Student Testimonials
Kimberley Grace (Business Graduate)
When I was in the 10th grade I knew that business was the career path I wanted to take. But I was disappointed after looking at the subjects on selection for year 11 and 12 and seeing that there was only one or two subjects related to business. I spoke to my careers advisor and that’s when she recommended Bedford College.
After hearing all about the options and opportunities available to me it seemed too good to be true! It was a huge risk leaving school in year 10 but looking back was the best decision I ever made. Not only was I was I building towards my future career and learning life skills that would help me succeed, but I also met some fantastic people, friends that I’ll have for life.
Bedford College provided me with the support and transition between school and university. Now that I’ve finished my diploma I was able to get a part time job in marketing whilst also getting straight into my second year at Macquarie University.
Why do it any other way?
Jessica Ralevski
After completing my HSC I was unsure in what I wanted to accomplish for the next few years in my life and what type of career I wanted to pursue as I was very hesitant in studying for a long period of time. This is how Bedford College stood out to me from the rest.
Bedford gave me an effortless transition from high school to college life. I loved how it was a one year course that provided me with firm training and has allowed me to develop skills within the workforce.Jessica Ralevski
Bedford gave me an effortless transition from high school to college life. I loved how it was a one year course that provided me with firm training and has allowed me to develop skills within the workforce. I also appreciated how the teachers were willing to help out every step of the way that encouraged me to strive to the best of my ability.
Bedford offered me a vast variety of opportunities that have opened many doors for me. It has given me the best opportunity as I am now working as a secretary to a partner and a lawyer at Sparke Helmore Lawyers, one of Australia’s top tier law firms.
I completed my Diploma of Business in 2008 on a very high note, meeting wonderful life – long friends that I will have for many years to come. All up when I think about my year at Bedford College, I am sad to see it gone, but pleased with what it has given me today!
Kiera Higgins (Business Graduate)
After completing my HSC and being accepted into university, I was still very unsure about what career I wanted to pursue and very hesitant to lock myself into further years of study. Therefore, Bedford College seemed the best option for me.
Bedford turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Not only did it provide me with a steady transition from school life, it also provided me with training that has opened many doors.
I completed my Diploma of Business in 2007 (Event Management) and am now employed as a Personal Assistant to three General Managers at Australand. This role has faced some challenging aspects, all which has been overcome by the skills and knowledge developed at Bedford College.
I was provided with firm training and have gained life-long friendships from Bedford. It has allowed me to develop skills within the workforce and to further my tertiary education with an advanced standing at university. All these factors have placed me in a very strong position – and I am only in my second year out of school!
Ming Fan (Business Graduate)
Leaving school before completing my HSC was probably the hardest decision I have ever made. The first day I arrived at Bedford, I was really impressed by the friendly atmosphere and impressive surroudings and when I decided to attend, I felt confident that I had made the right decision.
The year I spent at Bedford was a new and challenging experience for me. The skills and knowledge I received helped me to get into university afterwards and I am now on my way to a degree.
The thing I liked the most was that the classes were small which helped me to learn and understand quicker. The teachers were really supportive and encouraging and they really care about what you do.
2007 was one of the most exciting years of my life. You might think right now it would be really stressful to gain all the knowledge within one year - well you're wrong.
I'd recommend anyone to attend Bedford College. Just remember - have fun, gain friendships and enjoy your studies.
Tim Gillard (Child Care Graduate)
The main draw card for me at Bedford College was the course structure and the program. The exposure to 300 plus practicum hours within the early childhood setting was very appealing as it provided the opportunity for me to interact with age groups from 0-5 years.
I was also able to enhance my interactive opportunities with children and their parents/carers via Bedford College Children’s Play Sessions, held every week at the College. Play Session provides students with the opportunity to increase their skills and knowledge, to participate in observations, planning and programming and to liaise and obtain feedback from parents and carers.
Throughout my Bedford studies I also gained experience working within Out Of School Hours Care (OOSH) Centre - this includes both vacation/holiday care and before and after school care. OOSH placement involved the care of children 5–12 years and helping the planning and programming of activities and the supervision of children.
Perhaps one of the major advantages of Bedford College is the small interactive class sizes which provide one on one time with the teacher and promotes interesting and rewarding classroom discussions. I genuinely feel this assisted me in my learning.
On completion of the Bedford studies, I am now looking forward to building on the knowledge and skills gained from the diploma program as I embark on the Bachelor of Teaching (Birth to 5 Years) at Charles Sturt University to commence in the New Year. I feel my time and studies at Bedford have provided me with the building blocks and foundations for a successful career in early childhood education.
Holly Lanfranchi (Business Graduate)
It was a big step to move to Sydney from country Victoria without knowing anyone - just to study business. However choosing Bedford College ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made! Everyone was very welcoming and I met many other people who had also moved to Sydney, so it was easy to make friends quickly.
Bedford provides a great learning environment as both students and staff are extremely approachable and friendly. I found the small class sizes made is easier to learn because the teachers had time to accommodate every student individually.
I completed my Diploma of Business (Finance) in a single year and I gained the skills and knowledge to get a job at Mallesons Stephan Jaques, Australia's top law firm. (A job I got through the College).
Bedford College was an excellent choice for me and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in studying business.
Cale Maxwell (Business Graduate)
Moving from the North Coast of New South Wales to Sydney without completing my HSC seemed like a big gamble. A gamble which, with the help and support of Bedford College, has paid off better than anyone could have expected.
I completed my Diploma of Business (Event Management) and am now employed as Client Services Administrator for Accor's Darling Harbour Hotels, working in their Conference and Catering Event Sales Department.
The skills and knowledge that I gained whilst studying for my Diploma allowed me to fit comfortably into my new role and gave me a great grounding to complete my Business Tourism Degree part-time online.
The class sizes at Bedford are small which allows teachers to provide more individual and specialised training and support than other colleges can offer. Without the training and support that I received at Bedford, I would never be in the position that I am today.
Stephanie Arcia (Child Care Graduate)
At first I wondered if choosing Bedford College was the right decision - or should I spend an extra year at TAFE knowing that they are more recognised? Now I know. Choosing Bedford was one of the best choices I have ever made in my life.
I studied Child Care at Bedford College and left with a Diploma of Children's Services in just one year. I was given extensive and exceptional knowledge about all areas of the course using understandable and practical teaching methods. And I know that everything I learned will assist me for the rest of my career thanks to the continual support and assistance from my dedicated teachers.
My Bedford Diploma also allowed me to further my studies as I have now been accepted into the second year of a Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Teaching degree at Canberra University (I received one year credit for my time spent at Bedford).
My year at Bedford has prepared me for university, given me lifelong friends and my mind is full of unforgettable memories that I will hold with me for the rest of my life.
Thank you Bedford College.
Kimberley James (Child Care Graduate)
After dropping out of uni a few years ago, Bedford appealed to me because of the opportunity to complete the Diploma of Children's Services in only one year. The teaching and life lessons that I learned at Bedford were invaluable - and not only interesting but also relevant and valuable. I am able to apply what I learned at College in my day to day tasks at work.
Demand for Diploma staff is evident. On completing the course, I moved to Canberra and I was offered a full-time job at a Child Care Centre within 3 weeks arriving. I am now an Assistant Room Leader in the nursery with the opportunity to move up to Room Leader.
One thing that I have realised is how everything we learned has clicked into place for me. I feel really comfortable with it all. I can confidently talk to parents and am doing things that I thought that I wouldn't be able to do - it really is very exciting.
Esti Budy Rahayu (Child Care Graduate)
After I quit my job I realised it wasn’t easy for me to find another job without holding any Australian qualifications. Choosing Bedford was a great decision for me as I don’t like studying for a long period of time. Bedford is a great place to learn with small groups of students in a class so that the teachers were able to focus on the student’s individual needs. I found it difficult when I start studying at Bedford as I am an international student and I had to use English everyday to communicate and I wasn’t really confident with my English skills. I almost gave up. I often spent an hour after school staying back with the teachers and I found this was very helpful. I was able to make close friends and they all supported me through my study. Bedford always gave me inspiration and ideas to develop whether on prac or in play sessions. Everything I learnt was linked to my experiences.
Now I have graduated and I am working in a childcare centre as a room assistant. I have built good relationships with children, family and staff members. During study or work I was able to explore my experiences, develop skills and knowledge that all I learnt from Bedford and I will be able to apply these in my career as a childcare worker.