2023 TAFE NSW graduates had their hard work recognised at the Primary Industries Centre Annual Student Awards earlier this week. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
The Riverina’s best and brightest TAFE NSW students of 2023 gathered at the Primary Industries Centre last week for the annual awards ceremony.
The 2023 industry graduates received awards for outstanding results in each provided course, including agriculture, horticulture and animal studies.
The recipient of the Outstanding Student Award for semester two, Tara Robinson, said the ceremony was a special way to acknowledge each student’s hard work.
“I have a very busy life and I worked really hard,” Tara said.
“I didn’t know I was getting an award so that was a nice surprise and felt good to have all my hard work acknowledged.”
The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing graduate and mother of two said the time she spent at TAFE NSW was “always awesome” and she missed turning up to TAFE for class on Tuesdays.
“It was definitely a huge challenge to try and organise the kids, but my dad was a huge help by taking my kids to and from school every Tuesday,” the Cootamundra resident said.
“Once I had been going for a few weeks, my two boys got into the routine that Tuesdays were mum’s TAFE days and once that settled it became less challenging and more rewarding.”
Tara Robinson was the recipient of the Outstanding Student Award for semester two of 2023. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Tara said that being a mother, there was an initial hesitation about returning to the classroom. However, once she was settled she began enjoying socialising with classmates and teachers.
“My kids originally thought I was too old to go back to school,” she said.
“I was one of the oldest people in the classroom but it ended up working really, really well.
“It was good to meet people of different ages and from there, I realised that age wasn’t a barrier when it comes to learning.
“No-one cares how old you are; I built friendships with people a lot younger than me, but you learn that people have different experiences and different perceptions and I believe that really does create a better understanding of whatever you are studying.”
As a graduate, Tara assumed a higher position as a wildlife carer, a role she professes is a dream job.
“I’ve seen an increase in my pay and I’m now able to take on extra shifts,” she said.
“Even though my formal learning is done, I will keep trying to increase my knowledge and learn from experts.
“I miss TAFE very much and I do believe anyone looking to work in a certain industry, whether that be in agriculture or as a vet nurse, give it a go.”
Expressions of interest for enrolment in semester two at TAFE NSW are now open.
Loading ...
