TAFE SA Mount Gambier graduates recently walked the red carpet at a special graduation ceremony.

The event was held at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre and celebrated the achievements of 52 graduates.

TAFE SA Education Partnerships South East Region Manager Ally Skeer said there was an excellent response from graduates who represented a variety of program areas including nursing, hospitality, education support and agriculture.

“We were excited to host a graduation ceremony for TAFE SA Mount Gambier’s Class of 2022 and were thrilled with the success of the event,” Ms Skeer said.

“The atmosphere at the event was one of joy and celebration as each of the graduates was officially recognised for their study achievements in front of family and friends, as well as members of the TAFE SA executive team, board and regional skills advisory committee.

“At TAFE SA Mount Gambier, we’re proud of all our graduates, the skills they develop and the contribution they make to our community, and it was great to have the opportunity to celebrate the class of 2022’s achievements.”

TAFE SA chief executive David Coltman said the ceremony was an opportunity to congratulate graduates on their efforts and champion the importance of vocational education and training (VET) in the region.

“VET qualifications provide students with practical skills and knowledge and can put them on a path to a rewarding career,” Mr Coltman said.

“Our graduates, the Class of 2022, have skills that are valued by employers and the wider community.”

Certificate III in Beauty Services graduate Jody Viitanen said completing her certificate was a journey of personal growth and graduating was a special experience.

“I left school early in Year 12 so I did not graduate from that, so to graduate now was a really big thing,” Ms Viitanen said.

“I was really lucky to have both my boys and my partner there as well, to share that moment with them was really lovely.

“Now I am doing Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, because one day I would love to be able to teach it because I just love it so much.”

Ms Viitanen’s passion for beauty stems from when she began treating herself to self-care during a challenging time several years ago.

“I started getting my nails done and just loved it. I loved the way that it made me feel, it made me feel really good,” she said.

“Then I thought, ‘you know what, I want to make other people feel like this’.”

While completing the 18-month course Ms Viitanen balanced caring for two children and a dog grooming business.

“It was a lot of work being a single mum and doing the course and the business as well, but I thought, ‘this is what I want to do’,” she said.

“It was a huge thing for me and it has changed my life, what the course and TAFE has done for my confidence.

“I learned so much about myself and my abilities.

“Going back to school as an older person was very daunting, but I was alongside 16, 17, 18-year-olds and they all made me feel so welcome, so it was a really good experience for me.

“Throughout that time to be able to do it alongside my children was really special.

“My classmates and lecturer have been great and my parents and sister are super supportive.”

Ms Viitanen has started her own beauty business, Beauty by Jody, where she offers various beauty services and she is launching a line of press-on nails.

“For me this is just the beginning,” she said.