Maisie Smart, Queenwood School graduate and Queenscliff resident, said she was shocked and delighted to be awarded ‘first in the state’ for the 2025 Travel, Events and Tourism HSC exam after completing a Certificate III in Events through TAFE NSW Northern Beaches.
“I ran and told my parents, and we were all laughing,” Maisie said.
“I’m really proud and happy.”
TAFE NSW offers Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses to high school students. These courses count toward the Higher School Certificate (HSC), and some, like the Certificate III in Events, can contribute to an ATAR score for university entry.
“I thought the course sounded really interesting,” Maisie explained.
“I love going to events and concerts, and I was interested in learning more about what happens behind the scenes.
“I also loved studying at TAFE, as we had students from lots of different schools all in one classroom.
“Our teacher was so helpful, kind, and supportive.”
TAFE NSW said there is a growing demand for skilled workers in the events industry, with Northern Beaches recording a 49 per cent rise since COVID.
“We’re incredibly proud of Maisie’s achievement and the dedication she showed through her Certificate III in Events,” TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Travel, Tourism and Events Lesley Guthrie said.
“TAFE NSW has a fantastic track record of high achievers in VET courses, with four Events students, including Maisie, placing first in the state in the last six years.
“VET gives students practical, real-world skills alongside their academic studies, while helping them discover their strengths.
“With the Olympics coming to Brisbane in 2032, now is the opportune time to study events, as there will be an enormous demand for skilled events professionals. Students who start their training now will be well placed to be part of this exciting worldwide event.”
Maisie added that working closely with her friend Ava helped each other stay motivated.
“We’d learn new things and then teach each other,” she explained.
“We’d sit together going through revision sheets and past papers.”
Maisie plans to study primary teaching at university in Canberra but hopes to use the skills she gained from the course in her future career.
