The beginnings of bright futures were celebrated by the very first cohort of Central Coast Associate Degree of Accounting (ADA) graduates at the TAFE NSW Higher Education graduation in Sydney last week.
The state-wide graduation saw more than 89 higher education students graduate in their chosen field of study across eight TAFE NSW Degree qualifications at Sydney TAFE’s Ultimo Campus on Wednesday ,15 April 2015.
Hunter TAFE CEO, Christine Warrington attended the ceremony presenting ADA graduates across NSW with their testamur including Hunter TAFE’s first cohort of students to graduate from the Ourimbah campus.
The ADA was one of the first degree-level programs to be offered at Hunter TAFE, developed in consultation with the accounting industry to ensure that graduates gain the right training and access to practical industry work experience as part of the course. The program is also recognised and accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Students have the option to complete their third year at university to gain a Bachelor degree and TAFE NSW Higher Education has partnered with Charles Sturt University, Macquarie University, University of New England, Australian Catholic University and the University of Newcastle to offer ADA graduates up to two full years’ credit.
Hunter TAFE Accounting teacher and Course Coordinator, Susan Duncan, said that by working with industry partners and having the needs of all customers in mind, TAFE has developed a course that offers world-class training that is both flexible and practical, positioning graduates for a successful career in the accounting industry.
“The program’s practical and industry focus is suited to a wide range of students, from school leavers to mature aged students looking for a career change and those who have come from a non-English speaking background,” Sue said.
“It was an important day for our first cohort of graduates who are now about to embark on the next step in their career.”
Hunter TAFE ADA Graduate, Cassie Middleton, who attended the ceremony in Sydney said the mix of highly qualified teachers, intimate classroom sizes and practical training have prepared her for the final year at university and for a successful career in the Self-Managed Super Fund Industry.
“The course at Hunter TAFE is amazing and the skills I gained from this course are overwhelming. Every class in this course gives you so much knowledge you can take straight into the workplace and prepares you really well for the final year at university,” Cassie said.
“The best part of the ADA is the practical work experience and industry engagement. We got the opportunity to meet the Sydney Roosters CFO and go to the NSW Waratah Headquarters and discuss the club’s financial strategies. We also met the founder of Contiki at a CPA breakfast in the first year.”
Cassie is now completing her third year to gain the Bachelor of Commerce at Macquarie University and is working as an Administration and Auditors Assistant at local accounting firm, Engage Super. Cassie was offered a job opportunity with Engage Super upon completing her eight-week work placement with the firm as part of the ADA program.
Hunter TAFE offers three TAFE NSW Degrees including the Associate Degree of Accounting at the Ourimbah campus, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) at the Glendale campus and the Associate Degree of Applied Engineering (Renewable Energy Technologies) at the Newcastle campus.
