After completing his certificate III in carpentry and IV in building and construction through TAFE, the Moree man gained full time work with the local and established B & F Gartshore Builders.

Sean was nominated by TAFE NSW Armidale building and construction head teacher Grant Peterson who described the builder as an outstanding tradesperson and a student who was highly motivated.

“His skills are underpinned by an appetite to learn and dedication to safety and quality which I believe will make him a highly effective leader within the building sector,” Mr Petersen said.

The award recognises outstanding graduates who demonstrates the qualities to successfully establish themselves within the building industry in the future.

Whilst studying his Cert IV, Sean travelled six hours every fortnight to attend TAFE classes at Armidale. He said the regular driving was hard work however he recommended the course to any Cert III graduates looking to take their career further.

“I think it is important to keep learning and growing. Every few years you should always look into new courses that can give you an edge in your chosen industry. There is always something new to learn,” he said.

Sean thanked TAFE NSW and his former teachers. TAFE NSW regional general manager Kate Baxter said Sean was only the second ambassador for the west region in quite a few years.

“One of the things we are proud of at TAFE NSW is the fact that many of our students have a real passion for the profession and career they’ve chosen.

“They also excel in terms of their desire to learn, grow and develop their skills,” she said. The criteria of a TAFE ambassador, according to Ms Baxter, is someone who embodies what TAFE is all about. “Having a passion of learning and succeeding, and taking the skills you’ve learned through TAFE into your industry,” she said.

Ms Baxter was in Moree last week to formally congratulate the Moree builder. She said it was important to recognised that within the construction industry TAFE was a very strong provider of apprenticeship training.

“It is great to see someone from Moree has that drive and passion.”