Institute news archive
2008
December | November | October | September | August | March | February | January
December
Art exhibit
Certificate III Visual Arts students held their end of year exhibition on Monday, 1 December at Bracken Ridge Campus. Mike Diezmann, Director of Education & Training opened the event which was attended by over 200 people. Artwork on display was created by both full and part time students in addition to students from the various schools programs. View images here.
You may still view the exhibition at the Bracken Ridge Campus, C Block, Levels 3 and 4 until 10 December.
Some of the artwork is available for purchase.
Contact: David Clayton 3258 5062, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
2009 Australian Grand Dairy Awards Cheesemaker Scholarship News
The closing date for the 2009 Australian Grand Dairy Awards Cheesemaker Scholarship has been extended to 5pm Monday,15 December 2008.
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November
Horticulture plant sale
Green-thumbed horticulture students were able to sell their beloved plants in the twice yearly BNIT plant sale held at the Grovely campus on 22 November. As part of their Certificate III in Horticulture, students grow a wide range of plants and sell many of them as young seedlings to the public.
The response from the public was significant with the students run off their feet from a turnout of over 300 people purchasing from the sale. This year, 54 students sold over 2000 nursery style plants including Mediterranean herbs, Australian natives, exotic and water wise plants.
This finale to the students' assessment was a great way to end their year. Look out for the next BNIT plant sale which will take place at the Caboolture Campus on 5 December.
For more information contact Paula Faulkner on 3354 5543.
Teaching and Learning Network Conference
On 7 November, BNIT's Bracken Ridge campus hosted 54 hairdressing teachers from across Queensland TAFE institutes for the Teaching and Learning Network Conference.
The day-long event saw hairdressing teachers discuss ways to improve current learning methods and set out to address the challenges they face with their training packages and delivery methods.
The conference was important to BNIT with hairdressing enrolments having almost doubled in size since 2007. Hairdressing courses have now become one for the more popular career choices in the Service Industries Faculty and BNIT has become an industry leader in this field due to its flexible delivery methods of training by designing student-specific programs to suit each hair salon.
Hairdressing qualifications are offered at BNIT's Bracken Ridge and Caboolture campuses with BNIT having 8 staff dedicated to teaching this career to approximately 500 students.
For more information contact Jaclyn Pettiford on 3258 5150.
Welcome to the Indigenous Unit
BNIT welcomes the newly created Indigenous unit, located at the South Brisbane campus. The new unit opened in November and offers a range of services to assist Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander students.
Managed by Annette Smith with Erica Lang and Liz Manuain, the unit's role includes:
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Assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with study-related enquiries
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Guidance in planning career pathways
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Encouragement for students to gain higher level qualifications
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Networking with employment organisations and community groups to create employment opportunities
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Provision of an understanding of the challenges and cultural protocols for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
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Promotion of the Indigenous unit on NAIDOC week, Sorry and Reconciliation week
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Attendance at career expos to promote the Indigenous unit
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Assist in school visits to help with enquiries for study programs
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The provision of a support officer to provide tuition assistance
Should you have any Indigenous related enquiries, ideas or opportunities please contact Annette or Erica on 3259 4565.
October
BNIT Art Students Support Local Homeless Shelter
Students from the BNIT 'Schools Program' Art class worked collaboratively to present the 139 Club Welfare Centre in Fortitude Valley with paintings to complement the centre's recent refurbishment. Each of the 15 students donated 1 artwork which will be displayed over 3 levels of the centre and will brighten the lives of welfare centre guests and employees.
Local member Grace Grace and centre manager Yasmin Thomas accepted the paintings in a formal ceremony on Wednesday, 15 October 2008. View an image from the ceremony
Brisbane North student wins top award
Stephanie Hudry, Diploma of Graphic Design student at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has received a Highly Commended award in the 2008 Queensland Aspects Competition, in which more than forty TAFE students and teachers participated.
Inspired by Queensland's ghostly melaleuca woodlands Stephanie's design 'Paper barked tea tree' is a framed collage screen-print in a handmade gift box.
The Honourable Rod Welford, Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts, presented the award at a ceremony at the Parliamentary Annexe, Alice Street, Brisbane on Wednesday 8 October 2008.
Queensland Aspects is an annual competition open to all TAFE Queensland students and teaching staff to design corporate gifts for the Queensland Government. This year the BNIT entries came from Graphic Design, Visual Arts and Ceramics students. View an image of the winning entry
September
Chinese delegation impressed by level of staff care
During September, Brisbane North Institute of TAFE hosted 19 Chinese delegates for a week long training session on human resource management.
The delegation experienced first hand the operation of a human resource department in Australia and also attended the Institutes annual staff professional development day.
Members of the delegation were impressed by the Australian human resource system, especially the emphasis on staff health care and work life balance.
It was an unforgettable training experience, they said.
Throughout their week long experience staff from International studies interpreted for the delegates who spoke only basic English.
August
Caboolture Learning Expo Launches in Style
The Caboolture Learning Expo was officially launched on Thursday, 21st August at Isabella's Training Restuarant at the Caboolture Campus. The event was organised by a group of Community Jobs Plan (CJP) participants and the Community Learning Network (CLN) committee as a promotional event to launch the Expo in a formal manner and promote learning opportunities in the region as part of Adult Learners' Week 2008.
Highlights of the event included a latin music Jazz Quartet and canapés provided by Bracken Ridge High School students. Mr Graham Laing, Regional Director Brisbane North and Sunshine Coast region of DEIR, spoke on the involvement of DEIR and SQW in employment projects.
The Caboolture Learning Expo was held on Saturday, 30th August and included a variety of live demonstrations including cooking and dancing, and a range of displays from the Australian Army Reserve, Queensland Police Service, Pharmacy Guild, Woodcrafters Association, Creative Solutions and many more.
Tourism Students Volunteer at the International River Symposium Conference
26 students and 2 teachers from the Tourism and Event Management Diploma will complete work experience at the International Riversymposium Conference, as part of Riverfestival, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from the 1st - 4th September.
This is the second year that BNIT have worked alongside Brisbane Festivals to support the course and provide 'real life' project and event experience for our students. The involvement includes customer service, business relationships and project management, and will form part of the students' assessment requirements.
Adult Learners Week
The Caboolture Campus celebrated the start of Adult Learners Week on Saturday by hosting the Adult Learners Week Expo and Plant Sale. Adult Learners Week is celebrated from 1st - 8th September, and aims to promote all forms of adult and lifelong learning with a strong focus on literacy. Events are held nationally throughout Australia, and this year the ACE team will host 'ClickStart' - a free of charge event held at each of our campus libraries on the 4th September, designed to teach people how to use the internet.
Technology Takes You Anywhere Event Hosted by Ithaca Campus
Over 700 girls in grades 5 - 10 from local schools took part in the 'Technology Takes You Anywhere' event hosted by the Ithaca Campus on Friday, 22nd August 2008. This annual event aims to educate and inform girls about the career opportunities available in ICT, change current attitudes and encourage them to view technology as a career choice for the future.
The girls participated in a range of workshops, interactive presentations and demonstrations developed and delivered by local ICT career women including multimedia, film, robotics and new technologies. This is the second year BNIT has been a venue sponsor for the event, thank you to the IT faculty for building these strong industry relationships.
Graduation
Over 130 students from all faculty areas graduated in style at Brisbane City Hall on 19th August. Students were joined by 26 academic staff and over 300 friends and family to celebrate the special occasion. Carol Webb, Assistant Director General of TAFE Queensland gave the opening address and guest speaker Caroline Weaver, Executive Director and Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals, introduced and welcomed the first group of graduands from the Diploma of Nursing from the Caboolture Campus.
The event was organised by the Marketing Department and special thanks to Michele Deschamps, the event committee and volunteers for all their hard work on making the night a huge success. All volunteers will were invited to attend the thank you lunch at Polaris Restaurant on Friday, 29th August.
Student Ambassador Program Launched
The Student Ambassador Program was launched on the 5th of August at the Bray Park State High School Senior Pathways Day. The program is run by the Marketing Department and the Business Faculty, and has current BNIT students employed by the Institute to attend high school events to speak about their experiences at BNIT and the further education opportunities available including courses, VET in schools and pathways to university.
The program will be rolled out across several schools and events over the coming months and aims to achieve a positive view of BNIT and increase enrolments numbers over the long term.
Brisbane North Careers Expo
The 5th of August also saw the Brisbane North Careers Expo attended by over 300 students from Clontarf State High School, St John Fisher and Deception Bay State High School. The event included over 30 exhibitors and was successfully organised by the semester 1 & 2 business students. Highlights of the event include mocktails at Polaris Restaurant, a creative childcare display and on campus car display by Toyota.
March
Local Bracken Ridge resident wins TAFE Achievement Award
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has awarded Bracken Ridge resident, Susan Wait, the prestigious Student Achievement Award for the Faculty of Services Industries.
Sponsored by Fuji Xerox Global Services, the annual Faculty Student Achievement Awards were announced last night (17 March) at the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE 2008 graduation ceremony held at City Hall.
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Director Greg Harper said the winners were assessed against criteria such as innovation, leadership, accountability, interpersonal and communication skills as well as academic and technical achievement.
"The recipients of this year's student achievement awards have been leaders in their Faculty areas and role models for other students. On behalf of all the staff at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE I congratulate Susan for this significant achievement," Mr Harper said.
Fuji Xerox Global Services State Manager, Richard Sloan, congratulated all the students for their achievement and commended their hard work and dedication.
"We appreciate the hard work and effort that goes in to coming first in a high calibre field and we're proud to be in partnership with Brisbane North Institute of TAFE to develop and reward local talent," said Mr Sloan.
Susan graduated from a Diploma of Children's Services and was praised by her teachers due to her leadership qualities to motivate and challenge other students and her professionalism to her field work participation.
As part of the award, Susan was presented with a framed certificate and will receive financial support towards further study.
Local Bongaree resident wins TAFE Achievement Award
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has awarded Bongaree student, Sharon Rodgers, the prestigious Student Achievement Award for the Faculty of Business.
Sponsored by Fuji Xerox Global Services, the annual Faculty Student Achievement Awards were announced last night (17 March) at the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE 2008 graduation ceremony held at City Hall.
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Director Greg Harper said the winners were assessed against criteria such as innovation, leadership, accountability, interpersonal and communication skills as well as academic and technical achievement.
"The recipients of this year's student achievement awards have been leaders in their faculty areas and role models for other students. On behalf of all the staff at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE I congratulate Sharon for this significant achievement," Mr Harper said.
Fuji Xerox Global Services State Manager, Richard Sloan, congratulated all the students for their achievement and commended their hard work and dedication.
"We appreciate the hard work and effort that goes in to coming first in a high calibre field and we're proud to be in partnership with Brisbane North Institute of TAFE to develop and reward local talent," said Mr Sloan.
Sharon graduated from a Diploma of Front Line Management and was praised by her teachers for her exceptional high standard of course work and assessment and leadership qualities that led her to initiate functions in her work-place to help other students.
As part of her award, Sharon was presented with a framed certificate and will receive financial support towards further study.
Local Murrumba Downs resident wins TAFE Achievement Award
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has awarded Murrumba Downs resident, Roger Brinkworth, the prestigious Student Achievement Award for the Faculty of IT and Education.
Sponsored by Fuji Xerox Global Services, the annual Faculty Student Achievement Awards were announced last night (17 March) at the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE 2008 graduation ceremony held at City Hall.
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Director Greg Harper said the winners were assessed against criteria such as innovation, leadership, accountability, interpersonal and communication skills as well as academic and technical achievement.
"The recipients of this year's student achievement awards have been leaders in their Faculty areas and role models for other students. On behalf of all the staff at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE I congratulate Roger for this significant achievement," Mr Harper said.
Fuji Xerox Global Services State Manager, Richard Sloan, congratulated all the students for their achievement and commended their hard work and dedication.
"We appreciate the hard work and effort that goes in to coming first in a high calibre field and we're proud to be in partnership with Brisbane North Institute of TAFE to develop and reward local talent," said Mr Sloan.
Roger graduated from a Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation in order to facilitate his entry in to a University Engineering Degree and was praised by his teachers for balancing family commitments and his work as an army officer.
As part of the award, Roger was presented with a framed certificate and will receive financial support towards further study.
Local Ashgrove resident wins TAFE Achievement Award
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has awarded Ashgrove resident, Anne-Maree Huggett, the prestigious Student Achievement Award for the Faculty of Environment, Tourism and Logistics.
Sponsored by Fuji Xerox Global Services, the annual Faculty Student Achievement Awards were announced last night (17 March) at the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE 2008 graduation ceremony held at City Hall.
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Director Greg Harper said the winners were assessed against criteria such as innovation, leadership, accountability, interpersonal and communication skills as well as academic and technical achievement.
"The recipients of this year's student achievement awards have been leaders in their faculty areas and role models for other students. On behalf of all the staff at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE I congratulate Anne-Maree for this significant achievement," Mr Harper said.
Fuji Xerox Global Services State Manager, Richard Sloan, congratulated all the students for their achievement and commended their hard work and dedication.
"We appreciate the hard work and effort that goes in to coming first in a high calibre field and we're proud to be in partnership with Brisbane North Institute of TAFE to develop and reward local talent," said Mr Sloan.
Anne-Maree graduated from a Diploma of Event Management and was praised by her teachers for her strong commitment to her personal career goals and her dedication to the course by volunteering in high profile events.
As part of her award, Anne-Maree was presented with a framed certificate and will receive financial support towards further study.
Queensland's 150th celebrations community funding program
2009 marks the 150th anniversary of Queensland's separation from New South Wales. The anniversary celebrations, which will run the entire year, will express the vision - "reflect on our past, imagine our future" - and be shaped around four themes - history, people, places and future. The celebratory program will incorporate both existing events and new initiatives to generate interest and engage Queenslanders across the State.
To make the celebrations a success, the Government are working in partnership with local councils, organisations and communities across the State to mark the anniversary in a way that is meaningful for all Queenslanders.
To give all Queenslanders the opportunity to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary through activities and projects that reflect the unique culture, heritage and aspirations of their own community, the Queensland Government has committed $4 million to the Q150 Community Funding Program.
Not-for-profit incorporated community organisations, local councils and tertiary institutions throughout Queensland are eligible to apply for grants of between $2 000 and $10 000.
Examples of eligible projects and activities include:
- Music and theatrical performances
- Festivals
- Exhibitions
- Community art works
- Community education activities
- Community arts and recreation events
- Publications, including books, DVDs, CDs
- web-based material
- Oral histories
- Research projects
- Seminars and lecture series.
The second round of grants will close on 13 April 2008, with successful applicants announced in June, during Queensland Week.
The third and final round will open in July, with applications closing on 1 September 2008. Funding announcements will be made on 10 December 2008.
For more information visit the q150 website or phone 1800 502 419.
February
TAFE student graduates to success
A Caboolture resident credits her TAFE training and the support she received from students and teachers while battling cancer for achieving her goal of studying counselling at university.
Ann Taylor last year finished a three-year double Diploma of Community Welfare and Disability at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE's Caboolture campus and this year will begin a Masters of Counselling at the Queensland University of Technology.
"I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in May 2006 and had a kidney removed in September 2006," Ms Taylor said.
"I had to take time off and missed some of my classes but TAFE was very flexible and I was allowed to catch up on modules.
"Thanks to the continued support of all the teachers and students at TAFE I have now reached my goal of further study and am on my way to reaching my dream of becoming a professional counsellor."
Ms Taylor will continue to work fulltime as a customer enquiry officer at MBF while completing her Masters course.
Community and Human Services teacher Jennifer Walker congratulated Ms Taylor for her dedication to her studies while working fulltime and battling cancer.
"Ann is a great example of what you can achieve through hard work and a lot of dedication," Ms Walker said.
"We wish her every success for the future."
Graduate travels to the top
A Nundah resident credits her TAFE training, including work experience, and the support she received from students and teachers for the rapid progression of her career in tourism.
Lauren Calderwood last year finished a two-year double Diploma of Tourism and Events Management at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE's Red Hill campus and starts work at the end of this month at the Hilton in Brisbane as a business development coordinator.
"My hard work has finally paid off and it's so satisfying to be offered such a fantastic opportunity," Ms Calderwood said.
"I can't thank the TAFE staff enough for their continued support and encouragement throughout my diploma. "As a result of their assistance I feel confident and excited about my future and am still shaking my head at my success."
Ms Calderwood will work as part of the business development team in conjunction with all sectors of the hotel including marketing, corporate sales, business development and events.
Tourism management teacher Tanya Henry congratulated Ms Calderwood for her dedication to her studies and her never-say-die attitude.
"Lauren is a great example of what you can achieve through a positive attitude and a lot of dedication," Ms Henry said.
"We wish her every success for the future.
"The double diploma program prepares graduates for the adventure of global tourism and the excitement of ever-changing events management."
Second attempt to success
A Caboolture resident credits her TAFE training, including practical work experience, and the support she received from students and teachers for achieving her goal of studying counselling at university.
Rebekah Joy last year finished a two-year double Diploma of Community Welfare and Disability at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE's Caboolture campus and this year will begin a Masters of Counselling at the Queensland University of Technology.
"I started the welfare course 20 years ago but didn't complete it mainly because I didn't believe in myself," Ms Joy said.
"On my second attempt, the dedicated staff constantly encouraged me which enabled me to gain the skills I needed to obtain work within the community services field at a highly competent level.
"Thanks to the continued support of the TAFE staff I have reached my goal of being able to call myself a professional counsellor and continue with further study."
Ms Joy will continue to work fulltime as a counsellor while completing her Masters course.
"My TAFE qualifications also led to my being offered a counselling position with Kids Help Line," she said.
Community and Human Services teacher Jennifer Walker congratulated Ms Joy for her dedication to her studies.
"Rebekah is a great example of what you can achieve through hard work and a lot of dedication," Ms Walker said.
"We wish her every success for the future."
January
TAFE teacher recognised by art industry
Artist and local TAFE teacher Rod Butler has been acknowledged by his peers by being selected to exhibit his work in two major competitions this year.
The Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Gateway Campus art teacher was selected from over 500 works to exhibit at the Duke Gold Coast Art Prize and from more than 400 entries at the Woollahara Small Sculpture Prize.
Rod's ceramic sculpture entitled, Bling Bling Meets the Alzheimer's Relic No. 2, was assembled from objects collected by an Alzheimer's sufferer and aims to reconsider society values in relations to the illness.
Anthony Bond OAM, Head Curator of International Art from The Art Gallery of New South Wales, praised the Duke entrant, recommending the piece be purchased for the permanent collection at the Gold Coast Council Gallery.
Rod said that he was very excited about his recognition and hoped his recent success would inspire his TAFE students to pursue their art professionally as well.
"Lots of the students I work with are very talented and even general day-to-day conversation with them inspires many topics for my works.
"I bring my own style to the classroom and I think this is really valued by the students, as they often ask for my direction and guidance," said Rod.
Rod has been a professional artist since 1975 so his experience in the industry has become an asset to his students.
"Many of them go on to achieve success as independent artists or in the academic arena and I try to encourage them that no matter what they pursue try to be successful," said Rod.
To find out more information about Rod Butlers works visit www.rodbutler.id.au.
Job satisfaction guaranteed as volunteer tutor
There are thousands of Australians who volunteer their time every day to help others and Judith Maclean from Taigum is just one of them.
She volunteers for 14 hours every week at the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE as a tutor helping students achieve qualifications in numeracy and literacy.
"It's a rewarding experience when you see a student improve and move on to their next goal in life," Ms Maclean said.
"From your help, students become more confident and this is the best type of job satisfaction as far as I'm concerned."
Apart from the satisfaction she feels from helping others Judith also finds working as a volunteer allows her to make new friends and be involved in stimulating training programs.
"When you become a tutor at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE you complete a course that equips you with basic strategies to use when assisting students.
"Each semester you can then attend in-service training sessions and I find these both stimulating and motivating.
"They also keep me up to date with current strategies and resources and help to keep my brain active," Ms Maclean said.
Tutoring positions cover a range of subjects such as assisting students with their reading, writing, spelling, grammar and maths, explaining tasks and providing examples, as well as prompting and role modelling.
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Bracken Ridge Campus will be conducting a Tutor Training Course in February 2008.
To register your interest and find out more information on how you can become a volunteer Tutor please contact (07) 3258 5319
TAFE in Schools Program helps student take home prize
A Year Twelve Student from Mueller College in Rothwell has been awarded the Australian Vocational Student Prize for 2007.
The award recognises exceptional skills, commitment and achievement whilst undertaking a Vocational Education and Training program.
Rebecca Higgs from Rothwell was nominated for the prize because of her dedication and enthusiasm toward her Certificate III in Business at the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE as a part of the TAFE in Schools Program.
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Director Greg Harper said the TAFE in Schools Program allowed students to get a head start on their career, "The TAFE in Schools Program is a unique flexible pathway for Year 12 students to get an understanding of their chosen industry.
"Students are offered a range of course options and have the advantage of studying on-line," Mr Harper said.
Rebecca is just one of the students who has taken advantage of the program and it's paid off with her award including a $2000 cheque.
TAFE teacher star of small screen
Local Redcliffe Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Teacher Toni Connolly is about to become a star of the small screen by being one of the faces for the Queensland TAFE new television advertisement due to appear on our screens during January and February.
The Business Administration teacher featured in the campaign to showcase the high standard of industry and teaching experience all TAFE teachers across the state.
Toni is just one of the industry professionals that now pass her knowledge on to TAFE students every day after having a successful career.
But according to Toni it's not just about qualifications and experience it's about enjoying your job too.
"I am one of the few lucky people who can say that I enjoy my job!
"I find it incredibly rewarding when I can see the students not only developing their skills but more importantly growing personally and increasing their self-esteem and confidence," said Toni.
Toni's love of the job is evident by the fact that she has been working for TAFE regularly over the past 16 years.
Before entering into the education industry Toni's first job was working with the Royal National Association, the Ekka, after completing school.
Toni then went on to work in different industries including working in Bundaberg in the Sugar Refinery before making the first step toward a career in education by working with the Sarina Russo Business Academy.
New Year new career for Redcliffe students
With a new year now underway, Redcliffe students who graduated high school in 2007 are most likely asking themselves 'what do I want to do for a career?'.
To help with this dilemma, The Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has released the most popular courses undertaken by students at the Redcliffe campus, with the top three including a Course in Vocational Literacy, Course in Vocational Numeracy and a Certificate III in Business Administration.
According to Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Director Greg Harper these courses, based on 2007 enrolment figures, is supported by the fact that 87% of all students who graduated the courses gained full time employment.
"The results indicate that all of our courses are industry relevant and therefore students are receiving excellent career success when they graduate.
"With so many different courses offered at the Redcliffe campus as varied as organic gardening to business management we are encouraging students to make 2008 the year for a great career and a great life," said Mr Harper.
Overall, across the six Brisbane North Institute campuses the three most popular faculties centred account the services industry, information technology and education taking second and thirdly business services.
The research also revealed the primarily reason people choose to study at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE was to gain extra job skills followed by securing a job.
Flexible training solutions are on offer including part-time, full-time and short courses, open learning or on-line and enrolments are still being taken for the 2008 academic year.
Merry helped along to "design" own business
For Indooroopilly resident Merry Sparks, working in Interior Design, always seemed like an unreachable career dream.
But since graduating with a Certificate IV in Interior Design, Ms Sparks has developed the confidence she needed to open her now thriving business Zone Concept.
"As a professional artist specialising in fine art, I always wanted to combine my paintings with a total interior design service," Ms Sparks said.
"Thanks to the course at Brisbane North TAFE I gained the confidence I needed to start my own business."
Ms Sparks said although she always felt a natural inclination toward interior design as an artist, the subjects offered through the course provided her with relevant and practical experience for both residential and commercial interiors.
"The course comprising 19 subjects is extremely comprehensive and covers colour, textiles, history and elements of interior design, building procedures, sustainability, and business management, to name just a few," she said.
To Ms Sparks Interior Design is not just about making rooms look beautiful it's about creating different "zones" for people in which to live and in which to be able to relax.
"As one of my goals, I'd really like to revolutionise the interiors of aged-care facilities to ensure that everyone experiences beautiful living surrounds," Ms Sparks said.
The Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has courses in Interior Decoration commencing in February and July which can be completed face to face, in six months full time or over one to two years part time.
New Year new career for Ithaca students
With a new year now underway, Ithaca students who graduated high school in 2007 are most likely asking themselves 'what do I want to do for a career?'.
To help with this dilemma, The Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has released the most popular courses undertaken by students at the Ithaca campus, with the top three including a Diploma of Graphic Design, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and a Diploma of Event Management.
According to Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Director Greg Harper these courses, based on 2007 enrolment figures, is supported by the fact that 87% of all students who graduated the courses gained full time employment.
"The results indicate that all of our courses are industry relevant and therefore students are receiving excellent career success when they graduate.
"With so many different courses offered at the Ithaca campus as varied as veterinary nursing to event management we are encouraging students to make 2008 the year for a great career and a great life," said Mr Harper.
Overall, across the six Brisbane North Institute campuses the three most popular faculties centred account the services industry, information technology and education taking second and thirdly business services.
The research also revealed the primarily reason people choose to study at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE was to gain extra job skills followed by securing a job.
Flexible training solutions are on offer including part-time, full-time and short courses, open learning or on-line and enrolments are still being taken for the 2008 academic year.
TAFE teacher shoots to stardom
Local Teacher, Gaille Perry, from the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Ithaca Campus is about to shoot to stardom when the new Queensland TAFE television advertisement is aired on our screens during January and February.
The Animal Science teacher, and her dog Teakee, featured in the campaign to showcase the high standard of industry and teaching experience all TAFE teachers across the state.
As one of the faces of the advertisement, and just one of the industry professionals employed by the Queensland TAFE, Gaille passes her knowledge on to students studying Veterinary Nursing, Companion Animal Services and Captive Animals at the Ithaca Campus.
With a keen interest in animal behaviour Gaille says she is lucky to be able to combine her passion of animals with a successful career.
Gaille's love of the job is evident by the fact she has been working for Queensland TAFE for 25 years.
Before joining the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Gaille worked in a Veterinary Practice for 10 years after graduating from the University of Queensland with a Degree in Veterinary Science.
Since joining TAFE in 1983 Gaille has become a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists, completed a PhD in Dog and Cat Behaviour, been the Behavioural Consultant for the Sydney Animal Behaviour Service, the Director of Studies for the Delta Society's Canine Good Citizen Instructor Course and a Consultant to the RSPCA Queensland on matters relating to animal behaviour.
New Year new career for Grovely students
With a new year now underway, Grovely students who graduated high school in 2007 are most likely asking themselves 'what do I want to do for a career?'
To help with this dilemma, The Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has released the most popular courses undertaken by students at the Grovely campus, with the top two including a Certificate III in Horticulture and a Certificate III in Floristry.
According to Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Director Greg Harper these courses, based on 2007 enrolment figures, is supported by the fact that 87% of all students who graduated the courses gained full time employment.
"The results indicate that all of our courses are industry relevant and therefore students are receiving excellent career success when they graduate.
"With so many different courses offered at the Grovely campus as varied as bush tucker to machinery operation we are encouraging students to make 2008 the year for a great career and a great life," said Mr Harper.
Overall, across the six Brisbane North Institute campuses the three most popular faculties centred account the services industry, information technology and education taking second and thirdly business services.
The research also revealed the primarily reason people choose to study at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE was to gain extra job skills followed by securing a job.
Flexible training solutions are on offer including part-time, full-time and short courses, open learning or on-line and enrolments are still being taken for the 2008 academic year.
New Year new career for Caboolture students
With a new year now underway, Caboolture students who graduated high school in 2007 are most likely asking themselves 'what do I want to do for a career?'.
To help with this dilemma, The Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has released the most popular courses undertaken by students at the Caboolture campus, with the top three including a Diploma of Nursing, Certificate II in Hairdressing and a Certificate II in Horticulture (Landscape).
According to Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Director Greg Harper these courses, based on 2007 enrolment figures, is supported by the fact that 87% of all students who graduated the courses gained full time employment.
"The results indicate that all of our courses are industry relevant and therefore students are receiving excellent career success when they graduate.
"With so many different courses offered at the Caboolture campus as varied as website development to machinery operation we are encouraging students to make 2008 the year for a great career and a great life," said Mr Harper.
Overall, across the six Brisbane North Institute campuses the three most popular faculties centred account the services industry, information technology and education taking second and thirdly business services.
The research also revealed the primarily reason people choose to study at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE was to gain extra job skills followed by securing a job.
Flexible training solutions are on offer including part-time, full-time and short courses, open learning or on-line and enrolments are still being taken for the 2008 academic year.
New Year new career for Bracken Ridge students
With a new year now underway, Bracken Ridge students who graduated high school in 2007 are most likely asking themselves 'what do I want to do for a career?'.
To help with this dilemma, The Brisbane North Institute of TAFE has released the most popular courses undertaken by students at the Bracken Ridge campus, with the top three including a Diploma of Justice Administration, Certificate III in Business Administration and a Diploma of Hospitality Management.
According to Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Director Greg Harper these courses, based on 2007 enrolment figures, is supported by the fact that 87% of all students who graduated the courses gained full time employment.
"The results indicate that all of our courses are industry relevant and therefore students are receiving excellent career success when they graduate.
"With six campuses serving over 30 000 students and new courses offered at the Bracken Ridge campus such as Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) and a Certificate IV in Small Business Management commencing this year we are encouraging students to make 2008 the year for a great career and a great life," said Mr Harper.
Overall, across the six Brisbane North Institute campuses the three most popular faculties centred account the services industry, information technology and education taking second and thirdly business services.
The research also revealed the primarily reason people choose to study at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE was to gain extra job skills followed by securing a job.
Flexible training solutions are on offer including part-time, full-time and short courses, open learning or on-line and enrolments are still being taken for the 2008 academic year.