By Deanne Jeffers
THE 170 GOTAFE graduates celebrating the completion of their studies stole the show at the GV Hotel last week, sharing the stage with swag of big names that spoke at the ceremony, including 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott, entertainer Tim Campbell and nurse-turned-comedian Georgie Carroll.
“The graduation ceremonies are an important opportunity to celebrate the success of our students and their family, friends, peers and trainers who have supported them throughout their studies,” said Travis Heeny, GOTAFE CEO.
“We are incredibly proud to have such a high calibre of guest speakers to inspire and motivate the graduating students as they enter the workforce and begin their professional journeys.”
One such student who has shown remarkable commitment is Jay-Leigh Hillebrand. Each Monday, Jay-Leigh would travel for more than an hour from Kilmore to complete her Certificate III in Business in Shepparton.
“The hardest part of studying and trying to juggle studying, work, family and life was probably trying to find the common ground and balance between all of them. I was very, very lucky though that Julie, my trainer, was able to allow me to do some days from home to take care of my children or whatever was needed,” she said, adding that she had a great support network during her studies.
“I’m super excited to graduate because I didn’t think I would. I thought that I would struggle and fall behind. But I was lucky enough to never get to that point, and I always had help, so I was able to achieve the goals that I wanted and now I get to celebrate.”
Jay-Leigh said she plans on continuing her studies at GOTAFE in bookkeeping. Fellow graduates completed studies in a range of courses including Baking and Hospitality, Business and IT, Community Services, Education, Hair and Beauty, Health and Nursing, Land and Animals, Technical Trades and VCAL.
To learn more about GOTAFE and their courses, visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.au
