November media releases
Volunteering keeps Grace young
Creating CADs is a career plus for Ben
Stillwell in front of the competition
Gaining formal qualifications make hanging up reins easy
Barbie exceeds trainee abilities
TAFE time provides pathway to university for Bek
Different view for photography exhibition
Heavy duty path for Holly Wilson
Volunteering keeps Grace young
At 80 years young Grace Ratz (pronounced 'rates') is an inspiration to other volunteers.
Grace works with general studies teacher Jennifer Moyes at Dalby campus of Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE.
"I love working with the special needs students, helping them with their reading, spelling and writing.
"They really respond to your support and it keeps me young," Grace said.
"A lifetime of reading and learning means I can help my much younger friends understand and develop these essential skills," she said.
Last month her students demonstrated their appreciation by giving Grace a party on-campus to celebrate her 80th birthday and mark more than 10 years of classroom volunteering at TAFE.
"Our students look forward to Grace coming in from Kaimkillenbun every Friday to help in the classroom," Ms Moyes said.
"She keeps them focussed on their tasks in a fun and caring way, they just love her," she said.
Grace has always been active in her community; until three years ago she drove the local school bus around the Kaimkillenbun district.
Now the Dalby TAFE Campus and her students are her passion and her enthusiasm is returned by her young friends.
"Grace fits in so well because she can assist across a broad range of literacy and numeracy tasks in a multi-level classroom.
"We hope she will keep volunteering for a long time to come," Ms Moyes said.
Creating CADs is a career plus for Ben
Becoming a father for the first time five months ago spurred Ben Trace, a mature-age fitting and turning apprentice, to fast track his study plan and career prospects.
The 26-year-old now attends the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE Kingaroy Campus every Wednesday night for a four-hour session learning about computer aided drawing (CAD) 2D which he can apply while working in the machine shop at Tarong Energy.
"After leaving school at the end of year 12, like a lot of school leavers, I was unsure of where my future career lay, so I attempted several different jobs.
"I decided a while back that I would have to do something useful and when the opportunity arose, I took up a fitting and machining apprenticeship at the power station.
"While attending stage one of my apprenticeship TAFE training at the Kingaroy TAFE Campus, I became aware of the AutoCAD night classes, thought it would be interesting, and started attending in semester two this year," Mr Trace said.
"With CAD 2D (two-dimensional) we are learning how to design and draw basic metal objects on a computer monitor.
"It's a very practical introductory course for me because some of our major workshop equipment at Tarong Energy is computer guided," he said.
After he completes his course in February, Ben intends to enrol in CAD 3D (three- dimensional) so he can design and draw more sophisticated equipment which can then be introduced to the workshop machines.
"The Kingaroy TAFE CAD courses contain practical exercises which enable your progress to be assessed as you go.
"It's a lot less stressful than having one big exam at the end," Mr Trace said.
"There is plenty of flexibility in how you proceed and our instructor Chris Richardson is a great teacher.
"Now I'm planning to fast track my four-year apprenticeship and hopefully complete it in three years," he said.
In response to industry demand CAD drawing is making a welcome return to Kingaroy TAFE after a five-year absence and instructor Chris Richardson has plans for further expansion.
"This term we have 11 students doing CAD 2D for four hours every Wednesday night over six months.
"While the course is part of the Diploma of Engineering, we intend to also offer it as an elective to metal trades apprentices next year which will assist in further developing their pencil drawing skills," he said.
Several Burnett region companies including Tarong Energy, Swickers and Peanut Company of Australia now employ CAD systems to replace traditional manual trade drawing.
"It's a real step-up from the old drawing board and is a very popular extra skill to include in your CV when applying for jobs," Mr Richardson said.
CAD course students have access to Autodesk software so they can practise their design and drawing skills at home to help with completing the course, he said.
For more information about Metals and Engineering courses including the next CAD 2D course starting in February 2009, contact Chris Richardson at Kingaroy TAFE ph 4160 4420.
Stillwell in front of the competition
Everything David Stillwell learns in class, he applies to his work - maintaining a 1988 BMW performance car which he has enhanced and races regularly.
It has been a windy road to the present for the young Victorian, who traded coffee shops and a university lifestyle for a more "grease-stained" routine.
At 22, and with his own car and a year of racing under his belt, the university student decided to follow his passion and enrol in the Certificate III in Motorsport at Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE.
Last year, Stillwell packed his room in Melbourne and headed to Warwick in Queensland to learn about his first love - motorsport.
"I started university enrolled in commerce/arts but I ended up putting more study into learning all I could about cars, so when I heard about this course I headed north," the now 23-year-old said.
He transported his car to Warwick and uses it as a live work project outside his theory studies and practical workshops.
The campus also boasts access to a track that allows students to gain real-time experience "in the pits".
"Because of the array of different facilities at the campus and the proximity to external facilities you can find your niche," he said.
"There is a drag strip and racing track in Warwick and it's so close to the major motorsport centres of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
"It's all good to know how to drive, but you have to know what you're driving and how you're driving impacts the car."
Teacher Graham Selwood said students enrol in the course from across Australia and industry looked to the course as a nursery for the future employees of the 3000-strong sport.
"We have students attached to many of the main motorsport teams and ancillary suppliers," the veteran of the industry said.
"Through the course, students are confident that when the adrenalines flowing, they have to know what they are doing is right, they are dealing with people's lives - the speeds reached by drivers are incredible.
"The industry looks to us as a de-facto feeder into a lot of teams in the V8 Supercars, Porche Carrera and V8 Development Series.
"Our graduates are qualified professionals who are trained in everything from vehicle aerodynamics to media management."
For more information, contact Graham Selwood at the Warwick Campus on (07) 4660 4653.
Gaining formal qualifications make hanging up reins easy
Robyn Creevey has seen more of northern Queensland and the Northern Territory than most people dream of.
From the back of a horse and the front of a four-wheel-drive, she has been droving cattle across the countryside for much of the past 20 years.
She's hung up the reins now to settle into motherhood and farm life outside Roma and thanks to Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE, has had years of practical experience recognised in a Diploma of Agriculture and Diploma of Rural Management.
"These qualifications have made it easier for me to gain work in the agricultural administration sector in Roma and I was amazed how, when I started listing my skills and experiences I was really qualified," she said.
"I don't think many people realise that until they start really thinking about what they have done in life.
"Being able to use what I have learnt on the road and in business with my husband Ronny as a stepping stone to a career change really built my confidence and self esteem."
Married for 21 years, Robyn took to the road to drive a mob of cattle with Ronny the day after they were married.
She said the process took her on a journey of self-discovery where she found her everyday chores of catering a camp, managing staff and reconciling stock directly responded to questions she was asked during her RPL.
The decision to leave the road, which has been home for much of the past two decades, coincides largely with daughter Connie becoming school-aged.
This year will be the first Christmas the youngster has not celebrated on a stock route; her first droving experience was at four months.
"There's no easy way to drove, when you are doing it right, it's hard work and hard to find good workers who will stick around," Mrs Creevey said.
"You can't put the cattle in a cupboard, they are there every day and we are getting older, so it was time to look at our alternatives.
"We are going to concentrate on Connie's education; I wouldn't get to teach her on the road.
"It was really good to go through the RPL process and my husband realised it was time to change. He has a job in the oil industry now and we are owner-operators and hire to the gas companies - my life couldn't be better."
Inspired by his wife's initiative, Ronny also used the Recognition of Prior Learning scheme to have his practical skills accredited to a Diploma of Agriculture and Diploma of Rural Management.
Rural teacher at Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE, Roma Campus, Maxine Thomas said once a resume was completed and interviews showed all the skills sets had been covered, it was a simple step to accreditation.
"Throughout the interviews Robyn proved her life skills covered the competencies required to gain qualifications in the Diploma of Agriculture," Mrs Thomas said.
"From years on the road, acquired business skills and stock management she was competent in environmental aspects of the course, sustainable land use, feed plans, chemical use and weed and pest control as well as the use of business plans.
"While at it, Robyn found her staff management skills, budgeting, holistic farm planning and production implementation were enough to gain the Diploma of Rural Business Management also."
The Creevey family are stationed outside Roma where they run their business, raise their child and participate in the local community, but the pull of the road is still there.
"At the end of the day, there's nothing better riding behind a mob of cattle, it's a great feeling," Mrs Creevey said wistfully.
For more information about having skills acknowledged through RPL contact Maxine Thomas on 07 4620 4244.
Barbie exceeds trainee abilities
Winning an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Trainee of the Year award has given a boost to Barbie Stewart's self confidence.
The Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE student was recognised at the recent Wide Bay Group Training awards night held at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough.
Hosted by Tarong Energy, Ms Stewart is able to use the skills she learns in the classroom through her Certificate III in Business Administration Traineeship.
"Winning this award has given me the confidence to develop my skills and expand on my knowledge," Ms Stewart said.
"This traineeship has given me the opportunity to challenge myself to believe in my own abilities and be successful in completing a Certificate III in Business Administration.
"The skills and knowledge that I have gained throughout my traineeship supported my own professional development as I continue to accomplish my own career aspirations.
"I would definitely encourage other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Trainees and apprentices to nominate for these awards. It is very rewarding and recognises all your hard work and all you have achieved in your traineeship or apprenticeship."
Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE business teacher Sharon McFarlane said the 18-year-old has improved in many ways since starting her traineeship and the award will give an extra boost of self-esteem.
"Barbie is a lovely girl and has been working to develop her communication skills in her position at Tarong Energy," Ms McFarlane said.
"She was a school-based trainee originally at Wondai State School, but then gained the Traineeship at Tarong Energy and is committed to finishing her Traineeship."
Announcing the award, Wide Bay Training Group field officer Michelle Waters said Barbie has an "amazing talent" in practicing what she learns.
"Having the good fortune to work within the Human Resources and Training, Development division of Tarong Energy, Barbie has enhanced and honed her organisational abilities and has proven herself to be an extremely accommodating and amiable member of staff," Ms Waters said.
"In all she produces, she aims to do so in a precise, timely and professional manner and has managed a level of expertise that has both impressed and far exceeded our expectations of a trainee.
"Barbie has proven herself as an integral player of our team and has cemented herself as a valued asset within Tarong Energy."
Tarong Energy's Kristy Scott said the award will be a significant highlight in Barbie's career.
"Her aptitude, initiative and academic capacity are only a few of the talents Barbie has which this award represents," Ms Scott said.
Of the 23 award categories announced on the night, Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE students did exceptionally with other winners: Trainee of the Year, Rebekah Dukes (Tarong Energy); School-Based Apprentice of the Year, Patrick McCallum (Swickers' Bacon Factory); Administration Trainee, Kimberley Reynolds (PCA); General Trainee (Warehousing), Kyron Tnstall (Tarong Energy); South Burnett Regional Award, Paul Freeman (Tarong Energy); and Outstanding Stage 2 Apprentice, Caleb Mayne (Tarong Energy).
For more information about School-Based Apprentice and Trainee opportunities, contact Tina Torres at the Kingaroy Campus on 4160 4454.
TAFE time provides pathway to university for Bek
Rebekah Dukes got an early birthday present when she was named the Trainee of the Year at the Wide Bay Training Group Awards.
A fortnight before her 18th birthday, the bubbly teenager said the announcement was a "shock to the system".
Currently completing a Certificate III in Business Administration through Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE and working at Tarong Energy, she said the mix of study and work was preparing her for university.
"I was so surprised when my name was called out, I thought one of my colleagues would get the overall award," she said from her workplace.
"However, I am really pleased because I am looking at this traineeship as a pathway to university and I think employers look at things like this as a show of dedication and reliability."
Rebekah said her classroom work at Kingaroy TAFE prepared her for the various roles she has undertaken with Tarong Energy. The roles have included working with workplace, health and safety and records, as well as accommodation and logistics areas.
"Through my experiences this year, I have improved my communication skills and confidence and this award has been a true accomplishment, and a personal goal, for me," she said.
"Ultimately I would love to get into media, communication and advertising, and the skills I have learnt through TAFE and on-the-job have helped me become more prepared for future career paths. I would love to come back and do work experience here at Tarong."
Next year, she starts university, undertaking a Bachelor of Business majoring in Public Relations and a Bachelor of Creative Industries, majoring in Media and Communication.
Kingaroy TAFE Business teacher Danielle Manthey said Rebekah has a great personality and produces work of a high standard.
"Tarong Energy speaks very highly of Rebekah and says that she is one of the 'best' trainees they have had," she said.
Tina Torrens, Workplace Training Officer for Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE Kingaroy Campus, said the awards night was filled with excitement and rewarded deserving recipients.
"Everyone was a winner on the night! The food, venue, entertainment and proceedings were excellent," she said.
"I was very proud, especially of the trainees and apprentices, that the Institute is the preferred registered training organisation. Because I had previously taught many of them or had the pleasure of signing them in to their traineeship or apprenticeship,it was very moving."
Of the 23 award categories announced on the night, Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE students did exceptionally with other winners: ATSI Trainee of the Year, Barbie Stewart (Tarong Energy); School-based Apprentice of the Year, Patrick McCallum (Swickers' Bacon Factory); Administration Trainee, Kimberley Reynolds (PCA); General Trainee (Warehousing), Kyron Tunstall (Tarong Energy); South Burnett Regional Award, Paul Freeman (Tarong Energy); and Outstanding Stage 2 Apprentice, Caleb Mayne (Tarong Energy).
Different view for photography exhibition
Some of Toowoomba's most well-known photographers and talented emerging artists will open a new chapter in photography exhibition style on November 23 at SALTS Studio.
Using images and words in interesting ways, the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE class will present the fruits of their learning undertaken through a short course over eight weeks with teacher and artist book maker Doug Spowart.
Mr Spowart has achieved national recognition for his photographic work and pictorial essays through artists' books and developed the course to pass on some of his knowledge and techniques.
The class of professionals named the weeknight lessons Bookclub and said it offered an extension of their everyday skills and a new way of collating and showing images.
Curator and award-winning photographer, Craig R Cole said the exhibition was a departure from what audiences experienced when they entered gallery spaces.
"We are stepping away from what could be perceived as an impersonal space in a gallery through using artists' books.
"Viewers will be able to have a very personal relationship with the artwork as they move through the exhibition."
Mr Cole said while artists' books were not a new medium for the presentation of art, it was rarely explored.
"The class investigated artists' book making as an alternative and contemporary medium in which to present art and challenged participants to think beyond presenting the single image on the gallery wall, into the more intimate confines of within the book cover," he said.
Chapter 9 will be on display from Saturday, November 22 until November 28. The official opening will be held on Sunday November 23, at SALTS Studios, 5 Mark Lane, at 2pm.
For more information, contact Doug Spowart at the Toowoomba Campus on 4694 1620.
Heavy duty path for Holly Wilson
Fixing a grader, dozer or excavator is all in a day's work for Holly Wilson and she is proving herself in a field dominated by male workers.
While completing her Certificate III in Automotive Technology in Heavy Vehicle Mobile Plant apprenticeship through Southern Queensland Institute TAFE, the 26-year-old is working at Quilpie Shire Council.
Ambitious and thirsty for knowledge, Miss Wilson already has a number of achievements under her belt and is not fazed by the outback location or long distances.
"I've been driving excavators, dump trucks and dozers on my parent's property since I was 13. I grew up around machinery," she said.
"So it came as no surprise to my friends and family when I took on an apprenticeship as a Heavy Mobile Plant Mechanic with the Quilpie Shire Council."
A typical day starts at 6.30am with a crew of four men which work on graders, loaders, trucks, bobcats and even chainsaws, though most are heavy vehicles.
"We work out in 'the paddock' wherever the crews are, so it's nothing for us to travel up to 400km to get to the vehicles," Miss Wilson said.
"We have two mechanic trucks which are basically mobile workshops and if we don't have the spare parts then sometimes we have to make do, so having a good understanding of how everything works helps.
"Even on weekends I get up at 5.30am, there's just so much I want to do.
"I am always taking books home with me so I am always learning!"
Miss Wilson grew up around Moree in north-western NSW so the "bush" is in her bones and while proud of her femininity, she also enjoys dirt bike riding and trap shooting.
In 1995, the family moved to Quilpie to run an opal mine. Schooling was through distance education and then a transition to Longreach Pastoral College.
After finishing her Certificate III in Pastoral Skills, Ms Wilson focused her efforts on opal mining and worked full-time with her parents for five years.
She said hardly a day went by without having to deal with operating or fixing machinery and she gained some excellent hands-on experience.
"Opal mining is hard work and often with little reward and at the end of the day opal mining just wasn't cutting it for me financially," she said.
Typically this apprenticeship runs for four years; however Miss Wilson should be finished mid next year. As part of her studies, she attends the Warwick Campus TAFE in two week blocks, three times a year.
She has also recently completed her Certificate III in Shot Blasting at the Toowoomba TAFE Campus.
"Now I can blow things up - well dirt anyway!"
"It's a really handy qualification to have because my long-term plan includes doing some part-time blasting," Ms Wilson said.
"I am all about trying to be successful and happy and to go wherever work takes me. I know these qualifications are needed for me to get ahead out there."
Quilpie Shire, 980km west of Brisbane, is one of the largest geographical local governments in the South West of Queensland and is responsible for a total land area of 67,482 square kilometres.
SQIT Queensland offers more than 300 nationally accredited courses and is taking enrolments for 2009.
The Warwick Campus offers a wide range of trade courses in the automotive industry to kick-start careers. Some of these popular options are available while still at school.
For more information and to enrol, contact the Warwick Campus on 07 4660 4600.