We proudly recognised our 2025 Ambassadors at a special event in November, celebrating outstanding students and trainers who are the best of vocational education and training.
Representing a diverse range of backgrounds, disciplines, and career aspirations, this year’s Ambassadors have each set an inspiring standard of excellence. Their stories reflect resilience, innovation, and commitment to learning and growth.
As Ambassadors, their journeys showcase the transformative power of education. We are excited to work alongside them and look forward to the year ahead, as they continue to inspire others through their stories and achievements.
Discover more about our ambassadors and watch their stories on YouTube(opens in a new tab) .
NMTAFE Ambassador Awards Past Winners
Ambassadors - Students
Kyen Graham - Engineering
Kyen is a proud Ngadju and Wadjuk Noongar man from Norseman and Perth with over six years of experience in the mining industry. He began as a geological field technician before earning his Shotfirers Licence and leading a blast crew at Rio Tinto’s Yandigoogina site.
Kyen later completed a Heavy Diesel Fitter apprenticeship through BHP FutureFit Academy and North Metropolitan TAFE. He now works at BHP’s Jimblebar Mine as a Field Maintenance Mechanic, specialising in Drill Rigs and Excavators.
Committed to connecting culture with career, Kyen actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Kyen was also a finalist in the WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander category for the 2025 WA Training Awards.
Munkh-Orgil Arslanbaatar - Business
Munkh's passion for entrepreneurship, leadership and creativity spurred his move from Mongolia to Perth to pursue training in business, which he says was the biggest decision of his life and the most rewarding. Having run his own café, launched a social media agency and taught Mongolian language to children at the Mongolian Association, Munkh has been able to apply the practical skills he has learnt throughout his qualification every day.
Munkh was a finalist in the WA International Student of the Year category at the 2025 WA Training Awards.
Saba Farzam - Animation & Visual Effects
Originally from Iran, Saba says it was a global robotics competition she participated in while in high school in South Korea that fostered her passion for game design. Having completed her Diploma of Screen and Media in 2024, Saba has now enrolled in an Advanced Diploma of Game Art and Design to further her knowledge. She says the practical and innovative learning opportunities provided during her training journey were pivotal to shaping her passion for the industry. The multicultural environment at TAFE has allowed Saba to interact with peers and lecturers from diverse backgrounds, helping her to connect with industry to secure internships and gain real-world experience.
Saba was a finalist for the WA Cultural Diversity Training category for the 2025 WA Training Awards.
Samin Zare - Photography
Photography has always been Samin’s passion. Originally from Iran, she worked as a professional photographer in Turkey, but upon moving to Perth she discovered she needed Australian industry-recognised qualifications and local experience to work in the industry. Samin chose to enrol in an Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development to expand her knowledge. Through her training journey she has gained invaluable technical skills and learned how to adapt her photography to the Australian industry. Her goal is to continue working in the Australian photography industry and share her passion with others, particularly with other aspiring photographers from diverse backgrounds.
Samin was a finalist in the WA Cultural Diversity category for the 2025 WA Training Awards.
Amina Nasir Umer - English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Amina arrived in Australia in 2021 from Ethiopia with a life goal of building a better future for herself and family. She enrolled in a Certificate III in Adult Migrant English Program to improve her English and communication skills, so she could undertake further VET courses to work in aged care or nursing. Amina says training has not only improved her skills, but it has also given her hope and direction. She has more belief in herself and is excited about her future.
Amina was winner of the WA Cultural Diversity Training award at the 2025 WA Training Awards.
Arabella Poole - Fitness
Arabella’s journey to becoming WA Vocational Student of the Year at the 2025 WA Training Awards is one of courage and transformation. Arabella turned 13 years of medical challenges into a powerful journey of transformation. Inspired by an occupational therapist, she enrolled in a Certificate IV in Fitness at North Metropolitan TAFE in 2024, gaining skills in anatomy, client assessment, and program delivery.
Now a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Feel Your Best Fitness and Massage, Arabella is also training in clinical Pilates. Her lived experience drives her passion for inclusive, person-centred care, creating safe and empowering spaces through movement and connection.
Arabella was winner of the WA Vocational Student of the Year award at the 2025 WA Training Awards.
Elisha (El) Mauger - Electronics & Communication
El grew up in Nyiyaparli Country and then moved around Australia working in different industries. Always being drawn to being back in the Pilbara, she got an opportunity to get into mining in Light Vehicles and then moved into Field and Mobile Maintenance.
After much perseverance she landed an apprenticeship in Communications and became fifth generation in her family to work on Rail and third generation working for BHP. She also uses her skills as a communications technician with her passion for space as a volunteer at the Perth Observatory.
Melinda France - School Based Education Support
In 2024, nearly a decade after stepping away from her Local Government career to raise her children, Melinda completed a Certificate IV in School Based Education Support at NMTAFE. Inspired by the Education Assistants who supported her son, and encouraged by a kindy teacher, she pursued a new path in education.
Now working as a relief Education Assistant, Melinda balances classroom work with supporting her own family. Her lived experience and training help her connect with students and contribute meaningfully each day. She’s proud to have found her calling through vocational education
Henry Trieu - Cookery & Patisserie
Henry's work history includes working at Balthazar, The embassy, Alexander bar and bistro, Nine Japanese Bistro and Gather Foods. He is currently studying a Certificate III in commercial cookery. This year he won Silver and Overall Best Commercial Cookery Student of the Year at Apprentice of the Year 2025 Cooking Competition (the WA heat was held at North Metropolitan TAFE’s Joondalup campus). He also won Silver at the 2025 Nestle Golden Chefs Hat Competition.
Teresa Dierckx - Pathology
At 57, after nearly four decades of raising a family, Teresa made a bold return to the workforce. A routine blood test sparked her curiosity about pathology collection, leading her to enrol in a Certificate III in Pathology Collection at North Metropolitan TAFE, one of the best decisions she made.
Now working as a Laboratory Assistant with PathWest, she finds deep joy and purpose in phlebotomy. Her passion for learning and helping others continues to drive her rewarding new career.
David Bottcher - Community Services
David brings a diverse background across hospitality, construction, and animal welfare, but it was through his personal journey with addiction and mental health that he discovered his true calling: supporting others in recovery.
During his second experience in long-term residential drug and alcohol treatment, he made a pivotal decision to pursue Community Services at North Metropolitan TAFE. While still in treatment, he began his Certificate IV in Community Services, quickly excelling in his studies and becoming a supportive presence among his peers.
Now enrolled in the Diploma of Community Services, Dave is committed to building a career as a counsellor in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AoD) sector, driven by lived experience and a deep passion for helping others find hope and healing.
Suzi Williamson - Clean Energy
Originally from New Zealand, Suzi began the electrical pre-trade course at North Metropolitan TAFE and is now enrolled in the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician course. Her passion for learning and problem-solving inspired her to pursue electrical, and she is currently gaining hands-on skills in the crane industry, including troubleshooting, electrical installation, and routine maintenance.
Through her TAFE training, she has developed strong foundational skills in electrical theory and workshop practices. Her goal is to continue upskilling with NMTAFE, mentor future apprentices, and progress into a technical leadership role.
Suzie was one of the recipients of the 2025 Women in Non-Traditional Trades Scholarships.
Jasmine Letchford - Tiling
Jasmine is currently studying a Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling at North Metropolitan TAFE. Her initial interest in tiling was sparked after completing a trial-a-trade in 2023, while completing a Certificate II in General Education. Last year, she completed a pre-apprenticeship Certificate II in Building and Construction at the Clarkson campus, where she commenced on the job training with All Class Tiling.
This opportunity led to her full-time work and apprenticeship placement with All Class, starting her training and career as a skilled tiler – and she is rapidly learning skills on the job.
Jessie Smith - Graphic Design
Jessie enrolled into the Diploma of Graphic Design in 2023, looking to grow her skills as a designer and explore a different career path. At the same time, she had just started a new role at an experiential marketing agency, Gettin Hectic – where she now works full-time working with major brands across Australia.
While having a unique background in signage, Jessie grew to love the process of design. She continued her studies with the Advanced Diploma of Graphic design, and this year she was awarded: the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) Graduate of the Year, in multiple categories, both for WA and nationally – noted as “an absolute standout” with “passionate and creative work that consistently emphasises empathy, storytelling and human connection”. Jessie was also winner of the 2024 Insurance Commission of Western Australia Road Safety Advocate Award.
Eoin John - Fabrication
Eoin John is in the final stages of a Boilermaking trade at North Metropolitan TAFE, having discovered his passion for fabrication and metalwork while welding on farms and repairing equipment. This hands-on experience led to an apprenticeship with Goldstar Transport, where he works on trucks and trailers.
In 2025, Eoin represented his trade organisation at this year’s WorldSkills National competition in Brisbane, earning the Gold Medal in Construction Steelwork.
Committed to continuous growth, he’s now preparing to attend the Skills Excellence Forum in his home state of Western Australia, further honing his craft and connecting with industry leaders.
Harrison Atkins - Sustainable Energy
Harrison is a determined and resilient graduate of the Koomba Birdal program, completing his Certificate II in Sustainable Energy at North Metropolitan TAFE in 2024. Despite facing some challenges, he persevered and is now working as an electrical apprentice with UON Energy. He is also studying a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and continues to be a role model for others navigating setbacks and striving for opportunity.
This year, Harrison travelled to Queensland to attend the First Nations Clean Energy Conference as a graduate of NMTAFE and the Koomba Birdal program, further expanding his knowledge and network.
Ariel Lane - CNC Machining
Originally from Margaret River, Ariel began a mechanical engineering degree in Perth before discovering a passion for hands-on work through a pre-apprenticeship in fitting and machining. Now in his third year at CAMCO Engineering, he has gained broad workshop experience and worked on a variety of machinery.
Supported by North Metropolitan TAFE and his employer, he won gold at the 2025 WorldSkills National Competition in Brisbane. He is currently completing his apprenticeship and studying a Certificate IV in CNC Machining, with a strong focus on continuing to grow his skills and career.
Ambassadors - Lecturers
Tanya Beeson - Animation
A professional animator, illustrator, and educator, Tanya has spent more than 20 years immersed in the creative industries, bringing stories to life and inspiring NMTAFE students to do the same. She has served as Chair of the Western Australian Animation Association, and her background includes directing and producing broadcast-quality animated shorts for Nickelodeon as well as local clients.
Naomi Ivala - Children's Services
As a lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Care, Naomi is dedicated to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. Her teaching approach ensures that children feel safe, welcomed, and empowered to thrive. One of the most transformative chapters of her career was managing an early childhood service in Halls Creek, where she gained invaluable experience in community engagement and delivering quality care in a unique regional setting.
Matt Jolliffe - Integrated Tech & Cyber Security
Matt is a lecturer in Integrated Technology and Cyber Security at North Metropolitan TAFE, bringing over 24 years of experience in vocational education and training. He is a passionate, student-centred educator, and he has taught learners from diverse backgrounds and with varied learning needs across a wide range of settings. Matt is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen field of study.