Isabel excels as she builds a career

Woy Woy local Isabel Purser has taken top honours across three categories in the recent TAFE NSW Gili Awards and the TAFE NSW Student Excellence Awards.

The proud Aboriginal woman, who is just 20, was named Trainee of the Year and Supply Chain and eCommerce Student of the Year at the Gili Awards.

She received a third award at the 2024 TAFE NSW Student Excellence Awards, again being named Supply Chain and eCommerce Student of the Year.

Purser attained a Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting this year through her placement in the NSW Government Infrastructure Traineeship Program.

The two-year traineeship provides work-based employment and training with government, business and consultancies associated with the infrastructure sector along with a universal certificate IV qualification through TAFE NSW.

“Being nominated was in itself such an immense honour, but to be recognised in three categories in both Awards was truly beyond my expectations,” she said.

Currently employed with the NSW Department of Education through its cadetship program, Purser is committed to leveraging her skills to promote diversity and make a positive impact within her community.

“I chose procurement because I’d always been really interested in finding out what happened in the pre-construction phase,” she said.

“Since completing my studies, I’ve come to appreciate how important this role is to not just the delivery of the project but also to the positive impact procurement can have on local communities.”

Purser is not really sure why she has such an interest in construction and particularly the pre-construction phase of projects.

“When I finished school I was looking at options for the future and uni just didn’t feel like the right fit for me at the time,” she said.

“Then I found out about the traineeships and considered several fields of study.

“But I had always been interested in what goes on at a construction site before the building actually starts.

“Procurement involves risk management, contracting, evaluations, legislation and looking at a range of factors before a tender is accepted.

“There is a lot to it and I find it fascinating.

“I have been on a couple of evaluation panels and found it really interesting how they score different companies on a range of things, including benefits to the community.”

Purser praised her TAFE teacher Michael Farragher for his skills in teaching theory and then bringing it to life with examples from his own industry experience.

“He also demonstrated effective problem-solving skills that enhanced my learning, which I have been able to apply in my new role,” she said.

Purser is furthering her studies with a Diploma in Procurement and encourages other young people, especially young Aboriginal women, to consider a career in procurement and contracting.

“You can excel in this industry; there are so many opportunities,” she said.

Farragher praised Purser’s “exceptional initiative and diligence”.

“Isabel is an outstanding student who is committed to mastering her vocational education and proactively sought opportunities to apply her knowledge in real-world scenarios,” he said.

“TAFE NSW is proud to equip students with practical skills and work experience so they’re ready to make a contribution in their chosen field, as Isabel has already demonstrated in her new role.

“It’s very gratifying to watch students like Isabel grow and transform their lives through education.”

The latest State Budget allocates nearly $120B for large infrastructure projects including housing, new and upgraded schools, hospitals, clean energy and transport projects across NSW until 2028, which will increase the already significant demand for skilled procurement employees.

Procurement is a key driver of ensuring infrastructure projects are delivered on time and on budget, managing risk and increasingly in supporting sustainability goals.

The Gili Awards are named for the Eora word meaning ‘to shine’ and acknowledge outstanding achievements of TAFE NSW’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, employees and community partners.

TAFE NSW Student Excellence Awards recognise students those who achieve outstanding academic results, who provide significant contribution to their professions and who exhibit exceptional personal qualities.