Kylie Anne Stokes is an events and hospitality lecturer at South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE), teaching across campuses including Bentley, Fremantle and Mandurah. She’s an invaluable asset to the college, imparting decades of knowledge, expertise and a wealth of connections working in the events industry. In this article, Kylie Anne discusses what makes the courses she teaches unique and highly sought after by international students.
What do you love about teaching at TAFE?
Teaching events and hospitality training courses at TAFE is a rewarding experience as I get the opportunity to share my extensive industry experience with aspiring professionals. I find joy in guiding and supporting students as they work towards achieving their goals, helping them unlock their full potential.
Witnessing my students transition into successful careers within the events and hospitality industry is particularly gratifying. It is rewarding to know that I have played a role in shaping their skills and knowledge, preparing them for a future of achievement and fulfillment in their chosen field.
What makes the courses you teach unique?
The courses I teach at South Metropolitan TAFE stand out due to a combination of factors that create a unique and enriching learning experience. The state-of-the-art training restaurants at both Bentley and Mandurah campuses provide students with hands on experience in real world hospitality settings.
Our computer rooms are equipped with specialised software, which contributes to the development of key administrative skills for the events industry.Students gain practical experience with registration software programs.
The close partnerships we've forged with industry leaders not only grant students access to live events, but also invaluable opportunities to network with professionals in their respective fields.
Emphasising community-based learning, our teaching strategy seamlessly integrates academic theory with practical, real-world applications, ensuring that students are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their future careers.
Explain briefly what’s involved with the course/s you teach? (important skills, exciting assignments, work placements, real-world experience).
In the courses I teach at South Metropolitan TAFE, students embark on a diverse journey through the hospitality and events industries, covering fundamental principles and progressing to advanced skill sets.
Hospitality students are integrated into live environments, working alongside teams and engaging with real customers, providing a hands-on understanding of front of house and back of house operations. As they advance, they develop supervisory and management skills, including the ability to create and present detailed operational plans. Meanwhile, events training students are immersed in managing registrations, coordinating, and planning events, selecting venues and analysing social media metrics to enhance business reach.
Students also collaborate with industry partners to develop innovative event concepts, gaining practical, real-world experience that prepares them for dynamic roles in these vibrant industries.
How will a TAFE qualification help students with their career?
A TAFE qualification is an asset for students, providing them with a solid foundation and practical skills that will enhance their opportunities for their chosen career paths. Through a TAFE education, students gain hands on experience, industry relevant knowledge, and exposure to real world scenarios, preparing them to navigate the complexities of their respective fields with confidence.
The practical nature of TAFE courses ensures that graduates are not only equipped with theoretical understanding but also possess the tangible skills demanded by employers. Moreover, TAFE's close connections with industry professionals, work placements, and community-based learning opportunities facilitate networking and enhance students' employability.
Ultimately, a TAFE qualification empowers students to enter the workforce with a competitive edge, ready to contribute meaningfully and shine in their careers.
What awards has the course/s you teach received?
The courses I teach at South Metropolitan TAFE have earned notable recognition and accolades over the years. In 2013, the entire team was honoured with the Industry Relationships Award, highlighting our commitment to fostering strong connections with the industry.
In 2014, I received the Outstanding Student Experience Award for expanding opportunities and engaging effectively with both international and domestic students. Additionally, my contributions to health and safety and support for the college were recognised in 2016 with a Local Hero Award.
In 2018 and 2022, the events training team received the Supporter of the Year Award from CFWA for our dedicated work on their annual 65 Roses Day event. Furthermore, our events and hospitality training students have consistently excelled, with no less than 12 finalists and six winners in the WA Training wards Student of the Year Award categories over the past five years, showcasing the outstanding achievements and contributions of our students to the industry.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As a lecturer, I often tell my students that hard work is the silent engine that propels us toward success. It's the daily grind, the extra effort when no one is watching, and the perseverance in the face of challenges that truly define our journey. Hard work is the currency we invest in ourselves, and the rewards may not always be immediate, but they are inevitable. Just like seeds planted eventually bloom into a garden, every ounce of effort contributes to our growth and achievement. So, remember, in the realm of hard work, every demanding day is a step closer to the taste of success.