A mature-age single mother and Certificate IV in Landscape Design student from Bayswater has been named the winner of the South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) Vocational Student of the Year Award.
Zoe Tucker’s achievement is a source of great pride to her three children and she plans to use her role as an SM TAFE ambassador to inspire other women returning to the workforce, especially those contemplating retraining while balancing the needs of their families.
SM TAFE’s Student Awards recognise the achievements of students from across the college, including winners in the categories Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Trainee of the Year, International Student of the Year, VET Secondary Student of the Year, and the Cultural Diversity Training Award.
With a degree in arts management, Zoe enjoyed a diverse career that included working in London, and eventually into a human resources role with a major Perth-based resources company.
A desire to utilise her creative abilities prompted a career reassessment that ultimately led to Zoe undertaking landscape design studies at SM TAFE.
While at times stretched by the pressures of studying and raising a young family, Zoe credits SM TAFE with being “supportive and encouraging and making a daunting prospect not only manageable but also highly enjoyable.”
Citing her father's profession as an architect as a major influence on her career ambitions, Zoe said the landscaping course had also provided ideas and inspiration for her current small business venture styling high-end events.
“As a visual learner, the hands-on and practical aspects of the course fuelled my engagement and enthusiasm.
“It is reassuring to know the skills I am learning from lecturers, with their own outstanding industry experience, have practical, real-life applications and are not just theoretical,” Zoe said.
Zoe is now intending to progress to diploma studies in her chosen field.
SM TAFE offers certificate II, III, IV and diploma qualifications in landscape design, landscape construction, horticulture, and conservation and land management.