“It’s great to be involved helping set-up the workforce of the future,” says 2015 NSW VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year, Troy Everett.

As the Head Teacher, Building and Construction: Civil Engineering, Surveying and Mapping at TAFE Illawarra Wollongong, Troy is known for his award winning WorldSkills Australia contestants and his voluntary bricklaying programs that help the third world.

Of life back at home, he says: “It’s inspiring being able to help people at TAFE Illawarra who may want a career change or to transform their life through education and training.”

Jillian Atkinson supports the training of people who up-skill or re-skill for jobs on the land in rural NSW. She is TAFE Illawarra Goulburn’s Head Teacher of Agriculture.

Her advice to people who are seeking a better future?

 “All you have to do is lead with your heart, work at your training and there are jobs out there,” she says.

TAFE Illawarra has tailored its current course offerings to meet the demands of the region’s workforce, opening up both employment and business opportunities.

TAFE Illawarra Yass is opening its doors for Choices Day on Saturday 5 December, 9am to 1pm, to give the community an opportunity to explore courses on offer in Semester 1, 2016.

Customers can seek advice on the best courses to meet individual career goals and find out if they are eligible to study with a Fee-Free Scholarship. They can also explore the wide range of Fee-Free Short Courses which are available to enrol in and start now.

There will be information on options to get qualified faster and at a lower cost with Recognition of Prior Learning.

Friendly staff will be there to help visitors discover what’s involved with the study now, pay later option through VET-FEE HELP and FEE-HELP student loans.

Visitors to Choices Day can also get assistance with the application process and help creating a USI (Unique Student Identifier), which all future students must have before enrolling.

For more location details, visit www.tafeillawarra.edu.au/choicesday or call 1300 766 123.