TAFE business student receives training honours
Thursday, 28 August 2008
A Bundaberg woman who has been dreaming of becoming a successful businesswoman since her teens is on her way to this year's state training finals.
Wide Bay Institute of TAFE business studies student, Barbara Burstall will represent Wide Bay and the Sunshine Coast as the 2008 Vocational Student of the Year at the Queensland Training Awards next month.
Now in her mid thirties, Barbara has had her ambition on hold for some years while she successfully battled cancer and nursed her father.
"My father was a great inspiration because he was always teaching me to think big and to never give up and now I'm like a dog with a bone about getting my own business started," Barbara said.
After leaving school, she gained a trade in desktop publishing and last year completed a Business Management Diploma and a Business Marketing Diploma while working fulltime as a senior administrator for the Queensland South Native Title Services organization.
"One of my father's favourite sayings, 'knowledge is not heavy to carry' really motivated me to study and make plans to start my own business doing all the things I love, real estate, graphics arts and photography."
Barbara's second inspirational figure is US business magnate, TV personality and author, Donald Trump who made, then lost and then regained a fortune as a real estate developer.
"He's a very ambitious, powerful American who is focused, determined and always has his eye on the ball," Barbara said.
"He really is a man who thinks big and his way of facing lots of negatives but just pushing on, makes me feel determined to succeed in business."
The Wide Bay Institute of TAFE's Director, Mr Trevor Schwenke congratulated Barbara Burstall on her success and said she represented the cream of students at the forefront of vocational education and training.
"Winning a training award can kick-start a career or boost a business in a local community and I hope this award will elevate Barbara's personal profile and help her achieve her ambitions," Mr Schwenke said.
The state finals will be held on September 11 at the Brisbane Convention Centre and State winners have the chance to go on to compete for the Australian Training Awards in Darwin later this year.
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