TAFE NSW St George student, Jack Cambouris has been recognised for his academic achievements and positive work ethic at the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards yesterday.

Mr Cambouris, who completed a Certificate III in Accounts Administration at TAFE NSW St George in 2018, was announced as the winner of the prestigious VET in Schools Student of the Year at the gala awards ceremony at TAFE NSW Ryde.

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Alison Wood, commended Jack for his commitment and dedication he has shown to his studies.

“These awards recognise our most passionate, industrious and skillful students, and demonstrates the commitment of TAFE NSW to train the workforce leaders of the future when, where and how it suits them,” Ms Wood said.

“We are confident that the exciting learning opportunities we created for these winners helped them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their career.

“TAFE NSW is proud to equip our students with practical skills and work experience so they’re ready to hit the ground running in their chosen field.

“It’s incredibly rewarding for TAFE NSW teachers to watch students like Jack grow in the knowledge that the skills and talents they learn with us have the potential to transform their lives,” Ms Wood concluded.

Jack is a former Newington College student who completed a Certificate III in Accounts Administration at TAFE NSW while studying his HSC (TVET). During this time, Jack had the opportunity to learn on the job skills, while on work placement with an insurance broking firm. As a result, Jack has now secured an Accounting Cadetship with a Sydney-based accounting firm, and will continue to study accounting part-time.

“I decided to study with TAFE NSW while undertaking my HSC as I knew it would provide me with the practical experience that I was seeking. I found studying at TAFE NSW wonderful. The learning environment was positive and very encouraging with lots of opportunities to participate in class discussions and learn practical skills. As a student my success has come from giving things a go and never giving up, regardless of how hard things get. For anyone that is looking to take up a TVET course at TAFE NSW, I would highly recommend this as a pathway for future tertiary studies.”

Jack credits studying at TAFE NSW as the deciding factor for him choosing to pursue a career in Accounting.

“If I didn’t have the opportunity to study Accounting as part of my HSC with TAFE NSW, I would not have chosen this career path. The practical skills I learnt while studying at TAFE NSW and the collaborative classroom environment really helped me get ready for work placement, and the job interviews that I subsequently attended after completing my HSC.”

During his time at Newington College, Jack volunteered his time and engaged in community events including ‘Sleep Rough’ to raise money and awareness for the Salvation Army’s Oasis initiative, preparing and serving meals in The Exodus Foundation Loaves and Fishes Restaurant, and The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal.

“As part of the Newington College Cadet Unit, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in a number of camps, running training sessions for junior cadets, as well as leading unit logistics and preparations. This has given me the opportunity to learn, improve my leadership skills and enhance my experience working with teams. Volunteering my time has also given me a new perspective on things, particularly on those that are less fortunate. I hope to continue to support volunteer groups and one day would love to work as an Accountant or in a Managerial role for a charity organisation.”

Media contact: Laura Kelly, Media and Communications Business Partner, laura.kelly40@tafensw.edu.au, mobile: 0411 777 676