Cabramatta West local, Charlie Le has joined over 200 degree graduates from across the state at the Higher Education Graduation Ceremony held at TAFE NSW Ultimo this week.

Charlie Le was awarded with the prestigious TAFE NSW Higher Education Award for Outstanding Student for his achievements while studying a Bachelor of Property Design in front of an audience, including TAFE NSW Managing Director Dr Caralee McLiesh.

Prior to studying at TAFE NSW, Charlie had extensive experience in residential sales, management and commercial leasing in a range of property teams, with a background in finance and relationship management at American Express.

Keen to create a positive change in the industry, Charlie is passionate about property and sustainability, and has written a number of academic papers which have been published in the Australian and New Zealand Property Journal.

Charlie says the reason he choose to study at TAFE NSW was because it offered the best industry relevant qualification to become a Property Valuer.

“The reason I choose to study at TAFE NSW was because the Bachelor of Property Valuation offered the most direct qualification to become a Property Valuer. It certainly gave me an edge on other graduates when I started my job at National Australia Bank, as no other degree offered the practical side of valuation as well as the theory component.

“The Bachelor of Property Valuation is a dedicated degree that prepares students to be a Property Valuer across a broad range of property asset types including residential, commercial and the public sector. I’m not sure where my career will take me, but I feel property valuation is a great position to start as my skills will be transferable.”

Charlie was awarded a scholarship to study at TAFE NSW, and is also the representative on the Australian Property Institute NSW Young Professionals Committee.

“My role on the committee allows me the opportunity to build relationships with the professional community to create and deliver industry events. The Young Professionals Committee are a remarkable group of young leaders, and it gives me great joy to act as a role model for other students and young professionals. Being part of this community allows me to raise awareness of sustainability in the industry, as I’m extremely passionate about property and the environment. It is a dream of mine to be able to merge both interests to create a positive change and make a difference within the industry.”

During his time at TAFE NSW, Charlie has had to overcome a number of hurdles and pursuits, but has managed to push himself past these boundaries.

“As a first generation migrant born from Vietnamese refugees fleeing a war-torn country, my parents had to face the open sea to escape from a lifetime of trauma. They started a new live in Sydney with no money or assets and settled in Cabramatta.

“However, from those difficult and humble beginnings spawned a desire to achieve more. Working hard and being an example for my family and community, has led me to where I am today. My most challenging personal achievement would be as a son, a first-generation migrant and a devoted member of a multi-cultural community.

Currently, Charlie is a Valuer within the Sydney South Metro team at National Australia Bank, which offers him exposure to a range of valuation and asset types.

TAFE NSW Relieving Regional General Manager, Paul Williams, commended the graduates on their commitment and dedication to studying a degree at TAFE NSW, which has equipped them with the practical skills and work experience they need to pursue their chosen career.

“All TAFE NSW graduates have had first-hand contact with leading employers and understand their chosen industry through both practical and theoretic study. We congratulate them on their achievements and are confident they will have successful and satisfying careers,” Paul Williams said.

The ceremony also included graduates from the Bachelor of 3D Art and Animation, Bachelor of Design (Interior Design), Bachelor of IT (Network Security), Diploma of Information Technology, Associate Degree of Fashion Design and Bachelor of Property Valuation.

For more information about studying a Degree at TAFE NSW, visit tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Laura Kelly, TAFE NSW Business Partner, mobile 0411 777 676 or laura.kelly40@tafensw.edu.au