MUSWELLBROOK’S Scott Jennar took home the Vocational Student of the Year Award at the prestigious 2018 NSW Training Awards for the Hunter region.
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The AGL Macquarie power plant controller won the plaudit for his work in the Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety, which he completed at TAFE NSW Tighes Hill and Singleton.
“As a plant controller in Australia’s biggest coal-fired power station, I am responsible for ensuring that the plant operates in a way that adheres to health, safety and environmental legislation,” Mr Jennar said.
“I’ve been a part of our work, health and safety (WHS) committee for decades.
“But, I really wanted to deepen my understanding so I had a thorough understanding of legislation and how it’s applied to the workplace.”
Mr Jennar, who enjoys finding out how things work and building his knowledge base, has been studying with TAFE NSW for 37 years.
“I started my career as an electrical fitter at the Liddell Power Plant three decades ago,” he explained.
“But, since those early days, I have also completed Diplomas in Electrical Engineering, Leadership and Management, and Land Management, as well as this WHS qualification.
“Although I’ve attended universities to pursue legal studies, I have found TAFE NSW to be a superior learning environment because of the class room interaction and extensive teacher industry experience.
“It makes a huge difference to have a teacher who can apply real world experience to theoretical knowledge.”
TAFE NSW business and creative industries teacher James Nolan nominated Mr Jennar for this award.
“Scott was an engaged student, who entered into discussions and debates, and added value by providing contextual information and examples from his workplace which benefited the entire class,” he said.
“Scott’s commitment to his study was highlighted by the fact that he completed his qualification in WHS while participating in other study at TAFE NSW.
“He very much deserves this award, and I wish him all the very best.”
Mr Jennar is confident the TAFE NSW qualifications he has completed will put him in a good position to take on project management roles within his industry.
“The power generation industry is undergoing immense change as it transitions from existing thermal coal generation to renewables,” he said.
“I feel well-equipped because of TAFE NSW to champion renewable technology as it becomes the power generation leader.”