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TAFEWA graduates 

Rose sculpts her place in the world

Rose Skinner was working in graphic design when she realised that the advertising industry was not really for her. Studying at TAFEWA, however, enabled her to turn her career around and emerge as a budding sculptor.

Rose decided a TAFEWA Advance Diploma of Art and Design at Central TAFE was the best course to set her on her way.

“TAFEWA has state of the art technology, equipment, and facilities, plus lectures that are easily accessible. The fine arts program has a positive and open learning environment which assists with different learning capabilities. The staff are enthusiastic and always willing to help you,” she said.

“TAFEWA provided me with the opportunity to explore, experiment, research and develop skills, theories and knowledge in a positive and challenging environment, among like-minded people.”

Rose decided to study sculpture to refine her artistic and creative skills, and has discovered an exciting career with limitless horizons.

“I decided to focus on modern sculpture, as opposed to the more traditional style,” said Rose.

This was obviously a great move for Rose who recently won a place with the City of Perth which saw her work displayed right in the heart of the city at Forest Place. She also had a commission to produce and exhibit work for the City of Melville.

Rose was impressed with the standard of education at TAFEWA. She feels she benefited a lot from the guidance of her lecturers and recommends TAFEWA to anyone interested in following a career in art.

“In my area, the arts, even the students who want to do a degree often choose to attend TAFEWA first, because of the invaluable skills, resources and lecturers there," she said.

"We were taught by a great range of lecturers with differing and passionate opinions, skills, ideas and backgrounds, which I think added to the range and variety of information that was passed onto us."

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TAFEWA talent measures up for Wayne Cooper

Study at TAFEWA was the right stepping stone for Taylor Patterson to land his dream job.

Taylor was assigned to Wayne Cooper’s head office in Sydney for three weeks work experience for his TAFEWA Diploma of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear. Suitably impressed with his work, the famous fashion designer promptly offered him a job at his label’s head office in Sydney.

“As a strong male fashion designer in a predominantly female industry, Wayne Cooper was one of my idols in secondary school. So I am now thrilled to now be working there and know him personally,” said Taylor.

While studying fashion at school, Taylor investigated the best way to take his passion further. He heard that TAFEWA had a great reputation for its fashion courses and enrolled in a Certificate III in Clothing Production at Swan TAFE.

“Fashion courses give you so much practical experience and industry knowledge – and there are so many opportunities presented as part of your TAFEWA studies,” said Taylor.

“The study environment is very friendly and there is a creative energy that inspires you to do your best.”

In addition, Taylor emphasised the relevance of his study to the wider industry.

“Not only were lecturers always willing to help us, they really knew what they were talking about and were very in touch with the industry. TAFEWA lecturers are 110 per cent behind their students and there are always opportunities to learn, grow and excel,” he said.

Thoroughly enjoying his new role as production and design assistant for Wayne Cooper, Taylor eventually hopes to launch his own label.

“TAFEWA study has allowed me to begin working on concepts for my own brand. I think with my TAFEWA experience and knowledge, combined with the experience I am gaining at Wayne Cooper, I will soon be in the best position to successfully launch my own label,” he said.

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Local study for global skills

Coming home to Geraldton for his university holidays one summer, Robert Dines began doing electrical and air-conditioning work. Enjoying the trade enormously, he decided to defer his university study and become an apprentice.

“I enjoyed the work and the technical aspects really appealed to me. Having an income while learning and gaining a qualification were also very attractive,” said Robert.

Studying at Central West TAFE, Robert found all the resources and facilities he needed at the local campus. The convenience of not having to travel to Perth for training, combined with Central West TAFE’s many years of experience were a big drawcard.

“All of my lecturers had a vast amount of real life and industry experience. Some had mining backgrounds and others had service trade backgrounds. This gave them a great capacity to adapt course content to industry requirements,” he said.

The Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems allowed Robert to get an electrical workers’ license and do electrical work. As part of his apprenticeship he also got a telecommunications license that enabled him to do data and telecommunications work as well as a mechanical engineering license that enabled him to install air-conditioners.

These licenses gave Robert the opportunity to get work in a wide variety of fields. He is now installing, servicing and repairing all types of domestic and commercial air-conditioning and does electrical and refrigeration work.

“I would recommend TAFEWA to anyone considering a career in electro-tech, refrigeration or air-conditioning,” said Robert.

”TAFEWA had well equipped facilities, and classes were very hands-on with a focus on real life knowledge and understanding. The friendly and professional lecturing staff were always willing to provide personal attention and even provided after hours tutorials to help students with their studies”.