News

Great Skills for GippsTAFE Staff

May 2008

GippsTAFE has been successful in securing four staff development scholarships, a staggering one third of the scholarships available for Victorian non-teaching staff through the TAFE Development Centre.

The highly competitive TAFE Specialist Staff Scholarships are designed to recognise great potential among non-teaching staff and provide them with resources to build upon their existing skills and knowledge. 

The award includes an impressive $6,000 grant, which will be used to enhance the leadership capacity and professional skills of each recipient.

According to GippsTAFE CEO, Dr. Peter Whitley, the scholarships are a clear indication of the capability of the staff at GippsTAFE.

“The fact that no less than four of our staff were awarded scholarships is extremely rewarding for the Institute,” Dr. Whitley said. “It is wonderful to have the TAFE Development Centre recognise their past accomplishments, and, most importantly, their promise for achieving success in the future.”

The four scholarship recipients were Chadstone Campus Administrator, Janine Alexander; Yallourn Campus ICT Officer, Jason Phillips; Leongatha Campus Administration Supervisor, Sophie Dixon; and Systems Administrator, Steven Wright.

The quality of GippsTAFE teaching staff was also recognised by the TAFE Development Centre, who presented a TAFE Teaching Fellowship to Hairdressing Teacher Jacki Deering.

The $12,000 grant will enable Jacki to undertake studies in her field of expertise, as well as the Diploma of VET Practice, which enables participants to integrate innovative teaching strategies into the classroom.

“Jacki has done a fantastic job,” Dr. Whitley said. “Training for the hairdressing industry is in huge demand and it is great to have such confidence in the ability of our staff to deliver such great results.”

For further information about the TAFE Development Centre scholarship winners, visit http://www.tafecentre.vic.edu.au/documents/TSSHolders2008.writeups.v8.pdf