Institute News
Institute News 2009
January | February | March | April | May | June
July | August | September | October
October
A picture's worth 1,000 words on World Teachers' Day
Students sizzle up support for National Bandana Day
Local art teacher leads by example
Kerri graduates in style
Emerging Brisbane north artists in Eclectic exhibition
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE helps Hannah to fast track
Hospitality courses to boost employment in tourism sector
September
TAFE Open Learning enrolments up 46%
August
Tomorrow's business leaders Celebrating Business at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE
July
Brisbane north students brush up for National Tree Day
Students on a roll
BNIT students build experience at HIA Renovate and Build Expo
June
Alison Taafe Book Launch
Sports Day a Winner for New Arrivals
May
BNIT Students Design for Peace and Freedom
April
TAFE course
Girls prepped on IT
Restaurant re-opens on northside
March
BNIT students to gain practical skills at this years Brisbane Festival
Students take part in National Youth Week 2009
"We love to celebrate our graduation"
February
BNIT Platinum Sponsor of Technology Takes You Anywhere
Snap-Fresh signs Memorandum of Understanding
January
October: A picture's worth 1,000 words on World Teachers' Day
Back l-r: BNIT Diploma of Graphic Design students Marcel Jacobs, Shecani Piscitelli, Pierre-Antoine Frappa, Jaques Langlasse. Front l-r: Cassandra Robson, Lara Hope Speight and Quentin Blanchet.
Seven Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT) Diploma of Graphic Design students are using their creative flair to express appreciation for their teachers on World Teachers' Day.
Graphic Design student and project leader Shecani Piscitelli, 27, from Paddington, said her team of classmates interviewed a selection of BNIT teachers to find out what teaching meant to them.
"Six of the best responses are going to be used in an awareness campaign, which includes a kinetic text animation on Youtube, and brochures which will be handed out at a morning tea for BNIT teachers held at five of BNIT's campuses," she said.
Celebrated in over 100 countries, World Teachers' Day is a day on which students and support staff, can demonstrate their appreciation for the contributions that teachers have made to their community.
Internationally, World Teachers' Day is celebrated on the first Friday in October. However, as this is usually during Australian school holidays, Australia celebrates the day on the last Friday in October of each year.
BNIT's Diploma of Graphic Design provides exposure to diverse yet interrelated areas such as design, pre-press, web development, multimedia, photography, production, interpretation of briefs, marketing and project management to ensure the development of multi-skilled graduates.
For more information about World Teachers' Day, visit www.globaleducation.edna.edu.au.
October: Students sizzle up support for National Bandana Day
A team of young Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT) students are firing up the barbecue in aid of a good cause.
The 'BBQ Babes' are raising money for CanTeen's annual fundraising event, National Bandanna Day, by holding a sausage sizzle in the food court at BNIT's Ithaca Campus, from 11am until 2pm on Tuesday, 27 October, and BNIT's Grovely Campus food court from 11am until 2pm on Wednesday, 28 October.
BBQ Babes' representative Cindy Edgerton said CanTeen is a vital service that supports young people living with cancer.
"CanTeen is an important cause that deserves community support," she said.
"The BBQ Babes Team aims to show support to CanTeen and its members with a fun event that gets the community together, and simultaneously raises awareness among young people."
Sausages, soft drink and CanTeen merchandise will be available for sale at each campus.
The Ithaca event will also feature a live DJ.
"Everyone loves a sausage sizzle!" said Cindy.
"Our barbecues are available to students and visitors alike, so come along for a delicious and budget friendly lunch with the BBQ Babes and support people living with cancer at the same time."
National Bandanna Day is held on Friday, 30 October. For more information, please visit www.canteen.org.au.
October: Local art teacher leads by example
Art teacher Jo D'Hage
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT) art teacher Jo D'Hage is a prime role model to her students.
Also teaching at Griffith University and enrolled in a Doctorate of Visual Art at the Queensland College of Art, Jo is currently exhibiting a variety of paintings at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
"It's important for art students to be shown the variety of career options available to them," she said.
"BNIT has a number of art teachers who practice professionally and hopefully can provide some inspiration to the students that come to study at BNIT."
Jo's students will be featuring their own work in a 10-day exhibition at BNIT's Ithaca Campus from Wednesday, 18 November.
Jo said the exhibition will reflect the diversity of art and the wide range of thematic interests of the individual artists involved.
"Anyone interested in studying art should definitely come along and view the work exhibited by the students," she said.
"Alternatively, people can enrol in a BNIT art program right now. It's an excellent art program in itself, but also provides a pathway to university studies. You can gain entry to BNIT with no QTAC requirement," she said.
Students can choose between a Diploma of Visual Arts (incorporating Certificate IV in Visual Art and Contemporary Craft); a Certificate III in Visual Art and Contemporary Craft - Introductory level; or a course in Sculptural and Architectural Ceramics.
Ms D'Hage is exhibiting a selection of her most recent paintings at the Brisbane Powerhouse until 25 October. Viewing is from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday.
October: Kerri graduates in style
hairdressing student Kerri Barnes
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT) hairdressing student Kerri Barnes, 23, from Northlakes, celebrated the completion of a Certificate III in Hairdressing with her classmates last week with a combined graduation ceremony and fashion show.
Kerri, who is currently nearing completion of her hairdressing apprenticeship at Luppino's Hair Artistry in Stafford City Shopping Centre, had tried working in a bakery, a jewellery store and in child care, but found hairdressing is her calling.
"I just love it," she said.
"My TAFE hairdressing teacher Kym Vallance was my mentor during what was a tough time in my life, and because of her, I feel confident that I will be able to achieve my dream of working as a hairdresser on a cruise ship.
"I also want to become a TAFE hairdressing teacher so like Kym, I can help people to achieve their goals in life.
"I wouldn't be here tonight, graduating with this qualification with all these other great young hairdressers if it wasn't for Kym."
The third annual BNIT Designer Hairdressing Awards and Graduation Ceremony was held at Kedron Wavell Services Club on Monday 19 October.
October: Emerging Brisbane north artists in Eclectic exhibition
Margaret Kirman
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT) Diploma of Visual Art drawing students are hosting Eclectic, an exhibition of drawings, from 8 - 16 October.
Artist Margaret Kirman said the Eclectic collection reflects both the diversity of the art form and the wide range of artistic and thematic interests of the individual artists who created them.
"My pieces are assembled with hand made paper and natural objects, and were inspired by texture and the environment," she said.
"I started painting in a very traditional way, and after I was taught to 'see' what was around me. I gradually became influenced by the colour and movement of the natural world. The texture and colour in the trees, clouds, water, rocks and plants, have the power to inspire. I love to let things happen by themselves, and let the painting 'talk'."
The Eclectic exhibition will be held in The Fire Lane Gallery, a new venue located within the BNIT Art Department at Ithaca Campus, Red Hill.
"The BNIT Art Department has an excellent reputation," said Ms Kirman.
"And the new Fire Lane Gallery is a fabulous professional gallery space for art students to exhibit their works."
The Eclectic exhibition's opening event will be held on Thursday, 8 October at 12 noon.
October: Brisbane North Institute of TAFE helps Hannah to fast track
BNIT Tourism Management Teacher Susan Norden-Foster and student Hannah Ridd.
Brisbane student Hannah Ridd, 17, will soon head off to Melbourne for 12 months to study an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality at the prestigious Academy Sofitel.
Hannah is currently in Year 12 at St Peter's Lutheran College and is enrolled in the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Schools Program.
Academy Sofitel is the only hospitality training academy to operate within a five-star hotel in Victoria and graduates can move directly into Melbourne's Victoria University.
Around 200 young hopefuls applied for the program. Only 20 were selected.
"Studying hospitality at school in conjunction with the Certificate III in Tourism at BNIT has definitely helped me to obtain this opportunity," Hannah said.
"My high school hospitality teacher Bernadette Beasley put me on to the idea of studying at the Sofitel, and she encouraged me and supported me in my application.
"The BNIT Certificate III in Tourism helped me with some practical aspects of tourism, which links in closely with hospitality," Hannah said.
"I'd recommend the BNIT Schools Program to any high school student as it gives you a step up above the rest.
"When you finish high school you come out with an OP as well as with hands-on, practical knowledge and experience through TAFE, so you can be job ready straight away."
The BNIT Schools Program presents a comprehensive range of vocational courses and offers many benefits, including:
- Students gain credit points towards the new Queensland Certificate of Education.
- Students gain Direct Entry into TAFE when they finish Year 12.
- Students gain credit towards Diploma courses.
- Students can save money on Diploma tuition fees.
- Students can get a good understanding of their chosen industry.
Students in Years 10 (students must be 14 years 9 months to participate), 11 and 12 can attend BNIT one day per week during the school term over a period of two years to complete a Certificate II or Certificate III.
Download the BNIT Schools Program [
PDF 1.2 mB] for more information or call 131 248.
On behalf of BNIT, good luck, Hannah!
October: Hospitality courses to boost employment in tourism sector
Rodney Butler
New short courses in hospitality at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE will help provide more trained employees in the South East Queensland tourism industry.
BNIT Hospitality Teacher Tony Dwan said short courses in hospitality had become increasingly popular in the community, as locals take advantage of the area's booming tourism industry and steady population surge.
Mr Dwan said leading job seeking website Jobaroo.com, showed hospitality work in Australia increases significantly from September/October until January each year.
"Despite the doom and gloom of the economic crisis, there are jobs around if you are willing to look for them," Mr Dwan said.
"The BNIT Short Bar and Gaming Course provides practical skills that may boost job opportunities."
The BNIT Short Bar and Gaming Course covers areas including preparing beverage products, general bar operation skills, bar and personal hygiene practices and knowledge in Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) legislation and Responsible Gambling Practices (RGA).
"The beauty of working in the hospitality industry is that employment is flexible," said Mr Dwan.
"Career opportunities are limited only by your ambition."
The Short Bar and Gaming Course starts Tuesday, 3 November at the BNIT Caboolture Campus.
September: TAFE Open Learning enrolments up 46%
Open learning is an increasingly popular study option for many Queenslanders.
TAFE Open Learning (TOL) figures reveal a 46% increase in its enrolment intake for the 2009 July/August period, compared with the same period last year.
TOL offers vocational education and training courses, and uses distance and online delivery via off-campus, distance or online learning.
TOL Director Sue Walsh said the strong figures show open learning continues to be an increasingly popular study option.
"People value education more than ever due to the current economic trends," Ms Walsh said.
"They want to secure their current positions or upskill to better positions," she said.
Ms Walsh said Children's Services programs were the most popular choice for students and finance and accounting programs were also in high demand.
Mara Harding, 38, has been studying Certificate III in Children's Services via TOL since the beginning of the year.
"I have a busy family life and a 50 hour work week, so TOL gives me the opportunity to further my studies when it's difficult to access classroom time," Ms Harding said.
Ms Harding, who had been employed in IT, took time away from work to raise her children.
"Working in child care was a natural progression and TOL helped me ease back into studying as a mature-age student," Ms Harding said.
"I want to become a classroom teacher and once I have completed my Certificate III in Children's Services, I will continue my studies with a Diploma in Children's Services, also through TOL, and then a Bachelor of Education at university."
Due to a self-paced learning approach, TOL takes enrolments 51 weeks of the year so students can start their courses at any time of the year.
TOL programs are delivered through a variety of options including printed learning materials, CDs and online.
For more information about TAFE Open Learning visit www.openlearning.tafe.qld.gov.au, phone 1800 657 387, or email enquiries.tol@deta.qld.gov.au
August: Tomorrow's business leaders Celebrating Business at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE
Hundreds of future business leaders attended the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT) Celebrating Business day at Bracken Ridge Campus this week.
The Brisbane north senior high school students gained valuable insight into training and employment options by talking to representatives from 23 organisations including Queensland Police, the Australian Defence Forces, tertiary education providers and group training organisations.
Current BNIT Diploma of Marketing student Gareth Sutcliffe, who helped organise the event as part of his program assessment, said he was pleased to see that the high school students were expressing an interest in the BNIT opportunities.
"Studying at BNIT provides the kind of practical vocational education and training that industry employers really value," Gareth said.
"I've learned so much by helping out with the Celebrating Business event. I know I am going to graduate with not only a Diploma qualification, but also the self-confidence that comes from tangible experience."
Current BNIT students were also able to learn more about furthering their studies at local universities. BNIT has established links with universities enabling graduating students to gain up to a year's credit towards a university qualification.
More information about BNIT programs can be found at www.bn.tafe.qld.gov.au or phone 131 248.
July: Brisbane north students brush up for National Tree Day
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT) Bracken Ridge and Caboolture Schools Program Art students worked together on a volunteer project for National Tree Day on August 1.
The students painted a mural on the trailer used by community members when they planted trees and regenerated bushland at the Keperra Picnic Grounds in Ferny Grove, a site which was devastated in last November's destructive storms.
BNIT Art teacher Scott Maxwell said students were assessed on their ability to successfully prepare and manage their work, as well as their technique.
"The students' voluntary project is a good example of how BNIT Schools Program Visual Art students positively contribute to society through what they learn at BNIT, while giving themselves a solid head start for their future," Scott said.
The BNIT Schools Program allows senior high school students to complete Certificate III programs by attending BNIT one day a week during the school term, over a period of two years.
The program allows students to gain credit points towards the new Queensland Certificate of Education, direct entry into TAFE when they finish Year 12, or credit towards a Diploma and a good understanding of their chosen industry.
For more information about BNIT's Schools Program please visit www.bn.tafe.qld.gov.au, email BNIT Schools Client Liaison Officer Debbie Collins at debbie.collins@deta.qld.gov.au or phone 07 3258 5947.
July: Students on a roll
BNIT Food Safety graduate Keith Boehm is the new owner of Digger Pies bakery in Albany Creek and a proud recipient of the recent National Baking Industry Association's 'Best Sausage Roll in South East Queensland' award.
Keith believes his sausage rolls succeeded due to their 'superior flavour, even glazing and high meat content (most bakeries use too many bread crumbs!),' and was surprised that his pies, which he is most well known for, didn't get a mention in the competition at all.
Inspired by her new employer's success, Digger Pies employee of six years, Cassi Whitland, has embarked upon a BNIT Cert III in Food Processing, also via BNIT's Workplace Training program.
"It's important to have qualifications for my future career," said Cassi. "I'm not sure what I want to do yet, but it will be in the food industry, and as Keith has pointed out, these qualifications could help me get into a managerial role"
Though Keith has humbly placed his blue ribbon in an inconspicuous corner of the bakery, he has his sights set high.
"My next goal is best sausage roll in the Australia-wide competition!" he said.
Diggers Pies is at Shop 8, 720 Albany Creek Road, Albany Creek.
July: BNIT students build experience at HIA Renovate and Build Expo
A group of Brisbane north residents have been riding out the economic storm by developing their vocational skills in readiness for better times.
Twenty students are studying a Diploma of Business at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT), and have spent most of the year helping to organise the 2009 Housing Industry Association (HIA) Renovate and Build Expo, which was held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 24 - 26 July.
Approximately 17,000 people attended the event over three days.
"The experience we have gained by helping to organise this enormous event has been absolutely fantastic," said BNIT Business student Nicky Riley.
"We learned a huge variety of skills, from community relations and event evaluation to practical, hands-on tasks such as producing the Exhibitors Manual and designing and developing exhibition displays. We've gained so much confidence in ourselves and we're feeling good about future employment prospects."
The students worked closely with HIA Exhibition Manager Anna Rankin to ensure the quality of the event was kept to its usual high standard.
Ms Rankin said the students' assistance was valuable and she enjoyed working with them at every step of the process.
"The students were encouraged to develop innovative ideas and strategies to improve the exhibition and I was fortunate to have a class so motivated and keen to participate," said Ms Rankin.
"The on-the-job training is undoubtedly more valuable to them than text book theory alone."
Ms Riley said that being a part of the final product and witnessing the satisfied customers at the event was a rewarding outcome for the team.
"It's exciting for us to know we're all a step closer to working in an industry that experience has confirmed we will enjoy," she said.
BNIT Management Teacher Dr Kay Sanderson said this collaboration with the HIA is a first of this scale within the Diploma program, but hoped the successful outcome will mean similar positive opportunities for future students.
June: Alison Taafe Book Launch
On Wednesday 17 June, 30 Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT) Events and Hospitality students helped deliver a five-course food and wine tasting event, to celebrate the release of top chef Alison Taafe's unique new cook book Fun, Fast and Fabulous Food.
BNIT Hospitality Management Student Megan Colby said the event was suited to professional or busy people who loved to entertain at home but dreaded the thought of shopping, preparing, cooking and organising for the lunch or dinner on the day.
"Plus guests provided BNIT Events and Hospitality students an opportunity to work alongside a top chef, and develop professional skills," said Megan.
June: Sports Day a Winner for New Arrivals
Young migrants and refugees studying English at TAFE got a dose of dinkum Australian culture at a typical Aussie sports day at Kangaroo Point on June 2.
Brisbane teachers of TAFE English, Language and Literacy Services (TELLS) organised the Youth Classes Get Together sports day, complete with cricket, volleyball and a sausage sizzle, for students taking part in TAFE's Youth Program.
TELLS Teacher Willians Alcala Pabon said many of the Youth Program students had lived in villages or refugee camps before coming to Australia and had never been exposed to a city lifestyle.
"The TELLS Youth Program teaches migrants under 25 years of age relevant English skills suited to accessing career opportunities and Australian youth culture," said Ms Pabon said.
"We usually take our young migrant students on field trips to museums, gardens and zoos but this year the special Youth Classes Get Together sports day provided an opportunity for the students to meet other language students and join in popular Australian activities such as cricket, volleyball, and a sausage sizzle."
The event involved students from Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (Bracken Ridge), Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE (Loganlea and Mt Gravatt), and Southbank Institute of Technology.
The Youth Program includes both Adult Migrant Education Program (AMEP) and Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program (LLNP) students.
AMEP is a free education program, funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, offered to migrants who meet visa requirements. It consists of 510 hours of free English classes and has been running for more than 10 years.
LLNP is funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Federal Government and consists of 800 hours of English classes for eligible people who are registered as job seekers with Centrelink.
For more information go to the AMEP website at http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/help-with-english/amep/, or the LLNP website at http://www.llnp.deewr.gov.au/.
May: BNIT students design for peace and freedom
Eight BNIT Graphic Design students have launched a range of t-shirts, bags and mugs for the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).
BNIT Graphic Design teacher Joy Hinckley said the new range reflected the high standard of skills being developed at BNIT.
Founded in 1915, WILPF empowers women of different political, philosophical and religious views to work for peace, justice and environmental sustainability. It operates in 45 countries around the world.
Ms Hinkley and BNIT Graphic Design student Alex McMahon attended the 2009 WILPF Triennial Meeting, officially opened by the Governor of Queensland Penny Wensley in Brisbane on Saturday 23 May.
To view the BNIT TAFE Graphic Design students' designs, or to pick up your own Women's International League for Peace and Freedom merchandise, go to www.cafepress.com.au/WILPFaustralia
April: TAFE course
BRISBANE North Institute of TAFE is offering a six-week course called Helping Your Children Learn at Home starting May 22.
The course will cover time management for busy parents, communicating with your school, reading with your child and literacy and numeracy.
The course costs $46.20 and is held at the Grovely Campus. For more information please call 3259 9074.
April: Girls prepped on IT
The Technology Takes You Anywhere seminar was held at the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE's Ithaca Campus in April.
More than 600 school girls from south east Queensland participated in the one-day program.
The program is designed to encourage girls to consider careers in Information, Technology and Communication (ICT).
The program was run by volunteers from the education industry, including two Brisbane school teachers, a Griffith University lecturer and a Department of Education and Training employee.
Volunteer Fleur Provost said the program provided the school girls with the information necessary to make the right decision and develop the confidence and competence to pursue ICT as a career path.
April: Restaurant re-opens on northside
The fine dining training restaurant, Polaris Restaurant, recently re-opened at the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Bracken Ridge campus.
The fully-licensed training restaurant is once again open to the public after the traditional end-of-year closure.
"The restaurant offers all-inclusive food packages that are well priced and of the highest quality," said Brisbane North Institute of TAFE hospitality teacher Rebecca Cawood.
This semester the restaurant is introducing some new and exciting initiatives, with lunches in a hurry and special events, trivia and wine and cheese nights.
"The kitchen is overseen by qualified staff and we ensure the patron's fine dining experience is not compromised because Polaris is a training restaurant," said chef Craig Wheate.
For more information about Polaris Restaurant, call 3258 5300.
March: BNIT students to gain practical skills at this years Brisbane Festival
Students undertaking hospitality, event management, business marketing and interior design studies were given the opportunity to gain some practical experience in their fields of study at this year's Brisbane Festival.
More than 20 students provided bar and wait staff services for the Albert Street Lunch held on September 13.
Students also undertook duties such as overseeing service, managing arrivals and seating guests.
Students contributing to the running of the Albert Street Lunch were enrolled in Certificate III in Hospitality or Diploma of Hospitality Management courses.
Students also conducted market research during the 2009 Brisbane Festival's Across Brisbane program, Spiegeltent program, King George Square program and selected Under The Radar performances.
With the guidance and input of the Brisbane Festival Marketing Department, students were responsible for designing the market research criteria, conducting research, collating and analysing data and presenting research findings.
Certificate IV in Interior Design students, as part of their course studies and upon request of the Brisbane Festival, got the opportunity to assist with the design and decoration of the lounge areas of the Spiegeltent. This may involved submitting design plans and budgets.
The Brisbane Festival is Brisbane's largest arts festival and runs from September 12 to October 3, with QBE Riverfire on September 12.
The 2009 program of events will available at the Brisbane Festival website from June.
For more information of BNIT's participation in the Brisbane Festival, please contact Marty Rollings on 3258 5350.
March: Students take part in National Youth Week 2009
Once again, second year Diploma of Community Welfare Work students will be hosting the Youth Week Expo to be held at the Bracken Ridge campus on March 31 from 10am to 2pm.
The Expo supports and is part of National Youth Week (NYW). NYW is the largest celebration of young people in Australia; thousands of young people aged 12-25 all across Australia get involved in NYW each year.
The Youth Week Expo is the initiative of teachers Dr Chris Van Der Linde and Sharon Kellett, who have made it part of the course content, with students being assessed on the project.
The Expo is now in its 7th year with approximately 35 international and domestic students managing this year's project. Students are responsible for the entire event including Expo program development, fundraising, arranging for participation of community agencies, the day's activities and a post-event report.
The Expo's activities include a BBQ, a live band and up to 30 community agencies providing information and networking opportunities to all who attend.
"The aim of the Expo is to promote opportunities available to today's youth. It also gives attendees the chance to network with specialty community and support agencies," said Dr Van Der Linde.
Dr Van Der Linde also believes the Expo is a great way for students to develop their skills and injects fun into the learning process.
For more information on the BNIT Youth Week Expo please contact Dr Chris Van Der Linde on 0412 742 299.
If you wish to get involved in National Youth Week please visit their website, YouthWeek.com.
March: "We love to celebrate our graduation"
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE sees graduation as a way to celebrate the special achievements of graduates with their families and friends.
Graduation is a traditional event and Executive Team Member Mike Diezmann, representing Education and Training, introduced everyone to the evening's proceedings at the Graduation Night on March 25.
Lynne Foley spoke about quenching her thirst for learning and encouraged graduates to be open to all the learning that is around them. Wishing them the best in life and delivering some inspiration by reciting text from the Dr Seuss book, Oh, The Places You'll Go! Lynne closed her speech with a clear message again from the text of Dr Seuss, "this is your day, your mountain is waiting, so, get on your way".
Then it was into the formal proceedings of the evening, with a presentation from Wayne Forrester who spoke about how training has changed over the decades. "Today there is so many options when choosing to take on formal study, external, RPL, workplace, etc. When I first started in the industry you had two options only-full-time study, where you attended college during the day or part-time, where you attended college during the evening, this is no longer the case".
Institute Director, Lynne Foley and the Faculty Directors from all four faculties formally recognised individual graduate's program completion.
Christine Mullins from Fuji Xerox presented the Student Achievement Awards to four graduates, three graduates taking the stage and one graduate sending her apologies. We truly appreciate Fuji Xerox's sponsorship of this event.
Student Representative, Daniel Cresswell was invited to speak, Daniel's light hearted speech, lightened the mood to help wind down the formal part of the evening. Reflecting on his Project Management studies, he demonstrated how he applied the techniques learned to his graduation preparation, giving the audience a step-by-step approach.
Lynne's closing statement showed Brisbane North Institute of TAFE's commitment and support to graduates. Lynne Foley delivered a powerful statement, "you have made it, you are successful and it's up, up and away".
Once again graduation was a success and showed that achievement is rewarding.
February: BNIT Platinum Sponsor of Technology Takes You Anywhere
Technology Takes You Anywhere, an annual event, will be hosted on April 6 by Brisbane North Institute of TAFE with both morning and afternoon sessions. Technology Takes You Anywhere aims to encourage and educate girls by developing their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) confidence and competence.
Now in its third year, this year's event gives girls the opportunity to listen to speakers from across Queensland and from a range of fields, along with providing time to partake in hands-on workshops.
A visit to MyMultiMedia is also part of the program including experiences such as animated film festivals, robotics, music-making and videography, and graphic design.
The Technology Takes You Anywhere committee will be distributing pamphlets to all schools located throughout Brisbane.
Registrations opened last week and almost 400 students have registered to attend. Registrations will close at 600 students.
Students participating on the day will receive a sample bag containing information relating to ICT programs and training providers.
Statistically, girls as less likely to choose an ICT career path. Male students tend to outnumber female students and take on further education in information technology courses.
The Technology Takes you Anywhere program is exclusively designed to create awareness among girls and is aimed at schoolgirls in Years 4-9. The program will show girls of varying ages that ICT is fun, challenging, rewarding and has the ability to offer a diverse range of future career options.
For more information on this program visit Technology Takes You Anywhere or contact Marcel Lavrencic on phone 3259 9051.
February: Snap-Fresh signs Memorandum of Understanding
The newly formed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander unit has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Snap-Fresh and the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, to provide a year long employment strategy project for Indigenous people.
The program is supported by QANTAS and offers successful applicants a full-time position. For applicants to secure full-time employment, first they will be subject to a six week preparation program, followed by a six month traineeship. Once these prerequisites are completed the applicants will continue on to a full-time position with Snap-Fresh, a global food production company.
A total of 60 participants will be selected for entry into this program and all are required to fulfill the employer's entry application process to take part in the program.
For more information contact the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander unit on 3259 4565.
January: Ergon Energy Art Awards
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE teacher Rod Butler recently became a finalist in the prestigious Ergon Energy Art Awards.
The awards and exhibition are conducted by the Rockhampton Art Gallery and are presented to support the development of artists, promote public interest in art and enhance public and corporate collections in Central Queensland.
As a result of becoming a finalist, Rod was able to sell his submission Bling bling meets Joseph Cornell to the Rockhampton Art Gallery.
Rod teaches BNIT art students ceramics, drawing and painting at the Ithaca campus. To view Rod's works click here
MEDIA CONTACT
To contact the BNIT PR & Media Liaison Officer, phone 3259 9031 or email BNIT.marketing@det.qld.gov.au