Nardine Burgess is a finalist in the WA Vocational Student of the Year Award.
Camera IconNardine Burgess is a finalist in the WA Vocational Student of the Year Award. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Young Kardinya volunteer is finalist in WA Vocational Student of the Year award

Headshot of Josh Zimmerman
Josh ZimmermanMelville Gazette

NARDINE Burgess knows the value of experience, which is why she took every volunteering opportunity that presented itself while obtaining her Diploma of Events last year.

That proactive attitude resulted in Ms Burgess being named South Metropolitan Tafe’s Vocational Student of the Year – and now she has been unveiled as a finalist for the overall WA honour.

Ms Burgess worked as a volunteer at last year’s Good Food and Wine Show, Skills West Expo, 65 Roses Day for Cystic Fibrosis, WA Training Awards, LNG 18 and Beaumont Kalgoorlie Races.

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When it came time to graduate, it was not just her lecturers who noticed her work ethic, and the Kardinya resident was offered a graduate management traineeship at the Novotel Perth Langley which began in January.

“The traineeship is going really well and I’m learning how to be a manager in each section of the hotel,” Ms Burgess said.

“Food and beverage has definitely been my favourite so far. I love helping bring people together to celebrate and one day I want to open my own little events business to help people create positive, lasting memories.”

Ms Burgess said gaining experience along with knowledge while studying was vital.

“I would definitely recommend that students put the feelers out for any volunteering work available because that experience is invaluable and really does help launch your career,” she said.

The winners of the WA Training Awards will be announced on September 15. Ms Burgess is one of four finalists for the Vocational Student of the Year award.

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