Media releases

Thirty-nine Federation TAFE students have been recognised for their achievements at the 2022 TAFE Awards for Excellence. 

Awards presented include the Apprentice of the Year, EJT Tippett Outstanding Achievement Award (Vocational Student of the Year), and the Rotary Club of Ballarat Endeavour Award, among others. 

Federation TAFE student, Isabella Faull, who received the Apprentice of the Year Award completed her Certificate III in Commercial Cookery in December 2021. 

The 25-year-old travelled around Australia before landing a dishwashing job at Webster’s café in Ballarat, sparking her interest in the hospitality industry. 

The chef at Webster’s noticed Isabella’s aptitude for cooking and encouraged her to undertake formal training, as well as supported her with an apprenticeship. 

Isabella is now running the kitchen at family-owned Clothesline Café in Ballarat. 

Quotes attributable to Federation University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Vocational Education and Training) and CEO TAFE, Liam Sloan 

“We are proud of what our students have achieved, and glad to recognise this at the 2022 TAFE Awards for Excellence.”  

Quotes attributable to Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney 

“We appreciate the support of our students’ success through sponsors, City of Ballarat, the Rotary Club of Ballarat South and Hip Pocket Ballarat.” 

“These awards recognise not only the skills and knowledge the students have gained but also the personal development and growth they have shown over that time.” 

“At the City of Ballarat, we have recognised the importance of industry-based training by sponsoring the Craftsperson Awards since 1956.” 

“We understand how vital it is that cohort after student cohort gain those valuable skills to help them achieve meaningful employment, boost their personal confidence and make a positive contribution to both their community and its economy.” 

Quotes attributable to the Rotary Club of Ballarat South’s Vocation Director, Neale Gribble 

“We are extremely pleased to be involved with these awards as it allows the Club to acknowledge and reward those students who have excelled in their training and study.” 

“It is hoped the Awards will encourage the recipients to not only be better tradespeople, but also better citizens.” 

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE student, Isabella Faull 

“I’m feeling very excited. I feel very proud of myself. I have worked hard and really committed myself to the trade and it’s nice to be rewarded.” 

“For me personally, I couldn’t have done something that just involved sitting in a classroom. I needed to be doing something active; I am a very hands-on learner. You get to earn money while studying, as you don’t get to do in other industries.” 

“COVID has shone a light on the need to support local business in hospitality, as well as the importance of the industry and opened a lot of people’s minds about sustainability of businesses.”