The achievements of past and present students have highlighted how students at Hunter TAFE are setting the highest standards across a broad range of skill areas.

Last Friday Hunter TAFE presented 34 awards as part of its annual Awards, at Merewether Surfhouse in front of a crowd of more than 200 business and community leaders.

The Awards, which are supported by more than 30 industry and business partners, included the announcement of Metal Fabricator, Thomas Crittenden, from Oakhampton Heights as the winner of the 2015 Hunter TAFE Award – Medal of Excellence.

In 2014 Tom completed a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade. He has undertaken leadership courses with Rotary and Lions Clubs and successfully competed in WorldSkills competitions. Representing Hunter TAFE he won silver in 2013 at the regional level and went on to win gold in 2014 at the National WorldSkills. He will now represent Hunter TAFE and Australia in the international competition to be held in Brazil later this year.

Hunter TAFE also announced that the 2015 Apprentice of the Year, Adam Druitt who completed Building and Construction, was also the winner of the 2015 Highly Commended Award.

Caltex Australia was recognised with the Industry Partnership Award for its collaboration to deliver a staff training and assessment program.

A new award was included this year to recognise students undertaking TAFE NSW Degree programs in the Hunter and Central Coast. The inaugural TAFE NSW Higher Education award was presented to Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care student, Tara Brien.

Winners of the 2015 Alumni Awards are:

• CEO of Maroba Viv Allanson for her Contribution to Business;
• Former Newcastle Herald General Manager and tireless community advocate Julie Ainsworth as the winner of the Contribution to Community; and
• Alison Cook from Central Coast Group Training as the winner of the Emerging Talent Award.

Hunter TAFE Institute Director, Christine Warrington, said that the 2015 Awards highlighted the value of industry relevant vocational education and training.

“Through these awards we recognise the long-standing and close working relationship between business, industry sectors and our teaching staff to develop the right skills for our region,” Christine said.

“Importantly however we recognise the high calibre of students and their competitive skills-sets that they take into their careers.”.

“We are most proud of all the award winners and most grateful to business and industry that support this important acknowledgment of student and alumni success throughout the region.”

Image | Thomas Crittenden, winner of the 2015 Hunter TAFE Award – Medal of Excellence