Former Wollongong coalminer Paul Pereira highlighted Illawarra students’ strong showing at the 2018 TAFE NSW Excellence Awards.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 53-year-old father-of-three, who recently completed his Diploma of Counselling at the TAFE NSW Wollongong campus, picked up two awards.
It was only after tragedy struck a fellow miner that Mr Pereira acted on his desire and took the first tentative steps towards a career in mental health.
Earlier this year Mr Pereira told the Mercury that taking the leap of faith and enrolling in a Certificate IV in Mental Health at TAFE NSW Wollongong campus, was the best decision he’s ever made.
On Thursday night he picked up the TAFE NSW Student of the Year gong as well as the Health, Wellbeing and Community Services Student of the Year.
Mr Piera was nominated by TAFE NSW teacher Janeta Gravche who was delighted he took home the awards.
Nine Illawarra students all up were recognised at the special ceremony held at City Beach Function Centre on Thursday, May 10.
Callum Mayo, TAFE Wollongong’s 2017 student of the year, also picked up a 2018 TAFE NSW Excellence Awards gong, named Innovative Manufacturing, Robotics and Science Student of the Year.
Mayo attended TAFE Wollongong campus three nights a week after work for two and half years to complete his Advanced Diploma of Mechanical Engineering.
He also completed Fluid Power 1 & 2 courses.
TAFE NSW regional general manager Kerry Penton said the award winners were an inspiration to other students and a source of pride among their teachers.
“Many of these graduates are emerging as leaders in their field, helping to support growth in our region while becoming role models for those who follow as future graduates,” Ms Penton said.
“Through the rapid changes of our times and within TAFE NSW, our promise is to continue to provide the best vocational education and training in our region and beyond, to ensure TAFE NSW remains the first-choice training provider and continues to produce outstanding graduates.”
Aidan Brooks (Wollongong) was the other major Illawarra award winner, taking out the Trainee of the Year award.
Campus Student of the Year Award winners were Ethan Gomez-Staines (Wollongong West), Rohan Herring from TAFE NSW Shellharbour and VET In Schools Student of the Year Annaliese Phipps from Shellharbour.
Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills Student of the Year went to TAFE Wollongong student Jade Ryan.