The achievements of past and present students were highlighted on Friday when Hunter TAFE presented 45 awards, in front of a crowd of more than 230 business and community leaders.
The Awards, which are supported by more than 40 industry and business partners, included the announcement of Daen Ellenor, Service Manager at Westrac Caterpillar, as the overall winner of the 2014 Hunter TAFE Award.
Daen took out the ‘Business Award’ sponsored by Jobs in the Hunter. The father of two who lives in Elemore Vale completed an Advanced Diploma of Management achieving an overall Distinction average and is currently undertaking the Advanced Diploma in Marketing.
Daen said that studying at Hunter TAFE in both fields of Management and Marketing has fuelled his desire to learn. He is eager to pursue further studies in Human Resources to complement his growing skills set.
”Hunter TAFE provides the right training outcomes for people who are seeking to add value to their careers while balancing busy work and life commitments. The teachers work in industry and provide real-life experience that is relevant and practical for students,’ he said.
Hunter TAFE, also recognised Alumni achievements, presenting three Alumni Awards. Well-known businessman and innovation advocate Neville Sawyer was named as the ‘Alumni Association Contribution to Community’ award winner.
Winemaker and businesswoman hall of fame inductee, Lisa McGuigan was recognised with the ‘Alumni Association Contribution to Business’ honor.
The third Alumni award for ‘Emerging Talent’ recognised the achievements of Communications professional Jazz Andrews.
Hunter TAFE CEO, Phil Cox, said that the 2014 Awards highlighted the academic excellence and enormous talent across skill areas that will shape our regional economy for years to come.
“Through these awards we recognise the long-standing and close working relationship between business, industry sectors and our commitment to our community in providing training for the critical skills that will help our region prosper,” Phil said.
“The award winning students represent thousands of people who chose to study at Hunter TAFE. We are very proud of their achievements.”