s Brenden Barraclough led his class for the third year in a row, named the outstanding final year apprentice for Certificate III Automotive Vehicle Body (Panel).
Mr Barraclough, 30, joined Albury company BF Panels as a mature age apprentice after a couple of years in the industry elsewhere.
“I just like using my hands and making things look better than what they did,” he said.
BF Panels managing director Scott French said the apprentice had a good work ethic and was an asset to the business.
“He’s done a fantastic job since he’s been with us, he’s always been ahead of the game,” Mr French said.
GOTAFE auto body trainer/assessor Brett Bevan said Mr Barraclough had a natural talent for panel beating.
“He’s very passionate about working on cars,” Mr Bevan said.
“He’s already had that sort of background before he started and that shows.”
Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sara Ngalula arrived in Australia in December 2014 and now plans to study nursing at university level.
“When I started the (TAFE Riverina) course I didn’t know much English at all,” she said.
Her teacher, Ruth Yule, praised her achievements.
“Sara is an excellent student,” Ms Yule said.
“She is hardworking and very quick.
“Her English has improved greatly this year and she will handle nursing well next year.
“She is a lovely and very impressive young lady.”
