Virtual graduation ceremonies at TAFE Queensland

The first six months of 2020 have certainly been memorable. Almost overnight COVID-19 transformed how we live, work, and learn. Consequently, we have all had to think differently and find new, more agile ways of working and learning.

During the pandemic, TAFE Queensland successfully transitioned up to 90 per cent of its workforce to remote working arrangements and facilitated over 85 per cent of our training to be delivered online and flexibly. Our mission was to ensure that, where practicable, students and apprentices had the opportunity to complete their studies as scheduled so that they might enter the workforce as soon as possible.

COVID-19 challenges aside, last month we celebrated yet another first for our organisation by hosting a number of virtual graduation ceremonies.

While the pandemic ruled out the possibility of face-to-face celebrations for graduates and their loved ones, TAFE Queensland staff took to Zoom and used a series of innovative pre-recorded presentations to recognise the hard work and determination of our students and apprentices.

Graduates from a variety of study areas and geographical locations came together online to celebrate the culmination of their studies, and to thank teachers and services staff for their efforts in supporting them through the added challenges of 2020. Many spoke about the bonds and lifelong friendships they had all formed with one another and how their experience at TAFE Queensland was one they will remember fondly.

At TAFE Queensland we believe the training we provide truly has the power to change lives, and everyone from students to staff should all be extremely proud of their abilities to adapt and change over the past few months.

Even in the most trying of circumstances, TAFE Queensland has continued to deliver the high-level training we are all known for, and as a public provider have again answered the call and supported our students, industry partners and communities when they need us most.