For award-winner Bridie, the sky’s the limit

For PCACS Secondary school student Bridie Jones, of Baldivis, her last-minute decision to study the Certificate II in Hospitality, led to her being named the winner of South Metropolitan TAFE’s (SM TAFE) Vocational Education and Training (VET) Secondary Student of the Year.

SM TAFE’s Student Awards recognise the achievements of students from across the college, including winners in the categories Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Trainee of the Year, International Student of the Year, Vocational Student of the Year, and the Culturally Diverse Student of the Year Award.

Through her studies at SM TAFE, Bridie was invited to participate in the WorldSkills National VET in schools’ food and beverage competition where she competed against other students from across the nation. This culminated in her finishing in first place, taking out the gold medal for Western Australia.

“This is one of my proudest achievements, being able to represent and achieve for my state,” Bridie said.

After only five months of training – less than half the time of the other competitors, Bridie praises her lecturer for helping her to achieve her goals.

“My lecturer worked with me every step of the way, providing encouragement and ongoing support,” she said.

“Taking on the challenge of training and competing at WorldSkills has given me the confidence and passion to continue my studies where I have now branched out into aviation (cabin crew).”

Bridie is currently enrolled in a Certificate III in Aviation (Cabin Crew) at SM TAFE’s Jandakot campus. She hopes to use both her hospitality and aviation qualifications to work and travel post-school.

Being an advocate for the TAFE system, Bridie hopes her experiences will encourage others to follow in her footsteps.

“I would like to use my experience to teach other high school students that university isn’t the only thing you can do after school. There are so many opportunities at TAFE that can take you so far,” she said.

SM TAFE offers courses across many industries to secondary school students at our own campuses and at selected secondary school locations. Choosing a VET pathway means you make school more interesting and relevant to you while kickstarting your career with recognised qualifications.

Students can speak to their school VET coordinator for more information or contact

SM TAFE education pathways at vetdss@smtafe.wa.edu.au