_{Winner of the prestigious Sydney Institute Medal, Elliot Ward-Fear}

On Friday 28th May, Sydney Institute celebrated its 2010 Student Excellence Awards.

Twenty three awards were presented, including the prestigious Sydney Institute Medal, which was won by talented Fashion Design graduate, Elliot Ward-Fear. Elliot completed an Advanced Diploma of Fashion Design at Ultimo, which provided him with the right tools for a successful career. His fashion future is already looking very bright, after he had his designs shown at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, to great critical acclaim. “Studying at Ultimo was a wonderful ride. For me, it was simply the most positive educational experience possible. I’d call it educational heaven!” Elliot said.

At Sydney Institute we are truly lucky to have such a diversity of students – a diversity of cultures, ages, backgrounds and interests. It is this diversity we value so much. All of our students bring a richness to the Institute that helps define us, now and in the future.

Through high quality vocational education and training, we produce highly skilled graduates who are ready to join and lead the workforce of the future.

Three distinct groups make up the Sydney Institute, comprising Vocational, Enterprise and Tertiary students.
The vocational student group includes school students, school leavers, job seekers, and those wanting to re-enter the workforce after a break. Sydney Institute’s vocational programs provide up-to-date, industry recognised training in state of the art facilities.

Jackson Mann completed a Certificate II in Fashion Design and was named Vocational School Student of the Year. Jackson is still going to school but he knows where his future career lies and the importance of being prepared. Receiving vocational studies to complement his school studies was the perfect combination.
“I am currently doing my final year of school and continuing with my Fashion Design studies. I am focussed on my future and the different pathways I can take to be a successful fashion designer,” Jackson said.

TAFE’s enterprise student group comprises existing workers who wish to upskill plus apprentices and trainees. Sydney Institute also provides commercial training programs which help businesses enhance the performance of their employees and directly contributes to productivity, market penetration and productivity.

Kathleen Fletcher competed a Certificate III in Retail Baking (Combined). She was named Sydney Institute’s Apprentice of the Year on her 21st birthday! With the help of her teachers, Kathleen was able to fast-track her apprenticeship. She also took part in the Tasting Success mentoring program while studying at TAFE. Kathleen has been appointed Pastry Chef at Bistro Concur and she credits this achievement to the learning and support she received at Sydney Institute.“I have really enjoyed studying at Ultimo. Everyone is up to speed here. The facilities are up to date and the learning atmosphere is great,” Kathleen said.

TAFE’s tertiary student group are on track to gaining sought after qualification and skills that will turn their career ambitions into reality, along with guaranteed pathways to university. Sydney Institute offers over fast track courses, along with online learning options and credit transfer arrangements with Australian universities, with 86 course providing articulation to university.

Jay Gooch completed a Diploma of Remedial Massage and received the Service Skills Industry Award. Jay had previously completed a Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science), followed by a Graduate Diploma in Science (Exercise Rehabilitation). He decided to study Remedial Massage to further his knowledge of the body and how to help people. “Studying Remedial Massage has redirected my career. It was very challenging. I love to learn and the training I received was excellent,” Jay said.

Allan Dunn completed a Diploma of HVAC – Refrigeration Engineering and received the Electrocomm and Energy Utilities Industry Award. Allan decided to undertake a TAFE course online, which enabled him to continue working in his hometown of Coffs Harbour at an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration company. After completing his Diploma, Allan gained the role of Project Manager within the company. “The TAFE course has benefitted not only me, but my employer. Studying online was a valuable resource to furthering my career by maintaining my job while studying,” Allan said.

The 2010 Student Excellence Awards was a wonderful event which was supported by many of the Sydney Institute’s past and present students and teachers, including floristry, photography, design, videos, music and hospitality.

To see the The event Opener, go to http://www.youtube.com/sydneyinstitute#p/u/11/pmFFOGKq0o4, and to see Elliot's Speech go to http://www.youtube.com/sydneyinstitute#p/u/12/BtQOwk6ofGw