A team of TAFE NSW students have donated thousands of dollars to charity, while demonstrating to future employers that they are ready to move into event management.

The seven students undertaking a Diploma in Event Management at TAFE NSW Ultimo were tasked with designing and delivering an event in just three months. That event, ‘A Night in the 2000s,’ was able to secure sponsors and resulted in the team being able to donate $3,500 to charity organisation Youth Off The Streets.

It is the nineteenth year that TAFE students have used the money raised from their event project to donate to the charity, which has received a total of $259,000 during that time.

The students were each responsible for finding and securing sponsors, as well as creating the event theme and handling the logistics of its running.

The event was a two-hour experience featuring canapes, beer, wine, and a live DJ as well as a trivia competition. Sponsors were local businesses from around the community, including The Love Bud florist, Ploos Greek restaurant, Pad Flow Gym, and Entertainment Park.

TAFE NSW student Nigel Santos was the event’s entertainment and activity manager and said the opportunity to use his newfound skills to contribute to a meaningful cause was incredibly rewarding.

“Getting to see the smiles on the attendees’ faces on the night made all our planning worth it. It’s made me excited about working in the industry and helped me see the value I can bring to future employers,”  Santos said.

TAFE NSW head teacher of events Crystal Magnus said the students have demonstrated all the skills required to succeed in the events industry.

“Our Diploma of Events Management students deliver an event for a charity for their final assessment so they can use their skills for a good cause while getting to work with a real-life client,” Magnus said. 

“The students have entire creative licensing over every aspect of the event, giving them invaluable experience in decision-making, budgeting, working in a team and understanding the needs of their client.”