Three students from Port Macquarie have taken out top awards in this year’s North Coast TAFE Student Achievement Awards announced at a special Awards dinner held at the Osprey Restaurant, at Coffs Harbour Education Campus last week.

The awards recognise the efforts of top-performing students from across North Coast TAFE’s 17 campuses, incorporating about 45,000 students.

North Coast TAFE’s Community Services & Health Student of the Year Award went to Megan Edwards for her outstanding study achievements. Megan completed the Diploma of Community Services Work in 2011 and finished in first place in the Diploma course at Port Macquarie Campus with an average mark of 86.70.

The Faculty Award for Education and Employment Support Student of the Year went to Louise Tobler. Louise had exceled whilst studying a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Training whilst been diagnosed with breast cancer that metastasized to the brain. Only hours after completing the SWAT course she was taken to Sydney for the removal of a tumour.

Siandra Putica, English and Communications Teacher at North Coast TAFE, said “This is evidence of her unbelievable commitment to others, their needs and success.  It’s my privilege to have taught Louise and I have learnt so much myself.”

Andrew Penson picked up the award for Manufacturing and Engineering Student of the Year after he completed his trade in Electrotechnology. Andrew had studied at the Port Macquarie Campus whilst working for the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

Faculty Director, Mark De Plater said, “We actually had no real difficulty in singling out the gold medal performer because Andrew demonstrated many distinctly noteworthy attributes including high level results, a commitment to his studies and a positive attitude.”

Andrew is excited about prospects offered in his trade to work across the globe and believes his apprenticeship and training is the foundation to following a successful career.

“When I began my apprenticeship, I quickly realized that I had made the right choice. I loved what I was doing, thinking, working out problems, solving technical issues and working with great people,” Andrew said.