TAFE SA’s third annual Limestone Coast Graduation Ceremony highlighted the importance of skills gained through vocational education and training while celebrating the achievements of the class of 2024.
More than 80 graduates from the region who completed their qualification in 2024 chose to attend the prestigious event – the largest to date – at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in Mount Gambier.
They were joined by the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven as well as members of the TAFE SA Board and TAFE SA Executive team, regional stakeholders and community leaders.
A Welcome to Country was conducted by Aunty Penny Bonney and an inspiring keynote address was delivered by past graduate Alan McKelvie, who has used skills gained at TAFE SA to help reshape his career following a serious injury.
TAFE SA chief executive David Coltman said the event was an opportunity to congratulate graduates on their efforts and reflect on the importance of vocational education and training.
“Vocational education and training qualifications provide students with practical skills and the latest industry knowledge, which can help people enter the workforce for the first time, upskill for career advancement or re-skill for a career change,” he said.
“TAFE SA is committed to meeting the education and training needs of regional communities across the state and we know our graduates have skills that will be valued by employers and the wider community.”
The graduates have gained skills across a range of sectors including hospitality and cookery, nursing, aged and disability care, early childhood education and care, automotive, engineering (fabrication and mechanical trades), and more.
After the formal presentation, there were opportunities for socialising and networking, with entertainment by music students from Grant High School.
