Two TAFE NSW Port Macquarie students have been recognised for their academic achievement and positive work ethic at the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards in Kurri Kurri last night.

Matilda Edwards, completed a Smart Traineeship for Certificate III in Retail and was presented with an award for Trainee of the Year. Kiara Tonning was presented with School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year after completing a Certificate III in Health at a gala awards ceremony last night at the Hunter Valley Hotel Academy.

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Susie George, commended the winners for the commitment and dedication they have shown to their studies.

“TAFE NSW excellence awards recognise our most passionate, industrious and skillful students and both of these students have shown commitment, competence and an appetite for further learning throughout their studies,” Susie said.

“TAFE NSW has the greatest range of courses to support any profession and I have no doubt both Matilda and Kiara will go on to forge highly successful careers and will be wonderful ambassadors for TAFE NSW.”

Ms George said the awards emphasised TAFE NSW’s commitment to training the workforce leaders of the future when, where and how it suits them.

Both Matilda and Kiara were thrilled with their success.

Matilda said she struggled to get top marks at school and she wasn’t excited about the work she was doing.

“TAFE NSW has opened up so many opportunities for me that I didn’t realise were available. The support of my teachers definitely impacted my ability to achieve such high marks.

“It is very encouraging to have discovered what I’m interested in learning about and I am curious to learn more. I am enrolling to further my studies next year,” said Matilda.

Kiara Tonning said she would recommend TAFE NSW to anyone who is looking to broaden their options or build on their skill set.

“I really enjoyed my time at TAFE NSW, it is a great atmosphere and a completely different learning environment to school. They have a huge range of courses to support any career choice.

“I am so grateful and honored to have won this award because it’s a big deal. Even being nominated is a big deal,” Kiara said.

Students from Taree, Forster, Mardi, Casino, Hunter Valley, Grafton and Coffs Harbour shared the 14 awards that were presented at the ceremony.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, 6586 2299 or sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au