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Student stories: International

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Practical skills and strong industry links were the key drawcards for international student, Elodie Fenouillet, when she chose to study at the Northern Sydney Institute, part of TAFE NSW.

Ms Fenouillet, who recently completed the Advanced Diploma of Hospitality at Ryde Campus, hasn’t looked back.

“I enjoyed training in strategies on how to provide quality customer service, work in a socially diverse environment and manage people,” said Ms Fenouillet.

Currently working at the Park Hyatt in Sydney, she has been able to directly apply what she learnt in the workplace.

“Elodie has been a model employee since she has started at Park Hyatt Sydney and it has been a real pleasure mentoring her,” said Alain Reveryrand, Assistant Manager, The Dining Room.

After completing a Certificate in Tourism in her home country of France, Ms Fenouillet decided to pursue her passion for travel and hospitality.  She moved to Sydney and enrolled in further study.

“In Sydney, there is a diversity of culture, people are very open-minded and there are work opportunities for people who want to improve their position, more than in other countries around the world where the economic situation doesn’t allow it,” she said.

Inspired by her success so far, Ms Fenouillet is now continuing her studies at the Institute and is completing the Bachelor of Hotel Management at Ryde Campus.

Over 800 international students enrol at the Northern Sydney Institute each year, representing around 55 countries.  International students can choose from over 100 vocational courses including certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas and bachelor degrees.

The TAFE English Language Centre, located at Meadowbank Campus, offers English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).  These courses develop the English language skills international students need to live and study in Australia.

To find out how The Northern Sydney Institute, part of TAFE NSW can help progress your career as an international student, please visit www.nsi.edu.au or call +61 2 9448 4499.


New scholarship - Australian Federation of Graduate Women NSW

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The Australian Federation of Graduate Women (AFGW) NSW has announced a new scholarship.

The Joan Bielski Scholarship, supports women aged over 35 who have fulfilled the entrance requirements for a first course at university in NSW and can demonstrate hardship. Candidates must be Australian citizens or permanent residents. 

Long time AFGW NSW member, Joan Bielski, was a leading Australian feminist who left school at fourteen and only after service in the WAAF was she able to attend university as a returned service woman.

Her wish was to enable other women to get this second chance to attend university and she left a generous bequest to achieve this.

An initial award of $10,000 in semester installments of $5000 will be given with a possibility of continuation for a second and third year, subject to satisfactory academic achievement.

The CLOSING DATE is 31 MAY 2014. No applications will be accepted after this date.

For more information on the new Joan Bielski Scholarship and to download the scholarship guidelines or application form see the Australian Federation of Graduate Women NSW website.

Students back on campus

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The Northern Sydney Institute has welcomed back its students this week for the start of Semester One.

With the summer holidays behind them, the next generation of budding chefs, carpenters and personal trainers, have been swapping their swimmers for woks, tools, and weights at Orientation Week.

Chantelle Soles, 19, from Cromer will be one of the familiar faces on the Northern Beaches Campus after already completing her Certificate III in Tourism as a TAFE-delivered vocational education training unit for the HSC.

“I’m really excited for classes to begin and to continue studying here at the Northern Beaches Campus,” said Chantelle.

With an interest in tourism, Chantelle will be undertaking a Diploma of Travel and Tourism this year and was attracted to the Diploma for its location, industry links and reputation for great teachers.

“I’m really fascinated with the tourism industry. Growing up in the Northern Beaches has made me appreciate the importance of attracting visitors in order for the area to grow.”

“I also love the practical experience we get to do as part of our studies, which will look great on my resume when I move to Europe and work in the industry there,” she said.

Campus Manager David Rogers said it was great to see the Campus brimming with students again after the long summer break.

“2014 is shaping up to be one of our biggest years yet.  All of our teachers across the seven campuses are ready to equip our students with the necessary skills to succeed in the workplace,” said Mr Rogers.

“From full-time to part-time, online or face-to-face, we offer different training programs to suit your needs.

“Whether you are just starting out, returning to work after a break, looking to win that next promotion or build your business, we can help,” Mr Rogers said.

For anyone interested in enrolling in a vocational course, there are still some courses with limited spots available. Student Services at each campus are open to assist you personally or call 131 674 or visit nsi.edu.au for more information. 


Cookery apprenticeships set to rise

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The Northern Sydney Institute in collaboration with Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) is set to welcome hundreds of eager hospitality students on their pathway to success.

The new Certificate III in Commercial Cookery enables students the opportunity to become a trade qualified cook while employed in a commercial kitchen environment one year less than the traditional pathway.

As part of the recently launched Skills Pathways project, the initiative aims to make apprenticeship more attractive to those aspiring to enter the industry, increase the quality of apprentices and up skill chefs and supervisors.

The $7 million project, which has been co-funded by the Australian Government’s Accelerated Australian Apprenticeships initiative, is based on competency rather than time.

The Institute expects the Certificate lll in Commercial Cookery to be very successful with up to 58 apprenticeships available in Northern Sydney.

Faculty Manager of Tourism, Hospitality and Horticulture, Andrea Poletti, said the new pathways are a great initiative.

“This new flexible system allows apprentices to gain quality training at the Northern Sydney Institute, some great experience in the workplace and an assessment system that gets the best out of the students,” she said.

“The competency-based progression style will ensure quality apprentices in all areas of the hospitality industry and help retain them in the workplace to address the skills shortage,” said Ms Poletti.

Restaurant & Catering CEO John Hart observed that apprenticeship is the most effective training pathway particularly for young people entering the hospitality industry. He noted that ‘the on and off the job learning provides the most ‘job-ready’ graduates’.

“The Skills Pathways project supports TAFE NSW hospitality apprentices, cooks and chefs in completing their training and progressing their careers.

"Australia has a very good reputation in this industry and skills gained can be transferred to any part of the world - in fact they are sought after”, said Mr Hart.

Pathways Ambassador Dan Hong is confident in the program to help increase the number of apprentices currently working in his Merivale kitchens, with only two among his 40 employees.

“The Skills Pathways program has all the ingredients for the perfect recipe - I wish I had this sort of support when I was completing my apprenticeship”, said Mr Hong.

The program is supported by the Discover Hospitality website, which is the first online recruitment platform where users can store their electronic CV and supporting information in a free, convenient and secure ‘Skills Passport’.

Employers can track an employee’s training and career achievements on the website, which helps connect them with apprentices and chefs. 

Those interested are encouraged to register their interest at www.discoverhospitality.com 


A world of opportunity

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Two of the Northern Sydney Institute’s newest students travelled over 14,000 kilometres to undertake the study of their choice at Ryde Campus.

Jeseit Rosales Velasquez from Nicaragua and Gabriela Luque Montes from Honduras are the recipients of Australia Awards Scholarships (formerly AusAID Development Scholarship). The pair were selected as part of a pilot program targeting students from Latin America, with a focus on environmental studies.

“We have been welcoming international students to the Institute for over 50 years and have hosted AusAID and Endeavour Scholarship winners for 10 years,” said Kevin Harris, Director of the Northern Sydney Institute.

“Providing people from around the world with educational opportunities that they may not have in their own country is important to us as the in the era of a global community,” he said.

Ms Luque and Mr Rosales chose to study at the Northern Sydney Institute because of its reputation as a leading vocational education provider and for the practical skills they would learn in their courses. They arrived in Australia in January and recently completed the four week introductory Academic Program at the TAFE English Language Centre at Meadowbank Campus as preparation for their studies.

“The teachers were amazing.  They really try to help you improve your English to make it easier for your future study,” said Ms Luque.

“I found it very helpful because now I am not afraid to talk to other people,” she said.

Ms Luque, from Honduras, is now studying the Diploma of Landscape Design at Ryde Campus and is already getting hands on experience in soil evaluation, surveying site levels and landscape graphics.  She looks forward to applying this knowledge when she returns home in two years.

“I am an architect and wanted to develop my landscape design knowledge with a view of starting my own landscape design company back home,” she says.

Mr Rosales, from Nicaragua, chose to study the Advanced Diploma of Applied Environmental Management at Ryde Campus because he specifically wanted to develop his skills in the area of environmental protection.

“With this advanced diploma, I will get technical skills which will let me assess and develop plans and projects related to environmental conservation,” said Mr Rosales.“I will be more confident in the decision making process and I will be able to provide accurate advice in the sustainable development of my country,” he said.

Both students have been assisted with settling in to Australia by the Institute’s Manager of International Student Services, Peter Freeman.

 “We have over 700 international enrolments each year representing about 55 countries and we try to ensure everyone’s transition to studying in a new country is made as easy and as comfortable as possible,” said Mr Freeman.

International students at the Institute are supported with an online pre-departure welcome service, airport pick-up and homestay placement upon arrival.  Additional learner support is provided and a follow up workshop to ensure that students are coping with their studies.

To find out how The Northern Sydney Institute, part of TAFE NSW can help progress your career as an international student, please visit www.nsi.edu.au or call +61 2 9448 4499. 

 

 

 

Three NSI students win Apprentice of the Year Awards

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Three TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute (NSI) carpentry and joinery students have received an award at the 2010 Master Builders Association (MBA) Awards held during November.
 
Mitchell Roberts and Craig Cooper both received the 4th Year Apprentice of the Year Award, while Clayton Walsh received 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year Award.
 
Since beginning his Certificate III in Carpentry, Mitchell has won the 2009 Northern Suburbs division, MBA Apprentice of the Year Award and the MBA Alvin Neate Award for Top Student in Carpentry & Joinery (Certificate III).
 
Mitchell has also received the Midcoast Timber Award, an award presented to the NSI carpentry and joinery student with the highest marks over the three years of their studies.
 
Mitchell currently works for Grindly Construction, where he is in the final months of his apprenticeship.
 
“I’m hoping to stay with the company next year and would like to move up the ranks,” he said.
 
“I’ve always really enjoyed building and carpentry and in the future would like to become a site manager.
 
Craig, who jointly received the award with Mitchell was equally excited to win the award. Craig currently works at a joinery factory and is about to complete the final year of his apprenticeship.
 
“I didn’t except to win, so it was great news for me,” he said.
“My boss offered a lot of encouragement and is quite happy with my recent results.”
 
Fellow NSI student Clayton Walsh began studying at NSI in 2008. Nearing the end of this course he was offered an apprenticeship with the MBA apprenticeship scheme and was placed with MIRVAC constructions.
 
Clayton also won the NSI Hornsby College carpentry section “Outstanding Effort in the Classroom Award’ in 2009.
 
An exceptional student, Clayton said he couldn’t be happier winning the 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year Award.
 
“I was very pleased with myself, I feel like I’ve done a lot of hard work,” he said.
 
“Working in commercial carpentry can be quite demanding and usually requires a lot of extra hours to get the job done on time.”

The art of 'selfless acts'

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​The talent and achievements of local artists have been recognised by the International Women’s Day Art Prize and Exhibition, an event hosted by the Northern Sydney Institute's See Street Gallery, in conjunction with City of Ryde Council.

More than 250 community members and local dignitaries came together on Thursday 6 March at Meadowbank Campus for the opening of the “Selfless Acts” exhibition and the announcement of competition winners.

Now in its fourth year, the Art Prize was open to artists who live, work, study or play in the City of Ryde.  Over 200 art works were submitted with themes surrounding women.  Of those, 103 were chosen for exhibition.

“This is an opportunity to connect professional artists, students and the local community,” said Tony McDonald, Head Teacher, Visual Arts, Meadowbank Campus.

“We have an amazing space here at the See Street Gallery which is open to public visitors and this exhibition is a great showcase of local talent in a variety of art forms.”

Rhonda Pryor won the Open Category for professional or practicing full-time artists with her work, The Weeping Letter.  The community prize, which encourages those who study art or practise art as a hobby, was won by Selina Springett.  The youth division for those aged between 16 and 25 years was won by Tiarn Moscaritolo for Beautification.

Entries included a number of artworks by past and present Meadowbank Campus. Elizabeth Thomas, who is currently studying the Diploma of Visual Arts, was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Community Category for her collograph print, “Food on the Table”.

“We offer a range of courses catering for beginners, aspiring artists and professionals,” said Mr McDonald.

“Our facilities are highly regarded and span a variety of art forms including painting, printmaking sculpture and drawing,” he said.

The “Selfless Acts” exhibition runs until Saturday 22 March. The See Street Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday during the exhibition, from 11.00am – 4.00pm and entry is free.

To find out more about Visual Arts courses at the Northern Sydney Institute call 131 674 or visit www.nsi.edu.au

Harmony Day celebrations

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​The Northern Sydney Institute will be celebrating the diverse culture of its staff, students and country for Harmony Day on Friday 21st March.

Institute Director Kevin Harris said Harmony Day brings an important message that every Australian belongs to this nation, regardless of their background.

“Our country is a rich and diverse land that welcomes people from all over the world,” he said.

“The Institute is a perfect example of where so many people from different origins come together to work, study and succeed in education.”

“With so much many activities happening around the Institute, I know our students will be out there and participating,” said Mr Harris.

Harmony Day will be celebrated at each of the Institute’s seven campuses through music, performances, food, art, books and stories.

If you would like more information on what your campus is doing on the day visit the Institute’s Facebook page​.​


New training centre

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​The Northern Sydney Institute, part of TAFE NSW plans to open a new Training Centre within Guangdong Industry Technical College (GDITC) in China.

On 13 March, Institute Director, Kevin Harris, travelled to China to sign a Memorandum of Agreement and a Letter of Intent to develop a three way partnership between the Institute, GDITC and Kingold – a major industry enterprise in Guangdong.

“We are constantly developing innovative training solutions to meet our customer needs,” said Mr Harris.

“This International Training Centre will be the first of its kind in China and is a collaborative initiative which addresses Chinese training requirements and further strengthens our relationship with our partner college, GDITC,“ he said.

The Northern Sydney Institute currently delivers the Certificate IV in Business, Diploma of International Business and Advanced Diploma of Management at GDITC.  It is one of six partner institutions in China.

They're happy, you're happy!

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​Even a freak tornado couldn’t keep the Northern Sydney Institute’s Hornsby Campus Child Care Centre closed for long.

New carpet has been laid, shade cloths installed and all resources replaced, with new furniture to be delivered before Easter. Centre Director Cristina Bezzo couldn’t be more pleased.

“Our child care centre is a home away from home for the children. We really work hard to see that each child is supported to feel secure, confident and included,” said Ms Bezzo.

At a time when it has been reported that Hornsby Council has identified a need for further child care facilities, Hornsby Campus provides the community with a great solution.

Nestled in the heart of Hornsby, the centre provides quality, affordable child care. All staff are highly qualified and committed to delivering the best in child care; they have created a program that embraces language, literature, maths, art, music, science, drama and movement, as well as ensuring your children are well prepared for their journey to “big school”.

“We are very proud of our centre and strive to find the best way to teach and engage the children. We have a lovely outside space for the children to run, play and climb with an area for gardening and growing our own flowers and vegetables,“ said Ms Bezzo.

Open for children aged 2 to 5 years of age, the centre has reached the National Quality Standard in all 7 areas exceeding in Educational Program and Practice.

Open 48 weeks of the year, from 8.00am – 6.00pm, families can are eligible to apply for Child Care Benefit through the centre.
If you are looking for a child care facility you can rely on to provide the very best for your children, please call Cristina Bezzo on 9472 1548 or 9472 1362 to book a visit or find out more information at http://www.nsi.tafensw.edu.au/Services/HornsbyChildcare.aspx

Electric Dreams

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Having completed her Bachelor Degree, majoring in International Law and Criminal Justice Studies, Ruth Wilson did what a lot of young Australian’s do – she moved to London!

After 18 months of travelling, working and absorbing city life, she came home disillusioned as to where her degree would lead her and what career she wanted to pursue.
It was then she embarked on another journey, this time down an entirely different path. And she has never looked back.

“I spent a lot of time thinking about what I did and didn’t want in a job. The hours I wanted to work, whether I would prefer a desk job or outside work, office work or physical activity,” said Ms Wilson.

“I grew up on a farm and wasn’t afraid of getting dirty or of physical activity, which is why I considered completing a trade,” said Ms Wilson.

Ms Wilson wanted a course which would allow her to be ready to find an apprenticeship and hit the ground running. The Northern Sydney Institute’s approach to skills based training, and our focus on teaching relevant industry theory, was what convinced Ms Wilson to enrol.

Her dedication to studying and to her apprenticeship paid off, as she was named the winner of the Woman in a Non-Traditional Trade Apprentice/Trainee of the Year category at the NSW & ACT Group Training Awards last year.

After completing her pre-apprenticeship training, and securing an apprenticeship, Ms Wilson is now in her third year of study, and by documenting enough workplace training evidence, she hopes to complete her studies ahead of schedule.

Although living in Sydney as a mature age apprentice isn’t easy, Ms Wilson says she is thrilled with the career path she has chosen and she knows that her hard work will pay off, both monetarily and in her lifestyle. 

“I like the work that I do and have a great employer. I would definitely recommend the Electrician’s course. My experience has been nothing but positive, both students and teachers have been friendly and supportive,” she said.

We have no doubt that in five years her dreams of working as a qualified electrician in a great company will come true, in fact it will probably be her own company!

Exercise power over your career and find out how you can unlock your potential, visit nsi.edu.au or call 131 674.

Our first bachelor degree graduates

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The Northern Sydney Institute congratulates the first graduates of the Bachelor of Information Technology (Network Security) delivered at Meadowbank Campus.

Rabi Imam, Mathew Stiles and Van Toan Vo were presented with their degrees at the TAFE NSW Higher Education Graduation Ceremony held at NSW Parliament House on Wednesday 2 April. 

“It was fantastic to receive my testamur in the presence of family, friends and dignitaries and be recognised for the time and effort I put into the degree over the last two years,” said Mathew Stiles, who delivered the student vote of thanks on behalf of the 27 graduates from TAFE NSW.

“I now have the confidence to pursue the opportunities this degree has afforded me, confident that I have all the right skills to succeed in network security,” he said. 

Mathew, along with colleagues Rabi and Van Toan, were in the first cohort of the degree program which began in February 2012. They were all able to fast-track completion due to their previous diploma studies.

“The Northern Sydney Institute is very proud of our first TAFE NSW degree graduates and we wish them every success with their careers,” said Brenda Cleaver, Acting Director of the Northern Sydney Institute who also attended the ceremony.

“Our vision is to be a premium provider of vocational training and tertiary education, we are continually developing pathways to degree programs to provide a complete learning journey for our students, with an emphasis on practical, industry relevant skills that ensure positive job outcomes,” said Ms Cleaver.

The Bachelor of IT (Network Security) combines strong technical skills-based training with analytical problem solving to develop graduates into IT specialists in network security.

“I liked the strong practical component of the course and enjoyed working with my fellow students in competitions such as the Cyber Challenges,” said Rabi Imam.

“The lab facilities were great and I was especially impressed by the personalised support I received from teachers,” he said.

There are currently 125 students studying the Bachelor of IT (Network Security), with 20 students expected to graduate next year.  Already, many have gained employment in the IT industry and have been able to continue their studies through flexible learning options.

The Northern Sydney Institute offers a range of IT courses from Certificate level through to degree.

The Education Experts

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​What are the jobs of the future? Which industries will have the highest employment growth? What are the secrets to landing the dream job?

These are just some of the questions faculty directors from the Northern Sydney Institute, part of TAFE NSW, will address live on 2GB’s Courses and Careers Show. Hosted by Steve Price and Danny Bielik, it is the only show of its kind specifically tailored to job seekers and those wanting advice on careers and where the industry growth is.

“The relationship with 2GB is very exciting. People will now have the opportunity to listen to advice directly from the experts. Our faculty directors engage and work with industry and employers on a regular basis.” said Jonathan Marin, Director of Sales and Customer Experience.

"Looking for the right program or qualification can be overwhelming with so much on offer. Our vision is to be a premium provider of learning experiences and that starts with speaking directly to people about what’s happening across industries and providing suggestions on how we can help,” he said.

The Northern Sydney Institute offers nationally recognised courses from certificate to bachelor degree, as well as short courses in the faculty areas of Tourism, Hospitality and Horticulture; Construction and Engineering; Health and Community Services; and  Information Technology, Media and Business.

“By offering courses full-time, part-time, online, face-to-face and a mixture of both, we aim to make it as easy as possible to integrate learning with people's lifestyles so that they can take the next step in their career” said Brenda Cleaver, Acting Director of the Northern Sydney Institute.

The faculty directors, representing each of these areas, will feature  during the Courses and Careers show between 9:30 and 10:00pm, from Thursday 3 April 2014.

The schedule can be found below:

Date Faculty Director Area of Focus Listen Now
3 April Derek Pola Business Business - Part 1
Business -Part 2
17 April Robyn Vidler Health and Community Services Health and Community Services
1 May Glenn Williamson Construction and Engineering  
15 May Elizabeth Smith Tourism, Hospitality and Horticulture  
5  June Derek Pola Media and IT  

 


Learning the art of Sushi

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In partnership with Huon Aquaculture, master Japanese chef and author Hideo Dekura visited Crows Nest Campus last week to demonstrate the art of sushi and sashimi to our Asian Cookery​ students.

Students were given step-by-step instructions in a small masterclass, and then with his guidance, had the chance to replicate Hideo’s delicious creations.

Certificate III in Asian Cookery student Nick Sandrejko said it was an amazing experience to work side-by-side with such a famous and well respected chef.

“I have previously struggled to fillet a salmon, so it was an absolute pleasure to receive such delicate hands-on instruction from a master in the art of sushi,” said Nick.

“His expert knowledge and guidance helped our class learn the principles of Japanese cuisine and also a few tips and tricks that I can’t wait to use at home.”

Masterclasses such as this one are an important part of the learning experience at the Northern Sydney Institute and provides students with the insight and practical knowledge needed to enter their chosen industry.

The Asian Culinary Centre offers these opportunities regularly and is the only hospitality training centre in NSW where you can train in modern Asian/Australian cookery.

Students explore the unique flavours, techniques and large repertoire of dishes from Japan, China, India and Thailand and serve them in our highly acclaimed Fusion restaurant.

To find out how the Northern Sydney Institute can help you with a career in hospitality, visit nsi.edu.au or call 131 674.​

Local student rises to perfection

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The Northern Sydney Institute’s team from Ryde Campus were on a roll at the NSW Bake Skills competition in Wollongong late last month, returning with an outstanding result of 1st and 2nd place.

Five teams from TAFE Institutes across NSW and ACT competed in the competition, with apprentice bakers and pastry chefs going head to head for the chance to represent NSW in Melbourne for the National Bake Skills competition.

1st year apprentice Elisabeth Field from Bakerie in Gordon, demonstrated experience beyond her years, blowing the judges away with the performance of the day winning the baking category by a remarkable 60 points.

Team Manager Andrew Hassan said the feat was made all the more impressive with the fact that Elisabeth has only been a baker since November last year.

“We saw some amazing potential with Elisabeth from an early stage and thought she could use the competition as a stepping stone and give it a more serious attempt next year,” he said.

“It just goes to show how bright her future in this industry is and how talented the teaching team are here at Ryde Campus.”

Not to be outdone, teammate Madelyn Hobson, a pastry chef apprentice from Ganache Patisserie in Castlecrag, placed second in the pastry section of the competition.

Elisabeth will now represent NSW in Melbourne in September for the national Bake Skills competition and Madelyn will be a reserve for the pastry team.

If you would like more information on apprenticeships or a career in baking visit nsi.edu.au or call 131 674.

TAFE student survey

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​If you are a past or present student at TAFE, or thinking about studying at TAFE, you are invited to participate in an Australia-wide survey. 

The Standing Committee on Education and Employment is undertaking an inquiry into TAFE and how it works. Students’ opinions are a valuable part of the inquiry into TAFE as you are future employees, managers and business owners.  

The Committee has created an anonymous, online survey so you can make your personal contribution to the inquiry about:

  • what you believe are the most important areas of the TAFE system
  • how you believe your qualifications are recognised, 
  • any shortfalls that you see in the TAFE system.


Start the ONLINE SURVEY now.

For information about the inquiry

Phone: the secretariat on (02) 6277 4573

Email: ee.reps@aph.gov.au

Visit: Inquiry into the role of Technical and Further Education system and its operation

Northern Sydney Institute BIT students take on Cyber Security Challenge

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Bachelor of Information Technology (Network Security) students from the Northern Sydney Institute’s Meadowbank Campus competed in the 2014 Cyber Security Challenge Australia (CySCA) in early May.

The competition, supported by the Australian Government, was open to university and TAFE undergraduates across the country.  The Institute was represented by two teams of four students from various stages of the BIT degree. The teams worked non-stop over the 24 hour competition period, trying to solve typical cyber problems and issues faced by those in the industry.   

“Participation in these sorts of events is a must for students,” said David Halfpenny, Course Coordinator on the Bachelor of IT (Network Security) program.

“While students learn the necessary skills in the classroom, do assignments, and pass exams, it’s not until they apply them in the real world that they really learn the value of their education.

Using these skills in a competitive simulated real world environment is the closest experience they’ll get to what they could be doing when they graduate,” he said.

Thanks to some intense training on campus in the lead up to the challenge, one of the Institute’s teams scored in the top three of non-university competitors in this year’s CySCA.

“The challenges that we took on simply cannot be solved by only reading books and attending lectures,” said Himanshu Sharma, in his final semester of the degree.

“I'm very thankful for the opportunity to take part in these competitions and I look forward to participating in more,” he said.

Dr Halfpenny commended the effort and results of the students. 

“Competition allows you to measure yourself against the challenge, against your peers, and against yourself," he said. 

"You get to test your skills and knowledge and get a very honest appraisal of them. It will either break you or better you.” 
 
To find out how the Northern Sydney Institute, part of TAFE NSW can help progress your career, please visit nsi.edu.au or call 131 674.
 

 

Northern Sydney Institute Games Jam

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Join fellow gamers this weekend for the 48 hour Games Jam at the Northern Sydney Institute.

Kicking off on Friday 16 May at 3pm, the Games Jam will see eager gamers from the community set up camp at the Institute’s Learning and Innovation Campus at St Leonards until Sunday.  The challenge is to work in teams to produce the best new computer games.

Prizes have been supplied by Microsoft and include two “XBOX One” consoles with a copy of Titanfall. 

Each participant will also have access to DreamSpark cards with over $1,000 worth of software and a developer account ready for publishing on Windows 8 Platforms. 

 

When: 3pm, Friday 16 May  - 4pm Sunday 18th May 2014

Where:  St Leonards Campus, the Northern Sydney Institute

Enquiries: Jared Hahn jared.s.hahn@gmail.com; Hugo Santos hdsantos89@gmail.com

 

The Northern Sydney Institute offers a range of game design courses.  For more information call 131 674 or visit nsi.edu.au

 

Visual Arts Works featured in local exhibition

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​The Northern Sydney Institute’s Visual Arts students and graduates are well represented in the 60th annual Hunters Hill Art Exhibition.

Thirteen student works and five graduate artworks were selected for this exhibition, while the Institute’s Certificate IV in Library, Information and Cultural Services  students worked on the logistics.

In addition to this, advanced diploma of visual arts student, Susanna Chen Chow was awarded the Hunters Hill Acquisitive Prize worth $4,000 for her work “Spirit of Hunters Hill” and diploma of visual arts graduate, Peta Gischus won the Regional Prize of $1,000 for “North Shore Urban”.

The Hunters Hill Art Exhibition is on until Sunday 18 May. It’s a great opportunity to find an original artwork or sculpture for your home or office.


To find out more about the Northern Sydney Institute’s Visual Arts courses please call 131 674.

The Northern Sydney Institute celebrates Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

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Cake, tea and coffee, is there anything better on a brisk Autumn morning?

Yes, because for a mere gold coin donation, you get all of the above and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of people affected by cancer.

Now in its twenty first year, Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, was held across Australia and at our 7 campuses at the Northern Sydney Institute yesterday. This year, the Cancer Council is hoping to raise $13 million for cancer prevention, research and support services.

For Joe Saliba and his team at Joe’s Café at St Leonards Campus, this year will be their sixteenth year of involvement!

“I am always excited to be a part of such a wonderful event. Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer, and to give back to the community in any way is an honour,” said Mr Saliba.

A joint effort with the Student Association and our Campus Cafes, each Campus offered a unique event. Meadowbank Campus provided a smorgasbord of cakes made by students, Hornsby Campus hosted a morning tea with the help of their Board members, and a retail disabilities class made cupcakes to sell. St Leonards Campus Student Association organised singer Angelene Harris to play at the morning tea and also held a Tim Tam guessing competition with a prize of two movie tickets. 

As one of the 24,000 hosts across Australia today, the Institute hopes to help the Cancer Council reach their fundraising targets, which will allow them to continue vital work as the largest independent funder of cancer research in Australia.
Although the official tea party was today, you can still host an event any time in May or June. Simply gather together your friends, family and colleagues, put the kettle on and tuck into some delicious and healthy morning tea treats. There couldn’t be an easier way to help make a difference. Every cuppa counts.
To find out more about the work the Cancer Council does, and how every donation counts visit Biggest Morning Tea Get Involved!

 

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