A team of three TAFE NSW students have taken out the second place at the 2019 AMP University Challenge.

The TAFE NSW St George team comprised of Bachelor of Applied Commerce - Financial Planning students Scott McLaren, Leo Su, and Lachlan Darmanin battled it out in a series of financial challenges during the competition, held at the AMP headquarters in Sydney.

Now in its ninth year, the AMP University Challenge is a national financial planning competition for tertiary students that aims to identify promising new talent and promote high standards of education and professionalism among the next generation of advisers.

The finalists were tested on their technical knowledge as well as their ability to engage with clients and explain a financial strategy in a mock advice interview. They were also required to prepare and deliver a speech on the impact of technology on the future of financial advice.

The TAFE NSW team were among five group and individual finalists who made it to the final round, competing against students from Deakin University, Central Queensland University and Griffith University.

TAFE NSW Accounting and Finance teacher Marriane Said, who coached the team through the competition, said “The students faced some intense competition and we are incredibly pleased with the result. Their achievement is testament to the practical skills and work experience that the team have developed while studying at TAFE NSW.

“TAFE NSW encourages students to participate in competitions like the AMP University Challenge to ensure they are equipped with the job-ready skills employers are looking for.”

The team from TAFE NSW received $2500 in prize money and the competition provided them with the opportunity to make industry connections, and have their skills recognised at a national level.

School leavers can enrol now to study a TAFE NSW degree without an ATAR. To find out more about the TAFE NSW Early Entry program visit tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, mobile 0402 528 210.