GOTAFE Furnishing Student wins Premiers Award

Cobram Secondary College and GOTAFE student Jason Finch was one of 283 Year 12 students from Victoria to receive a Premiers Award for his work in furnishing.

Jason completed a furnishing course through GOTAFE, travelling once a week for the past two years.

In both years Jason finished the core course work ahead of schedule and took on his own projects to fill in time.

‘‘I built myself up in the first year,’’ he said.

‘‘I made a set of draws and a deck chair — which is probably my favorite thing. I actually finished early that year, though, so I designed and made a grandfather clock. This year we made a TV cabinet and duchess dresser".

‘‘I actually finished all that in June, so I made things I’d always wanted to make like a pirate’s treasure chest and I got some chisels for my birthday so I made a nice chisel box with intricate markings.’’

Jason said he had an interest in carpentry from a young age, but did not see it as a career path he would pursue.

‘‘My dad has a workshop and we used to always make picture frames and little boxes for Mum for her birthday and that sort of thing,’’ he said.

‘‘I see it more as a hobby”.

‘‘I did think about getting a first-year apprenticeship but they’re few and far between in this area so I’m thinking of going to uni now, probably for surveying — just something that gets me indoors and outdoors. I’ll probably just keep working on it (furnishing) as a hobby. It’s good to have it as a back-up plan.’’

A total of 317 awards were given to 283 students including the state’s 26 Top All-Round VCE High Achievers who gained study scores of 46 or higher in at least five of their VCE studies.

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu congratulated students on achieving such exceptional results in their final years of schooling.

‘‘The qualities these students have displayed throughout their VCE years will hold them in good stead throughout their lives,’’ Mr. Baillieu said.

Pictured: Jason Finch and Naomi Milgrom AO business leader and entrepreneur

Article by the Cobram Courier

Article Published 19 Jul 2012