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Hands-on winDiploma of Remedial Massage graduate Yi Hsuan (Emily) Lee claims 2015 International Student of the Year title.

A message from Managing Director, Terry Durant

Challenger Institute recognised the efforts of its international students at the annual International Student Graduation on 17 November at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle.More than 100 students were presented with a certificate of graduation by Challenger Managing Director Terry Durant. Challenger’s international student mentor group also received special acknowledgement on the day.

The event keynote speaker was Mr Matt Taylor MLA representing Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey. Mr Taylor, who is also the Member for Bateman, provided an inspiring and warm farewell to the graduates.

As well as 2015 International Student of the Year Yi Hsuan (Emily) Lee, two Highly Commended awards were awarded to German-born Wiebke Schrader, who completed an Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design and Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Technical) graduate Samuel Chibuzor Onuoha from Nigeria.

International graduates from the automotive, business and IT, hospitality and tourism, oil and gas, engineering, maritime, health, sport and lifestyle, and horticulture training areas were recognised at the event, which was well-attended by Challenger staff, and the students’ families and friends.

Cover: Challenger Institute’s 2015 International Student of the Year Yi Hsuan (Emily) Lee at the International Student Graduation.

Welcome to the December edition of Waves, which celebrates an exciting and action packed few months at Challenger.

This edition starts with recognising our international student graduates and award winners.

Congratulations to Diploma of Remedial Massage graduate Yi Hsuan (Emily) Lee who received the coveted 2015 International Student of the Year Award. Emily was a most deserving winner and we wish her well in what I’m sure will be a positive and fulfilling career.

The International Student Graduation is one of the highlights of the year at Challenger, and provides an opportunity for the Institute to reflect on the many ways our international students enrich and add to the academic and social tapestry at our campuses. Read more about Emily and the graduation on pages 3 and 4.

Our training areas continue to grow, with many ground-breaking achievements and student success stories being noted from across the Institute.

In the Aboriginal workforce development and learning area, I’m delighted to announce a new collaboration between Challenger and Virgin Australia. The initiative sees Challenger’s Aboriginal students receive access to Virgin Australia sites and work placements, which may lead to future employment.

This is an exciting venture and I am confident will result in many future successes and opportunities for both our students and Virgin Australia. Learn more about this initiative on page 6.

Our staff and students have been in the spotlight lately with many outstanding individual achievements and accolades being received on both a state and national level.

In this edition you will read about students and staff from our aquaculture, maritime, floristry, hospitality, general education and business training areas, who have all achieved tremendous feats in their studies and beyond. I’m immensely proud these individuals have been recognised for the exceptional contribution they are making to the Institute and wider training community.

And to close, I’d like to do so on a personal note. As Challenger’s new Managing Director, I feel very proud to lead one of Western Australia’s foremost training providers.

Since taking on this role I have talked a lot about getting back to basics and the need to have the right model in place to deliver training that strongly aligns to the jobs of tomorrow. As we move into the new year, Challenger will focus its time and resources on projects and contracts that will continue to drive growth and benefit and enrich our partnerships with enterprises and the community. Our focus will be to create positive learning and training experiences for our students and industry by providing choice and range of quality training. This is critical in enabling West Australians to be skilled to participate in the economy and broader community, and Challenger is committed to delivering these outcomes for our students.

I hope you enjoy reading this last edition of Waves for 2015 and I wish you all a safe and enjoyable festive season.

Warm regards,Terry DurantManaging DirectorChallenger Institute of Technology

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International Student Graduation 2015

More than 100 international students from across the Institute’s training areas were recognised at the graduation.

1. Guests enjoyed the event.

2. Bhutanese student and Advanced Diploma of Engineering graduate Chagay wore national dress.

3. The Chair of Challenger’s Governing Council Elizabeth Carr provided the official welcome to graduates.

4. Challenger’s international student mentors.

1. 2.

4.3.

Samuel Chibuzor Onuoha, Yi Hsuan (Emily) Lee, Matt Taylor MLA and Wiebke Schrader.

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Massage therapist wins international student award A massage therapist and keen sportswoman has

been named Challenger Institute’s 2015 International Student of the Year.

Taiwanese student Yi Hsuan (Emily) Lee excelled in her Diploma of Remedial Massage course and has even recently opened her own massage clinic.

Emily originally worked in an administration (logistics and customer service) role in Taiwan. She said the move into massage was the first time she had found joy in her career.

“Working in this field is so rewarding as I’m able to help people who really need it,” Emily said.

“Each time I have provided a treatment to a client and received a positive outcome it gives me the most amazing feeling. I feel connected to my clients and know I am being respected and appreciated,” she said.

Prior to coming to Challenger, Emily completed a master’s degree in international business at Curtin University.

She said this study combined with her previous work experience in Taiwan had helped her to set up her own business and relate with people from different cultural backgrounds.

The Diploma of Remedial Massage is offered at Challenger over 18 months and can open the door to employment as a remedial massage therapist. Additionally, Challenger’s live works massage clinics provide the opportunity for students to practice a range of treatments on clients under teacher supervision.

Challenger massage lecturer Rebecca Byrne described Emily as an extremely focused and dedicated student who excelled in her hands-on application of massage techniques.

An avid cyclist in her spare time Emily is an active member of a local cycling club where she trains competitively five days per week. She is also part of a charity organisation, which recycles and donates sporting equipment to remote Aboriginal communities located throughout WA.

The International Student of the Year Award was presented during the International Student Graduation held at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle.

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Degustation of awards for chef

The 19-year-old Challenger Institute commercial cookery student has enjoyed a delicious year, taking out an unprecedented ten state and national cooking titles, his most recent being the Australian Culinary Federation’s 2015 National Apprentice of the Year.

Brody commenced his cookery apprenticeship at Challenger’s Peel campus two-and-a-half years ago. He said his interest in cooking was born out of a passion for food and diverse cultures.

“I didn’t always want to pursue cooking as a career but now I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Brody said.

Challenger cookery lecturer Kim Stanton has supported and mentored Brody throughout his apprenticeship.

“Nothing is too hard for Brody and his commitment to his craft is truly inspirational,” Ms Stanton said.

“I’ve always encouraged Brody to enter competitions as I feel it’s important he build these skills; confidence and experience in the industry.”

Ms Stanton encouraged Brody to compete in a Nestle competition fifteen months ago where he received his first silver medal and from there he’s been unstoppable.

Brody is currently completing his apprenticeship at Co-Op Dining in East Perth, and from there he would like to expand his culinary horizons abroad.

“My long-term goal is to travel and work in fine-dining kitchens around the world and then return to Australia, preferably my home town Perth, to open my own restaurant,” Brody said.

“The cuisine at my restaurant will be based on native Australian ingredients that most people haven’t heard of. I’d like to give back to Aboriginal Australians and promote what beautiful produce they have used for such a long time including the wattle seed, bush tomato and boab nut.

“My dream is to own the best restaurant in the world.”

Brody Young-Steedman has tasted his fair share of success.

Brody Young-Steedman with

a selection of his recent awards

and medals.

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An exciting initiative between Challenger Institute and Virgin Australia is opening up unique career pathways for Aboriginal students.

Challenger Institute’s floristry area continues to impress on the national stage.

The initiative will provide Challenger’s Aboriginal student cohort with the opportunity to undertake various activities at Virgin Australia, including work-readiness programs, which may lead to job placements and future employment.

Virgin Australia and Challenger collaborate on exciting career initiativeThe inaugural group of Challenger students to participate in the program were recently invited to tour Virgin Australia’s regional operation facilities located at Perth Airport’s terminal two.

The tour included an overview of engineering, maintenance and flight operations, an aircraft hangar tour, and an aircraft walk-through.

Flower power pair

First year Certificate III in Floristry students Samantha Wate and Emily Cover recently claimed state awards in the 2015 Wildflowers Australia National Student Floristry Competition.

The competition brief was ‘lest we forget’ with students required to design a contemporary wreath to be placed on a cenotaph for an official ANZAC centenary remembrance ceremony.

Samantha was awarded best design in WA for her medal-inspired wreath (category 1) with Emily also taking out a state award (category 2) for her Australian native arrangement.

The students were recognised for the quality and presentation of their work; technical skills and research ability.

Challenger floristry lecturer Leonie Joss said the Institute’s floristry students had participated in the event since its inception in 1999.

“The Wildflowers Australia competition provides a great opportunity for students to apply the practical design elements, principles and skills learned in class to produce an award-winning arrangement,” Ms Joss said.

“For the past sixteen years our students have won many of the state and national awards, with Challenger’s 2015 Vocational Student of the Year Zoe Knox taking out first place nationally in this competition last year.

“We had fifteen student entries from Challenger in this year’s competition, and I was exceptionally proud of all of our students but especially Samantha and Emily for their outstanding work and recognition as best in the state. This is an achievement the whole Institute can be very proud of.”

Student works are submitted by a photograph of their work, and a folder detailing the research for their design inspiration.

Samantha Wate (left) and Emily Cover were recognised for their outstanding floral designs in the 2015 Wildflowers Australia National Student Floristry Competition.

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Challenger Aboriginal training and workforce development officer Lee-Anne Habel accompanied the students on tour. Ms Habel said some of the students had not so much as seen a plane close up let alone been on-board.

“The students got such a buzz out of being at the airport; wearing their personalised security tags and touring facilities the general public wouldn’t typically get a chance to see,” Ms Habel said.

“I’m truly excited about this initiative with Virgin Australia. For our students to have this opportunity is rare, and even though the program is only in its infancy I can already see it becoming very successful.”

The students, who varied in age from sixteen to sixty years old, were selected from Institute training areas ranging from health and beauty to tourism, hospitality and animal studies.

Virgin Australia and Challenger collaborate on exciting career initiativeMs Habel said four students have since submitted their resumes to Virgin Australia with aspirations to pursue cabin crew work opportunities.

Plans are already in place for the next cohort of students to participate in the program site visit and tour early in the new year.

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Mitchell masters accounting career

The young accountant has racked up an impressive total of six qualifications in as many years including a Masters of Commerce (Professional Accounting), that he completed at the age of 20.

Mitchell left school halfway through year 11 to pursue a strong interest in the property industry.

“I decided that a foundation in accounting would greatly assist me to achieve my career goal of becoming a property developer, just like my father,” Mitchell said.

“However, within no time of studying at Challenger, my dreams of becoming a developer went out the window as I knew instantly that accountancy was the profession for me.”

Mitchell successfully completed accounting qualifications from certificate III through to advanced diploma over four semesters at the Institute. He believes the courses prepared him extremely well for the workforce as they were practical and closely aligned with industry.

“I have come across numerous accountants in my career who have gone straight from school into university and when they start working lack ‘real world’ skills, and effectively have to be retrained,” Mitchell said.

On completion of an Advanced Diploma in Accounting at Challenger, Mitchell enrolled in a Masters of Commerce (Professional Accounting) through correspondence at the University of New England.

Even though Mitchell didn’t hold an undergraduate degree, he was recognised as having adequate knowledge from his Challenger qualifications to enter postgraduate studies.

Mitchell Moroney at BDR Business Accountants in Mandurah.

Former Challenger Institute business student Mitchell Moroney has achieved at 21 what most aspire to accomplish in a lifetime.

Mitchell is currently working at BDR Business Accountants in Mandurah. He said that although his role has its challenges at times, the rewards are endless.

“There are many examples throughout my career of where I have been able to ensure clients receive the best tax advantages possible. In some instances I have even potentially saved the client from going bankrupt by being proactive in advice and bringing concerns to their attention,” Mitchell concluded.

Mitchell hopes one day to become an owner of a firm and to continue to assist individuals and small businesses with their finances.

“ I have come across numerous accountants in my career who have gone straight from school into university and when they start working lack ‘real world’ skills...”

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“To be involved in any project that provides an opportunity for young people to reach their potential is an exciting prospect, and in addition to be able to provide those same young people with a greater understanding of the history of our game is an opportunity too good to pass up.”

As part of their mural research the CGEA students were invited to tour the WACA ground and museum, which included a visit inside the historic scoreboard.

Challenger Institute CGEA coordinator and project facilitator Emma Margetts said that after weeks of collecting images, research and drawing, the students’ concepts have now materialised into a dynamic and engaging mural they should be very proud of.

“Many of the students in the CGEA program have been disengaged or struggled with mainstream education for a number of reasons,” Ms Margetts said.

“The students planned the project, documented and evaluated its progress and negotiated a range of relationships both within and outside the classroom to make it all happen.

A group of Challenger Institute students have given life to a blank wall at the WACA ground in East Perth. The exterior west-facing (Hale Street) wall now showcases a colourful cricket-themed mural, which focuses on the 122-year history of the iconic oval.

The Certificate II in General Education for Adults (CGEA) youth students from the Institute’s Fremantle (Beaconsfield) campus were supported by the WACA with funding from Lotterywest.

WACA Chief Executive Officer Christina Matthews said the mural project is part of the ongoing revitalisation and regeneration of the WACA ground.

“This has been a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the history of our ground as well as contributing to the street art that can be found throughout Perth,” Ms Matthews said.

“The mural will be a permanent reminder of the students’ success, giving them a sense of pride and place within the community.”

Ms Margetts said high-profile projects such as these offer students an amazing opportunity to experience education as positive and worthwhile, and in the process learn valuable life and employability skills.

Students Tahlia Cotton and Willow Hallback said they were very excited about the project and opportunity to create a work of art for such a well-known Perth landmark.

“We’ve learnt so much about the WACA and the project has been a great break from the classroom,” Tahlia and Willow said.

Urban mural artist George Domahidy assisted the students with the project. Mr Domahidy has been involved in a range of similar art initiatives for local councils, corporate and not-for-profit organisations.

Challenger Institute’s Certificate II in General Education for Adults (youth-focussed) qualification is designed for young people who did not complete school and want to improve their confidence, personal awareness, study skills and general education.

Mitchell Moroney at BDR Business Accountants in Mandurah.

Howzat! Students have a ball creating WACA mural

“The mural will be a permanent reminder of the students’ success...”

Clockwise from back row: student Michael Hapeta, student Billie Simpson, artist George Domahidy, student Willow Hallback, Challenger CGEA coordinator Emma Margetts and student Tahlia Cotton.

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New training centre a boost for Peel regionEarlier this year Challenger Institute officially opened its $6 million Health and Community Services Training Centre at the Peel campus, representing a major step forward for training in the Peel region.

The new training facility was funded by the WA Government’s Royalties for Regions program through the Skills Training Initiative. It provides training for up to 400 students across the south-metropolitan area.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey, who opened the facility, said that with a projected increase in Peel residents aged above 70 over the next few years, the establishment of the new centre was timely and relevant.

“Alliances with education providers ensure people have access to high quality and relevant education and training,” Ms Harvey said.

The state-of-the-art centre delivers training in nursing, aged care, children’s services and education. It contains a hospital ward for aged care, sterilisation and patient transfer areas, and a childcare facility complete with playground and nursery.

The facility builds on the excellent health and community services training already offered by Challenger. This training includes flexible delivery programs, university pathways, work placement and recognition of prior learning.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey.

Top honours for fish researcherChallenger Institute’s Australian Centre for Applied Aquaculture Research (ACAAR) director and researcher Greg Jenkins has won the WA seafood industry’s top prize.

Mr Jenkins received the 2015 Michael Kailis Leadership Award for his work on barramundi farming and other aquaculture projects.

Director of ACAAR since 1994, Mr Jenkins has structured the centre’s programs to focus on the research and development needs of the state’s marine aquaculture industry; enhancing organic growth of companies and creating opportunities for new companies to enter the industry.

He said winning this prestigious award was testament to the tremendous work that Challenger’s aquaculture centre has been undertaking for the past 25 years.

“WA’s seafood industry has many leaders of merit and I consider myself privileged to be in a position where I can provide assistance so the industry can achieve its goals,” Mr Jenkins said.

“I am proud to lead Challenger’s aquaculture research team and accept the award on behalf of them.”

Despite ACAAR being based in Fremantle, the vast majority of recipients of the centre’s services are located in regional areas.

ACAAR director and researcher Greg Jenkins claimed the WA seafood industry’s top accolade, the 2015 Michael Kailis Leadership Award.

The state-of-the-art Health and Community Services Training Centre.

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Schools program still going strong

“The participating schools benefit from the close working relationship with Challenger; its teaching expertise and importantly its focus on student engagement.”

Challenger manager education pathways Lisa Pitters said students participating in the program have the opportunity to train in Challenger’s state-of-the-art engineering facilities where they get a taste of engineering work in the ‘real world’.

“It’s fantastic to see students start in a try-a-technology program, go on to successfully complete a certificate III qualification while still at school, and then return to us post-school in an apprenticeship or working towards their diploma,” Ms Pitters said.

Over time, Challenger has responded to changing program needs through the establishment of a large range of electronics and engineering qualifications as school-based traineeships, giving students more flexibility and choice.

The federally-funded School Pathways Program was established to increase employment in and pathways to the defence-sector industries, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For four years Challenger’s applied engineering area has worked with the department to implement successful training and employment pathways for eleven public schools in the Institute’s catchment area.

To date 115 students have completed the School Pathways Program through Challenger.

WA Department of Education School Pathways Program manager Gail Manton said the valuable partnership between Challenger, the department and affiliated schools had been pivotal to the success of the program to date.

“I believe the success of the program is due to its real world quality,” Ms Manton said.New training centre a boost for Peel region

Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey.

The 2016 School Pathways Program scholarship students

with Gail Manton.

Challenger Institute and the WA Department of Education continue to strengthen their longstanding partnership through the delivery of an innovative training initiative.

Top honours for fish researcher

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Jordan fishes for his dream career

Gutting and filleting fish may not be everyone’s idea of fun but for 16-year-old Jordan Welsh this career sea change is a dream come true.

Jordan has completed a Certificate II in Fishing Operations at Challenger Institute’s maritime campus in Fremantle.

The former Maritime Youth Program graduate has come a long way from the high school classroom where his disinterest and lack of motivation started to impact on Jordan’s confidence.

“I left school after year ten as I had lost enjoyment in school completely and felt the need to try something new,” Jordan said.

“Before discovering the Maritime Youth Program I hadn’t even thought about a maritime career. I can now say I love and am excited about this industry. It’s good to feel valued and a part of something.”

Jordan Welsh at Challenger’s maritime campus.

Earlier this year Jordan achieved special recognition for his achievements in the ground-breaking Maritime Youth Program, a joint initiative between Challenger Institute and the Department of Education.

The program, which launched in 2011, is designed for disengaged high-school aged students who are ready to embark on their future career pathway.

Students complete a Certificate I in Fishing Operations, a first aid certificate and recreational skipper’s ticket as part of the seven week program.

Challenger Institute director maritime studies Captain Nihar Rai said the program is one of its kind in Australia.

“The program allows youth disenchanted with mainstream education to find encouragement to progress through their studies in a meaningful way,” Captain Rai said.

“We continue to hear about past graduates of the Maritime Youth Program who have gone on to achieve great things in career and life.”

Jordan hopes to continue his studies at a higher level next year with the long-term aim of securing employment in the maritime industry.

Challenger Insitute RTO: 4265

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