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Karissa Shrubb
Hunter Institute Award
Sponsor: Lake Macquarie City Council
The recipient of the prestigious Hunter Institute Award, for the most outstanding student at Hunter TAFE for 2008 is Diploma in Textiles, Clothing & Footwear student, Karissa Shrubb.
The 22 year-old Design Room Assistant was recognised for her academic excellence and personal achievements, following her nomination as one of 21 Industry Award winners at the 2008 Hunter Institute Awards Ceremony.
The former Stockton resident was selected from more than 53,000 students enrolled at Hunter TAFE. The Hunter Institute Award is sponsored by Lake Macquarie City Council and was presented to Karissa by Mayor, Greg Piper. |
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Kim Armstrong
Information Technology Award
Diploma in Library/Information Services
Sponsor: Computer Systems Australia
After leaving paid employment to raise her children, Kim decided to enrol at Hunter TAFE to develop a range of skills to improve her employability. Kim is now working in a number of roles including at her children's school library and the Hunter Women's Centre where she is cataloguing a lending library for centre staff and tertiary students studying welfare. Her TAFE studies have given her more confidence in her abilities and Kim's self esteem continues to improve as she discovers more and more qualities that make her attractive to employers.
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Luke Austin
Spray Painting & Panel Award
Certificate III in Automotive Vehicle Body (Vehicle Painting)
Sponsor: PPG Industries
Luke grew up with cars in his blood and has been involved in restoring vintage vehicles from a young age. After undertaking his Vehicle Spray Painting course Luke has realised his dream of reconditioning cars to their former glory and creating something unique. He would like to continue his TAFE training to learn new air brushing skills and specialised spray painting techniques. Luke is grateful to Hunter TAFE for the support he has received throughout his apprenticeship.
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William Cottrell
Massage, Sport and Fitness Award
Diploma in Sport
Sponsor: Newcastle Knights
At 53 years of age, William decided it was time for a career change and the ex-serviceman and Vietnam Veteran began working on cruise boats in Port Stephens after studying Marine Operations and Engineering at Hunter TAFE. This career change provoked another, as William remembered how much he enjoyed fitness and training. He returned to Hunter TAFE to become a fitness trainer and this year, at age 63, he has enrolled in the Diploma of Fitness so he can help build on his studies and increase his knowledge in rehabilitation work. William’s time at Hunter TAFE has proved to him that age is no barrier to switching to a more fulfilling and rewarding career.
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Lachlan Dawson
Electrotechnology Award
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician
Sponsor: EnergyAustralia
Lachlan has always had a passion for the electrical field and aimed to undertake an electrical apprenticeship after completing his HSC. As a High Voltage Electrical Maintainer for Hydro Aluminium, Lachlan trains electrical apprentices in work skills, safety and work ethics and endeavours to instil a keen attitude towards learning in his colleagues. Lachlan’s studies increased his confidence and he is now considering undertaking further training in Business Management with the aim of one day owning and operating his own niche business.
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Mitchell Edwards
Building and Construction Award
Certificate III in Off-Site Construction (Shopfitting)
Sponsor: Hunter Development Corporation
Mitchell was confident that his career path would involve woodwork and construction and decided to become a qualified tradesperson. After competing against the best apprentices in the region, Mitchell was named the Regional Winner of the 2007 WorldSkills Challenge and enjoys the daily challenges his employment as a cabinet maker and detailed joiner presents him. Mitchell’s work is also his hobby and when he isn’t working for his employer, he enjoys constructing things for his family and friends with his latest projects including birdhouses, chook pens and furniture restoration.
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Jennifer Fernance
Business Award
Diploma in Business (Human Resources)
Sponsor: Hudson
After deciding that she wanted to re-enter the workforce Jennifer enrolled in the Diploma in Business (Human Resources) so she could help advance her husband’s home-based business. Jennifer’s TAFE training has increased her confidence in her ability and the business now operates more professionally. Jennifer’s success has convinced her that she is capable of achieving any education and training goals she sets.
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Cathy Forbes
Access and General Education Award
Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
Sponsor: The University of Newcastle
Cathy left high school to study ballet full-time before she had completed her HSC. Due to health reasons, Cathy decided to refocus her future towards a career in dietetics. She enrolled in the Tertiary Preparation Certificate, TAFE NSW’s intensive equivalent of the HSC course, to gain a UAI allowing her to study at university. Cathy said the constant support and encouragement of her teachers was instrumental in helping her achieve her goals, and this year Cathy started her Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle. |
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Ashleigh Gray
Music Award
Advanced Diploma in Music Industry (Business)
Sponsor: MGM Distribution
When Ashleigh discovered the Music Industry course at Hunter TAFE she realised it was the perfect way to professionally prepare for the industry she had always dreamed of being a part of. Ashleigh is focused on becoming a successful singer or performer and is currently working as a freelance writer for Reverb Street Press Magazine. The practical nature of her course, which included dealing with high profile industry representatives, has prepared Ashleigh well and she is confident interviewing bands and reviewing albums and live shows for her magazine.
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John Green
Metals and Manufacturing Award
Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
Sponsor: Downer EDI Rail
John enrolled in the Engineering Fabrication course to increase his skills and knowledge in manufacturing. During his time at Hunter TAFE John was awarded 1st place in the Metal Fabrication and Welding Apprentice of the Year scheme. He intends to further his technical skills and train as a teacher with the aim of teaching at TAFE to help students develop high level skills to transfer through to industry. |
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Prudence Harper
Maritime Award
Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction
Sponsor: Newcastle Port Corporation
Lake Macquarie is both Prudence’s home and her passion. After growing up on the shores of the lake and racing yachts, Marine Craft Construction was a natural progression for this water lover. She is passionate about her career and wants to gain more knowledge in rigging and spray painting. Prudence is dedicated to working and living in the Lake Macquarie region and will compete in the next Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race where her skills will be a valuable asset to her crew.
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Andrew Heald
Mining Award
Diploma in Underground Coal Mining Management
Sponsor: Port Waratah Coal Services
Andrew moved to Australia from the United Kingdom in 2005 after being recruited to work at Newstan Colliery as the Longwall Superintendent. Following his TAFE studies, Andrew has been a driving force at Newstan significantly increasing productivity at the $75 million Longwall Face. His TAFE training has given him confidence and knowledge of Australian mining systems and Andrew has used his skills to improve ventilation, dewatering and gas process issues at the mine. |
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Joshua Huber
Plant and Heavy Vehicle Award
Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical
Sponsor: Hunter Economic Zone
A love of motorbikes drove Joshua towards a career as a mechanic with Hunter Valley Buses. He is currently training for the National WorldSkills Competition after wining a gold medal at the WorldSkills Region Final. Joshua said that his time at Hunter TAFE has helped him mature as a person and grow as a professional. His vocational education and training experience has moulded him into a confident young man who believes he can take on any obstacle that stands before him. His newfound confidence has inspired him to assist junior apprentices so they too can reach their full potential.
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Shar-May Johnston
Tourism and Hospitality Award
Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management
Sponsor: Crowne Plaza
Shar-May has a diverse vocational education and training background. She was selected to undertake a traineeship in Automotive Light Vehicle Servicing and also completed a Certificate II in Business Services. Hospitality Management was next on the agenda for Shar-May and as a result of her training she secured a prestigious Crowne Plaza Scholarship. Proving her dedication to learning, Shar-May is currently studying a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood. |
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Joss Kesby
Civil Engineering Award
Diploma in Spatial Information Services
Sponsor: Bechtel - Mining and Minerals
Joss decided on a career in surveying because of the maths focus and the mix of indoor and outdoor work. Considering the practical nature of the profession and the practical nature of TAFE training, Joss decided that Hunter TAFE was the most suitable place for him to develop his skills. Joss said TAFE has given him confidence in his abilities at his workplace as he knows his practical training corresponds directly with real world situations.
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Sonya Laird
Children's Services Award
Diploma in Children's Services
Sponsor: Lake Macquarie Family Day Care
As a passionate mum and management committee member of her daughter’s preschool, Sonya was motivated to learn as much as she could about child development and centre-based early childhood education. She enrolled in the Diploma in Children’s Services which allowed her to develop a career that supported the needs of her family and ensured she could still take an active part in her own children’s lives. Sonya said her time at Hunter TAFE has given her confidence in her own practices and the confidence and desire to share her knowledge with others in her workplace at East-Maitland Pre-School. |
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Rebekah Livesley
Science Award
Diploma in Laboratory Technology (Specialising in Chemical & Forensic Testing)
Sponsor: Tomago Aluminium
Rebekah enrolled in the Diploma in Laboratory Technology and is now employed by Connell Wagner in an Organic Lab. Rebekah achieved exceptional academic results throughout her studies and her teacher described her as one of the best students he has ever taught. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Science part-time.
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David Pearson
Manufacturing Award
Diploma in Manufacturing Technology
Sponsor: MIGAS
David has been employed in multiple capacities by Visiocorp for more than 24 years. He was recently identified by his employer as having the mechanical aptitude, motivation and commitment to re-train as a Manufacturing Engineer. David enjoyed the fact he could incorporate work projects and practices into his TAFE assessments. David said Hunter TAFE had given him a new outlook for his career and proved that it was never too late to step out of your comfort zone and try new challenges. |
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Angela Peck-Charlesworth
Health Award
Diploma in Community Welfare Work
Sponsor: Hunter New England Health
Her passion for children, their rights and the family unit as a whole, pointed Angela in the direction of a Diploma in Community Welfare Work so she could assist families to provide the best care for their children. Angela has developed her self-confidence and assertiveness and she is using the skills she learnt at TAFE to improve the lives of families in the community as a Caseworker for the Brighter Futures Program developed by the Department of Community Services.
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Naomi Pinchen
Primary Industry & Mining - Andy Laming Memorial Award
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Sponsor: Hunter Valley Training Company
Dogs, horses, birds, chickens and fish have long been a part of Naomi’s family and these animals fostered her love of all creatures great and small. Naomi undertook work placement with Maitland Veterinary Hospital for her TVET Animal Care course and has been associated with the practice for five years. She said her TAFE training gave her the experience and confidence she needs to complete her job effectively. With the encouragement of her employer, Naomi hopes to complete a Veterinary Science degree in the future. |
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Karissa Shrubb
Arts and Media Award
Diploma in Textiles, Clothing and Footwear
Sponsor: Telstra Country Wide
Karissa first studied fashion during her textiles class at high school which has since evolved to a Diploma in Textiles, Clothing and Footwear. Karissa’s designs are fast becoming recognised throughout the Hunter and she has won multiple industry awards and competitions. During work experience at Jets Swimwear in Sydney, Karissa was offered employment and she has been working for the label since late last year.
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Jamie Spicer
Marine Engineering Award
Advanced Diploma in Transport and Distribution (Marine Engineering)
Sponsor: Teekay Marine Services
To extend his knowledge and improve his prospects of a promotion, Jamie decided to enrol in the Advanced Diploma in Transport and Distribution (Marine Engineering). Through hard work and dedication to both study and employment he has reached the highest Marine Engineering qualification achievable. Jamie actively shares the knowledge he acquired at Hunter TAFE with his fellow employees to assist them achieve their own professional goals.
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