Central Regional TAFE celebrated their 2018 graduating students and announced the Wheatbelt's Major Award winners at their annual graduation and awards evening last Friday.
The evening celebrated the achievements of Central Regional TAFE's Northam campus 2018 graduates.
There were over 190 eligible graduates from the Northam campus, who completed their studies in 2018 ranging from Certificate I to Diploma level.
Central Regional TAFE Managing Director Bill Swetman said the Graduation and Awards evening was a highlight on the college's annual events calendar.
"It was fantastic to see family, friends, industry partners and members of the community come together to support our students who have made a great effort to finish their training" he said.
"The support by the local community in the Wheatbelt has always been strong and we are proud of this fact."
Steven Papadopoulos winner of the Vocational Student of the Year said he felt instantly shocked and very humbled when his name was read out.
"My training at TAFE has helped me in my job massively" he said.
"I work as a case support worker in the drug and alcohol industry and worked two jobs whilst completing my studies last year.
"My lecturer was nothing short of amazing and was really supportive and understanding to the demands of my employment.
"I love living and working in the Wheatbelt and really appreciate having a TAFE in Northam.
"I'm passionate about the importance of Vocational Education and upskilling myself.
"I would recommend and encourage everyone to look into studying at TAFE."
Bronwyn McKane the recipient of the Cultural Diversity Training Award said that although it is hard for her to accept complements, it really felt wonderful to be recognised for the hard work she has put in.
"Being a mum of two kids, one with a disability, TAFE was really accommodating to my need to study flexibly and from home," she said.
"I know I worked really hard to complete my qualification and now I am able to use what I have learnt in my work every day.
"My training has sparked an increased passion towards the mental health needs of our community and empowered me to consider how I can have an impact, perhaps even opening up my own support facility one day."
Other major award winners on the night were Ryan West, Jazmin Hahn, Decima Jugen and Rebecca Hadlow.
