Two TAFE NSW Ultimo students have been recognised for their academic achievements and positive work ethic at the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards in Ryde yesterday.

Charlie Le was announced as the winner of two awards, the Higher Education Student of the Year and Student of the Year. Jasmine Perrett was presented with Technology and Business Services Student of the Year at the gala awards ceremony held at TAFE NSW Ryde.

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Alison Wood, commended the winners for the commitment and dedication they have shown to their 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 Charlie and Jasmine grow in the knowledge that the skills and talents they learn with us have the potential to transform their lives,” Ms Wood concluded.

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.”

Jasmine Perrett said, “I’m absolutely honoured to win the award and be recognised for my hard work. I put my whole heart into the study – it’s definitely changed my life.

“I have made some invaluable friendships with my fellow students who are like-minded and supportive. I was accepted, encouraged and looked up to by them, in return I was also able to encourage them to do their utmost best and not to give up on their dreams.

“To have the support of my TAFE NSW teachers and classmates and the positive feedback and encouragement from them has been most humbling. It has not only boosted my self-esteem and self-confidence but has given me the motivation and desire to keep on learning.

“I’m now studying a Graduate Diploma of Legal Studies at UTS with the goal is to specialise in property law,” concluded Ms Perrett. 

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