Meet our 2024 Ambassadors

Akadia Smith - Horticulture and Sustainability

Akadia's deep passion for the natural environment that motivated her to pursue a Certificate III in Horticulture, and a Certificate III in Conservation. 

When she enrolled in these programs, she not only equipped herself with valuable skills for a career in the environmental field, but also gained an appreciation for the intricate relationships within nature, in both commercial and bushland settings. 

These studies reflect her commitment to appreciating and protecting the ecosystems that she dearly cherishes.

Ella Roche - Children's Services

Ella realised her desk job wasn't fulfilling her career aspirations and while taking her children to early education, she recognised her own nurturing qualities were worth pursuing. 

With support from her lecturers, she did her Certificate III in Early Childhood and Care online, which offered her the flexibility she needed to balance her existing role, with her new career goals. 

And it wasn't long before she secured her path – her job placement supervisors were so impressed with her that they offered her a role with the company, which has enabled her to continue her studies whilst receiving on-the-job training.

Ivan Tarakanov - Screen and Media

Ivan was one of our 2024 WATA finalists in the WA International Student of the Year category. 

Having completed a film and television directing degree in his home country of Russia, Ivan wanted to gain a further appreciation of playwriting, the structure of performance, and the history of theatre. This led him to Australia because of its strong education system and TAFE's flexible teaching style.

Already a talented dancer and choreographer, and now studying a Diploma of Screen and Media, he has been described as a 'multi-faceted creative' by his TAFE lecturer. 

Juliana dos Santos de Paula - Events

Coming from humble beginnings in Brazil, Juliana was the first person in her family to earn a degree. 

Being a true natural organiser, she gravitated towards a career in events, and chose a Diploma of Events Management at North Metro TAFE. 

She loves the events industry because it allows her to contribute to the community, by providing unique and valuable experiences that build awareness and promote social cohesion and philanthropy.

She was also one of our WATA finalists this year in the WA International Student of the Year category.

Simon Ashby - Cabinet Making

At the age of 34, Simon started his mature-aged apprenticeship – studying a Certificate III in Cabinet Making – and from here, he was well on the path to fulfilling his dream. 

As someone who loves working with their hands and creating beautiful works of art, Simon feels he is now able to dedicate himself to his craft and have a rewarding long-term career in an area he is passionate about. 

He is also a WATA finalist for the WA Apprentice of the Year category. 

Carmen Ward - Business

While working on her Diploma in Business, Carmen was selected for the Yanlangarmi Changemakers, a National Aboriginal leadership program. She is working towards her long-term goal of obtaining a business degree.

She describes her experience alongside other Aboriginal women from across the country as crucial. The insights she gained through this program and her studies, have significantly enriched her, both professionally, and personally.

Carmen was one of our WATA finalists in the WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year category.

Emily Everett - Sport and Recreation

Emily undertook a school-based traineeship, whilst also balancing senior high school, work, and diver training – which she continues to compete in at national level. She was nominated for the School-based Apprentice of the Year at the WATA Awards.

She believes the skills learnt in her Certificate III in Sport and Recreation has strengthened her confidence and knowledge in the industry she enjoys.

Emily has continued to further herself with qualifications in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding, while also learning customer service skills. 

Tingting Cai - Business

Tingting was the winner of the WA Cultural Diversity Training Award at the 2024 WATA ceremony! 

Originally from China, she has earned a Certificate III in Spoken and Written English, a Certificate III in Hospitality, and a Certificate IV in Business. 

Balancing her studies, work, and family commitments, she has developed a valuable set of business skills, that empower her with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in her career, while encouraging women and new immigrants in Australia to enhance their education and skills.

Tim Fausten - Information Technology

After coming to Australia on a working holiday in 2017, Tim was keen to return and embark on a new career path, and further his interest in information technology. 

He completed a Certificate IV in Information Technology in 2023, and being driven to learn more, he enrolled in a Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking). 

Tim was also one of our WATA finalists in the WA International Student of the Year category. 

Lilly Kunum - Mining

Lilly made the proactive decision to enrol in a Certificate III in Mining Exploration, inspired by her vision of a career change into the mining sector.

This course is designed to reflect industry requirements and effectively simulates a traditional mining environment. Lilly recognised that this immersive experience would be instrumental in facilitating her transition into the field she is eager to join.

The course has also been pivotal in helping her cultivate important skills in time management and organisation. 

Nathan McGann - Mental Health

A visit to the Jobs and Skills Centre at North Metro TAFE inspired Nathan to enrol in a Certificate IV in Mental Health. This was part of the 'FREE in '23' initiative of fee-free courses. 

Through these studies, he was able to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge, which has provided him with invaluable insights into the industry, and cemented his decision to choose this career pathway. 

Nate was also one of our WATA finalists this year in the WA Vocational Student of the Year category. 

Emma Cairns - Nursing

Emma’s desire to share her experience as a registered nurse, prompted her to become a lecturer at North Metro TAFE. Her career, which spanned 17 years and includes remote community nursing, is integral to providing real-world insights with her students. 

Her commitment to equity and advocacy while nursing, aligns seamlessly with the person-cantered philosophies central to TAFE's teaching practices, where she also assists students with professional placements in the industry, and at the Roaming Education and Community Health, also known as REACH clinic. 

Emma takes great pride in watching students grow as they take their first steps in door of nursing – knowing that they are well-prepared to make a positive impact on the world!

Tam Nguyen - Patisserie

Tam is a lecturer in Commercial Cookery and Patisserie at North Metro TAFE, and his career has taken him full circle. 

Starting out as a commercial cookery student where he competed in culinary contests – to transitioning to a lecturer where he now shares his valuable experience with students, for national and international competitions. This year, he travelled to Germany to support students in the Culinary Olympics, a competition he himself participated in, back in 2008.

With a Master of Education, he enjoys sharing the skills his own instructors imparted to him, with the next generation of culinary professionals.

Tam was also a finalist in the WA Trainer of the Year category for the WA Training Awards.