Industry News

Sydney Wine Academy assists the Australian Wine Research Institute

The Sydney Wine Academy is assisting researchers from the Centre for Forensic Science based at the University of Technology, Sydney in their analysis of various trace metals in wine to enable provenance testing.

Similar studies have examined and classified wines from New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom. It is anticipated that the developed method will permit the classification of samples into the various wine regions of Australia and also enable the discrimination of local and international wines from the perspective of provenance testing.

In collaboration with the Australian Wine Research Institute the Academy will collect samples of wine to be analysed by the researchers.

TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute students Win Gold at the 2008 National WorldSkills Competition

TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute students have once again proved themselves to be among the best of the best in Australian skills.  Students from Ryde, Hornsby, Meadowbank, and North Sydney Colleges competing at the 2008 National WorldSkills Event (11-13 July) won seven gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.

TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute medallists are now in the frontline for selection to the Australian team bound for the International WorldSkills Competition in Canada, September 2009.

The students joined five hundred of the nation’s best young skill and trades people at Darling Harbour, competing over three days of tough competition in 41 skill categories, including beauty care, cookery, carpentry, information technology, plumbing and welding.

TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute, Meadowbank College student, Luke Davies, was named the overall winner and awarded the ‘Career One Award for the Best Performing Competitor’ after initially winning gold in the Turning category.

Ryde College students Nenad Djuric, Heh-Nian (James) Sun and Kate Crocker all claimed gold medals, having impressed the judges with their outstanding level of skill.

James Sun, who competed in the Restaurant Service category, said the event had been a very rewarding experience and well worth the many weeks of preparation.

“I had a rough idea of what the competition would be like, and from day one I realised that the standards were really high,” said James.

“It felt great to win – I was anxious as they were going through the winners. I was really excited when I heard my name read out.”

From a family of restaurateurs, James completed his Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management at Ryde College. Now about to embark on Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality at university, James hopes to own a restaurant in the future.

“I’ve always had a strong background in hospitality, as my parents and my family all work in the hospitality industry,” said James. “While I enjoy working as a waiter, I’d really love to own my own business one day as well.”

NSI Tourism and Hospitality student receives Minister's Achievement Award

The Minister for Tourism, Matt Brown recently presented TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute, Ryde College Diploma of Hospitality student Erin Bortolussi with a Minister’s Student Achievement Award.

Erin was one of 16 outstanding Tourism and Hospitality students across the state who received the award, at a ceremony attended by more than 400 leading industry representatives and guests in Sydney.

Mr Brown congratulated the university and TAFE students, presenting each of the winners with a cash prize of $250, a trophy and certificate.

“These outstanding young students were selected for their consistent academic achievement and for demonstrating the capabilities and personal qualities that would contribute to the tourism and hospitality industry in NSW,” Mr Brown said.

“It is a great pleasure for the NSW Government to encourage talented people with such potential by offering these tourism awards,” he said.

Erin successfully completed a Certificate IV in Hospitality Supervision in 2007 with a distinction grade in all units of competencies, before studying the Diploma of Hospitality Management in 2008.

Hospitality management teacher Karen Laws said Erin showed exceptional talent and dedication throughout both courses.

“Erin’s ‘can do’ positive attitude and high level organisational abilities made her a worthy recipient for this award,” said Karen.

“Erin is a wonderful example of a person who came to TAFE to expand her opportunities and qualifications. She continues to learn, expand and develop her skills where she undertakes both theoretical and practical components both at work and in the TAFE environment.”

2008 Northern Sydney Institute Student of the Year awarded to Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Student, Katherine Sheidow

Minister for Education and Training, The Hon. John Della Bosca, attended the 2008 TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute Excellence Awards at ANZ Stadium Olympic Park on 13 May 2008 to announce NSI’s Student of the Year.

Mr Della Bosca presented the Student of the Year Award to Bayview resident, Katherine Sheidow, who completed the TAFE NSW Advanced Diploma in Hospitality at Northern Beaches College.

Following Katherine’s outstanding performance throughout the course she has won both the 2008 Excellence Award for Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management and the 2008 TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute Student of the Year.

Katherine also picked up the TAFE NSW State Medal Award at the ceremony after receiving the highest marks in the state in her training program.

Lesley Guthrie, Hospitality and Events teacher at Northern Beaches College said Katie was well deserving of the award.

“Although only 22 Katherine is mature beyond her years and excels at practical related tasks,” said Lesley.

“Her work as part of a group was always of the highest standard and she was a popular member of the team.”

Surprised to receive the accolade, Katherine said she was honoured to receive the award.

“Being a medal winner is an achievement I will never forget,” she said.

“By getting this award I’ve been able to do something for myself and achieve something I never thought possible it’s an amazing feeling of happiness.

“It warms me up and puts a smile on my face every time I think of it.”

TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute teacher takes part in Australia's 2020 Summit.

TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute Hospitality teacher Marion Fitzpatrick joined representatives from across Australia at the 2020 Summit at Parliament House on 19-20 April to discuss the nation’s future.

Dubbed Australia’s ‘National Conversation,’ the Federal Government brought together 1000 leading Australians to debate the long-term options for the country, covering 10 critical areas including the economy, climate change, health and education.

Nominated to be a part of the The Productivity Agenda (education, skills, training, science and innovation), Marion was one of 100 participants invited to take part in the discussion.

Marion formed part of a 25 member sub-strand Post Secondary Education group, which included Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and seven other TAFE and vocational training representatives.

“There were a lot very influential people there who were able to express themselves very well,” said Marion.

“It was a golden opportunity, and it provided food for thought for the government.”

Marion said the forum looked at ways of improving current education practices, and invited new ideas on the future and delivery of education in Australia.

“The main issues were for a national curriculum, and a national education structure,” said Marion.

“We talked a lot about partnerships, and collaboration with companies and training providers, and that’s certainly a discussion we will benefit from at TAFE NSW.”

In addition to a unified national curriculum, the productivity group discussed rewarding excellence in teaching, bringing industry expertise into the classroom, as well as support and education for families, and a HECS-style pay system for vocational education and training.

Swiss Hotel Management School Opportunities for TAFE students

IT is the largest English-speaking hotel management school in the country where the industry was born.

And studying for an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management at Ryde College gives you the chance to spend time training at the prestigious Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) in Montreux, Switzerland.

Through an articulation agreement between TAFE Global, the international arm of TAFE NSW, and Northern Sydney Institute, graduates have the opportunity to enter semester five of the SHMS course before completing a further two semesters' study and a one semester internship to obtain both a Higher Diploma and Degree.

Switzerland 's history of excellence in hotel management began more than 100 years ago when the first hotels were built in Switzerland.

The 'Caux-Palace', nestled in the mountains overlooking both Montreux and Lake Geneva, was the largest, most impressive and exclusive establishment of the day.

Today, it is home of SHMS and students from more than 60 different countries attend the school every year to learn in this unique atmosphere.

For further information visit the SHMS website at www.shms.com or contact Peter Rudling, Director, International Development SHMS, at prudling@shma.com

Smart and Successful Sommelier Visits Ryde College

Talented sommelier Kyla Smart recently visited Wine Academy at Ryde College to say hello to her former mentors during a promotional photo shoot.

Kyla recently started working as a sommelier at the Sydney Hiltons Glass Restaurant after completing Certificate III in Hospitality Wine studies at Ryde.

Keen to continue a life long passion for wine; Kyla said she was enjoying working as a sommelier, and had high hopes for opening up her own restaurant in the future.

"I’ve always thought I’d like to own a fine dining restaurant one day,” said Kyla. “At the moment I’m really enjoying myself at Glass, and I’ve been taken under the wing of the two head sommeliers and they have been really helpful.”

Happy to be back, Kyla said Ryde College had been instrumental in developing her interest in wine.

“I realised I needed to build a good base of wine knowledge to further my studies, as well as for work,” said Kyla.

“TAFE helped me achieve the position I’m in now, which has been a major stepping stone in my career.”