Indigenous broadcaster Tyrone Pynor is encouraging young people to follow their passions and pursue their dream career in the creative industries, as broadcast rebounds in the wake of COVID-19.

The broadcasting industry in Australia is in the midst of a post-COVID uptick, with free to air television remaining strong and radio making a solid comeback as a trusted companion medium as city dwellers return to the office.1

Introduced to TAFE NSW at school, Mr Pynor undertook a School Based Traineeship in Business Services whilst working as a teller at a bank. Whilst completing the traineeship, he recognised that vocational training suited him, but that his ultimate passion was to work in the creative industries.

“I realised that my passion lay in creating and when I had made the decision to switch industries it was obvious to me that TAFE NSW would help me get there,” Mr Pynor said.

“I was offered an opportunity to work with SBS, which was very much along the career path I wanted. The role was a tailored traineeship that allowed me to complete a Certificate IV in Screen and Media at TAFE NSW St Leonards whilst working full time in broadcast operations at SBS.”

A strong advocate for vocational education and training, Mr Pynor says school students should take the time to consider what style of learning works for them before making their choice of post-school education. 

“I am a visual learner and loved the practical nature of training at TAFE NSW, so I want to remind young people that there are many pathways to a dream career. Traineeships are great because they offer students the practicality of learning on the job,” Mr Pynor said.

“I work best using my hands and most if not all my classes were so very hands-on. The equipment I was using at TAFE NSW was exactly the same as the equipment being used at SBS so I was able to apply what I learned in class directly to the job.” 

Team Leader of Media Arts at TAFE NSW Kerry Furlong says now is the perfect time for students to consider a job in the creative industries. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has paused production in most countries, and they’ve shifted production to Australia. These companies are ramping up Aussie production as fast as they can, and the rapid growth is expected to boom for at least a few more years. Then they’ll stabilise as much larger entities,” Mr Furlong said.

“The Certificate IV in Screen and Media is offered with various specialisations at different locations, including film, television, radio, journalism, social media, animation and visual effects. Each of those has a pathway into higher qualifications and into the jobs students are passionate about.

“We’re proud of the fact that so many of our graduates go on to have great careers in the industry and we have amassed an impressive network of alumni including Tyrone and Triple J’s Music Director Nick Findlay who is also a graduate of TAFE NSW.”

Mr Pynor is now freelancing for SBS and Triple J and says TAFE NSW was pivotal in helping him reach his career goals. 

“I would encourage school leavers to take advantage of their strengths and consider getting their foot in the door with TAFE NSW.

“I am where I am today without a degree, without setting foot in a lecture room and I have been having the time of my life working in my dream career.”

To find out more about the range of study options available at TAFE NSW including Screen and Media courses, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.