Certificate and Diploma students
A huge variety of hands-on, practical programs provide accredited training to bring BNIT Certificate and Diploma students closer to their goals - getting a job in their dream industry or opening a pathway to further study. Learn about the Certificate and Diploma programs( http://teamsite.detir.qld.gov.au/courses/domestic-students/areas-study/index.html ) available at BNIT.
We would like to introduce you to our wide range of Certificate and Diploma students...
Rebecca Trilsbach
Rebecca Trilsbach
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Certificate III in Companion Animal Studies
"I was recommended the BNIT animal science programs by many people in the animal care industry as the best and most up-to date-training available to start a career working with animals.
My study gave me a scope of options on how to further develop my skills and in which areas. All the teachers are industry professionals and bring so much knowledge and experience to the table!
It's never a drag to come to class! Every day we learn so much and it's never tedious and always relevant. Everybody is treated as an individual with individual strengths and weaknesses.
All the students are really close, respectful of each other and united in their love for animals and dedication to the future of the industry.
My brain is full and happy and I'm gaining skills and knowledge that I can use for causes I care about. I'm very busy, but it's a really good kind of busy! The kind that feels like you're really getting somewhere.
It was also through the BNIT Access Team that I received the Mick Young Scholarship. This award has been a crucial part of my being able to continue studying. I'm so grateful that this type of assistance was available to me - another wonderful aspect of BNIT!"
Chris Cooper
Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2 nursing)
Chris Cooper
"I came from the construction and fabrication industry and it was suggested I change direction after losing interest in life, and BNIT had a great reputation, high standards, and a convenient location.
The experience has been absolutely fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed every class and I love every second of this course, and nursing, and couldn't now imagine not doing it. I have a renewed sense of purpose, feel inspired once more and haven't looked back. It is the best step I have ever taken.
The nursing teachers at BNIT have taken me under their wing as they can see I have been giving it my best, and it has paid off. I am so appreciative because they have been unconditionally supportive and without their expertise, I wouldn't be in this position today."
Teboni Blair
Certificate II in Community Services
Diploma of Community Services Work
2011 Queensland Training Awards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Regional Finalist
"The studies I have undertaken have broadened my horizons and empowered me to pursue my passion to help my people - in particular, women and children.
The BNIT teachers in this course have equipped me with the relevant formal training and knowledge that will now enable me to pursue a career in this sector which I thought was not possible.
I have now enrolled in the Diploma of Community Services Work at BNIT as a pathway to achieving my goal. I am even considering a university pathway when I have completed the Diploma.
On a personal level, this course has provided me with the confidence in myself and the opportunity to increase control of my own life and accomplish important life goals."
Rachael Hall
Double Diploma of IT (Network Engineering and Systems Administration)
Rachael Hall
"I had just finished grade 12 and I wanted to further my studies in an area that I was actually interested in. After working for a six month gap, I rediscovered motivation for study and chose BNIT as I had heard it was more practically based than the theoretical, book-based learning of university or other colleges.
The course was a bit daunting at first, as at the start I was one of only two girls in the class. But we were a very supportive group, and grew closer over the duration, even as people left and the class was segmented for certain competencies.
My BNIT experience has been amazing, and gave me the opportunity to meet and join a new group of amazing people which I don't think can be achieved to the same extent anywhere else. I'd like to thank all my teachers and classmates for this amazing experience and support."
Elise Kavanagh
Certificates II and III in Floristry
2011 Queensland Training Awards Vocational Student of the Year Regional Finalist
"I originally enrolled in the course because I thought floristry might complement my pre-existing cake decorating skills. Little did I know that I would fall completely in love with floristry and my cake decorating would take a back seat. Floristry turned out to be much more challenging and rewarding than I had ever imagined.
Enrolling in the Certificate II and III in Floristry at BNIT is the best thing I have ever done both personally and professionally and I'm so happy to have truly found my vocation after a long and arduous search.
After successful completion of the Certificate III at BNIT I managed to gain employment with one of Brisbane's most prestigious florists."
Andrea Best
Certificate III in Education Support
"I decided I would like a career change and to work as a teacher aide. I was a little worried about getting back into study after such a long time, but have been amazed at how easily I have got back into it and how much I am enjoying studying.
I have had lots of support and assistance from BNIT staff when I needed it and have found the workshops I have attended to be invaluable. The staff have always been friendly and give lots of encouragement and you can work at your own pace to complete your studies."
Ellen Dawson
Certificate in Tourism (Retail Travel Sales)
"I had run out of work and took some time to really think about what I wanted in life. I decided that I would really enjoy a job in travel but was a bit nervous about going back into a classroom as I had previously tried university and hated it. However, it didn't take long for me to settle in and I loved the small classroom environment at BNIT and found the teachers very approachable and willing to help.
My life has changed for the better since studying at BNIT. I am now working in an industry I love and have a career with endless opportunities instead of just a dead end job. I am much more confident in myself and my capabilities.
BNIT was a great experience for me. I loved that it was very personalised; I felt my teachers really cared how I was doing and I wasn't just another number, I also got to know everybody and felt very comfortable as everyone supported each other. BNIT is a fantastic educational facility!"
Bart Hassam
Certificate III in Floristry
Bart Hassam
Australia's leading floral designer and BNIT graduate, Bart Hassam, was recently awarded the highest accolade ever achieved by an Australian florist, Winner of the Intercontinental Floristry Cup 2011 held in Taipei.
"BNIT is now the only TAFE in Queensland to offer accredited courses in floristry. Completing the qualification gave me formal recognition for my skills and the opportunity to pursue my passion to become a world champion florist.
At BNIT I was able to consolidate and hone my skills. My teachers recognised my ability so I was given the opportunity to push the boundaries and use my creativity in our floral design assessments.
It's an individual learning experience, and if I had one piece of advice to give, I would encourage all the budding florists in Australia to get qualified and then gain as much experience working and training as they can."
Deanna Krause
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (ATP)
Deanna Krause
"I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from studying ATP at BNIT. I am now much more focused, organised and prepared to better myself and my future.
I have grown tremendously as a person due to this course. Studying at BNIT has allowed me to learn helpful, healthy and happy study habits, and processes, in all areas of life that are not only useful, but also fundamental in ensuring success at university or in other endeavours. This would not have been possible otherwise.
I would like to place enormous emphasis on the credibility, enthusiasm, and professionalism of the teachers at BNIT with whom I was involved. These teachers were absolutely outstanding and I have nothing but praise for them. They were so supportive, encouraging and professional, and highly enriched the learning experience of everyone in the course."
Judith Palmer
Diploma of Counselling
Diploma in Community Welfare Work
Judith Palmer
"At first, I was a bit hesitant to study as I was worried about being an adult student, but during the first week of class, I made friends with everyone. I have had many awesome, unforgettable experiences during my study and life as a BNIT student.
After going to BNIT my life has changed for the better. I previously worked in banking for over twenty years, and now I can truly say that I have found my calling - helping people in the community. I gained good friends (both teachers and students) and I love studying so much I have enrolled at BNIT again to refresh my Diploma of Counselling.
BNIT is a great provider of education with good teachers, good support, great campuses, great technologies and a great Student Representative Council. My advice to people contemplating returning to study as an adult would be to go for it; you won't lose anything, rather you will gain so much."
Jess Stonier
Double Diploma of Events and Business Marketing
Jess Stonier
"Studying at BNIT gave me some of the best years of my life. I met some amazing people who I still keep in contact with, both personally and professionally.
The teachers are friendly and approachable and treat you like a peer rather than a student. I was continuously encouraged to volunteer for different events, even if they took up some of my class times, as the teachers were so supportive in our endeavours to find employment.
I now work for the International Water Forum, running the International River Symposium annually; an event I volunteered for as an assessment during my time at BNIT.
I can say with full confidence that I would not be in the job I am in today without BNIT. The opportunities provided through studying at BNIT have provided me with so many pathways to new friendships, new professional networks and new employment.
Paula Dean
Diploma of Community Services Work
Paula Dean
2010 Queensland Training Awards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
"As a mother of five, I decided to undertake formal study whilst working as a lollipop lady. I graduated from the Diploma of Community Services Work at BNIT in December 2009.
With my background, I always wanted to help people. At first I was very apprehensive, not having studied before and I wasn't sure I could go the distance. I was quite shy but people at BNIT made me feel very welcome.
Studying has given me such confidence and so many more options. To me, coming from my background, I know many people are afraid. But I want to encourage them not to be afraid to learn something new, not to be afraid to take on the challenge of coming to TAFE and increasing their skills and knowledge.
Through my BNIT training I have been able to achieve the confidence to work in industry. I am able to help strengthen organisations with my knowledge and I now want to start my own organisation.
The experience of studying at BNIT has been very positive and it has totally changed my life."
Jessica Evans
Certificate III and IV in Interior Decoration
Jessica Evans
"I like studying at BNIT because it is friendly and relaxed and very hands-on, which is great because it is wonderful to get a chance to learn things first hand instead of reading it out of a book.
I have learned a large amount in such a small space of time. I feel confident that what I have learned will help me in my career once I leave BNIT.
The teachers are extremely helpful in that they are happy to give us help and knowledge that will help us with our assignments. They are willing to drop what they are doing to make sure we don't sink and are able to get assignments in on time.
I hope to finish this course and maybe further my studies so I will one day be able to start my own business."
Vipada Trakulkitcharoen
Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations)
Vipada Trakulkitcharoen
"I came here from Thailand and it was so hard to get a job. I looked for many months but couldn't get work. I am not someone who gives up so I decided to call BNIT to get information about training.
They were very helpful! They gave me all the information I needed and invited me in for an interview immediately. I can say BNIT has changed my life.
I would give my course 10 out of 10. Not only do I learn theory, but I have a very good teacher in the chef and new friends. My heart is here, I love the work as well and I look forward to going every day. On Sunday, most people are groaning, but I think, oh it's Monday tomorrow, and it makes me smile.
I now want to undertake an apprenticeship to become a fully qualified chef."
Stephen Khu
Diploma of Business Administration
Stephen Khu
"My experience studying at BNIT was very different compared to both school and university. It was very 'hands-on', which was one of the reasons I chose to study there.
The opportunities to actively participate in the 2009 HIA Renovate & Build Expo and to head up the student body for the 2009 Business Teachers' and Learning Network State Conference were invaluable to my learning experience.
The staff at BNIT are friendly and accommodating and are great people to work with. One of the other positives of studying at BNIT is that you often get the opportunity to network with professionals who are out there working in your particular industry. Talking with them helps to get a realistic view of what it is like to be working in that particular industry, out in the 'real' world."
Annette Gilmore
Certificate IV Training and Assessment
Annette Gilmore
"BNIT offers wonderful support and assistance to students with disabilities. Due to my hearing impairment, I was struggling with my study and got quite behind. However, I received wonderful support, assistance and encouragement from BNIT staff.
I feel confident, positive and motivated from BNIT. I am successfully on my way to achieving my goals in life. I could not be happier or more grateful as without the support that I received I would not have been able to complete the course.
If you are hearing impaired or a person with disability, you can achieve your goals and there is nothing to stop you! Don't be afraid to ask for assistance."