Graduate 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?
Hamish Tait (Child Care Graduate)
I graduated from school with a lower UAI than was required for certain child care courses at university however, Bedford was able to give me the education I required without an UAI. Throughout the year I gained knowledge through small, personal classroom sizes, engaging discussions with teachers who were in the industry themselves, as well as a very positive and supportive environment.
During the practical parts of my course such as play sessions and centre placement, I was able to get hands-on experiences and decide once and for all that child care is definitely where I want to be.
At the end of my course I was offered a job at my practicum centre, and I’m now working as a room assistant with aspirations to become room leader in the near future.
The specialised training at Bedford provided varied and unique subjects which subsequently allowed me to take on the role of ‘Sustainability Coordinator’ at my Centre. I am also in my final year of studying a Bachelor of Education part-time at Charles Sturt University due to the credit that studying the Diploma at Bedford gives. I could not be happier in my career and I owe this to the foundation Bedford College provided.
Jessica Dhiacou (Business Graduate)
I left school at the end of Year 11 and I found that Bedford was a really easy transition for me. My year at Bedford was an excellent foundation for me to learn about business, customer service, time management, software programs, event management and more, in a great learning environment. Each of these subjects gave me life skills that I use on a day-to-day basis.
The teachers assisted in my learning and had valuable experiences and useful information to hand down. Each year Bedford invites a number of high profile companies to speak to students. This was how I heard about Malleson Stephen Jaques and I applied for the job straight away.
I knew that I didn’t want to go to university so Malleson’s was the perfect step for me.
I was offered the graduate legal secretarial role and completed my Business Diploma knowing that I had a job already lined up. This reduced the stress and anxiety that can come with looking for employment. My aspirations for the next few years are to continue at Malleson’s learning as much as I can and using it as a stepping stone to further my work experience in the business environment.
My desire is to follow my passion for photography and to eventually start my own business. Whichever path I decide to take, I know that the experience and knowledge that I gained at Bedford will be invaluable.
Katherine Douglas (Child Care Graduate)
It was through the child care course at Bedford College that I heard about the Cultural Care Au Pair program. I am currently living in Florida, USA working as an Au Pair.
Being an Au Pair is an incredible and rewarding experience. I live with a family who has two adorable girls who I care for. I have settled in easily and get along with the family really well. Working with children has always been my passion and through Bedford and working overseas I have been able to put my experience into practice. I highly recommend looking into becoming an Au Pair, it is an incredible and exciting experience
Natalie Tran (Business Graduate)
After completing my HSC I had no clue what I wanted to study. I didn’t think I would make it into university so I chose Bedford College as my pathway, and it has been my best choice.
Bedford College gave me an opportunity to study the Diploma of Business in just one year! The fact that I could study what I wanted in a short amount of time was amazing and knowing that I would go straight into my second year of university was a huge relief. This gave me the confidence to believe in myself and to push my studies and career one step forward.
The teachers at Bedford College were so supportive in my studies and were willing to help me with any problem. My education at Bedford College taught me life skills and self confidence. A highlight for me was before I graduated and received my Diploma, I was offered a job during my work experience at Carol & O’Dea Lawyers. I was also accepted into UTS University. I plan to further my studies in business at university as well as work part time. I had a blast studying at Bedford College, I hope you do too!
Jilan Ahry (Child Care Graduate)
The reason I chose to go to Bedford College was because it was a very friendly and welcoming environment in which to study. All teachers at Bedford are very friendly and passionate about what they teach.
The activities we do in class are very helpful not only for our studies, but also in a child care centre because it gives you all the information and experience you need. Every Thursday the College runs a Play Session which is organised by the teachers and students at the College. At Play Session, we get a chance to see how to run a child care centre and it provides us with a chance to interact with the children and their parents.
Bedford has not only given me the chance to study what I love, but also to gain a Diploma of Children’s Services in just one year. I have now been accepted into Sydney University to study a Bachelor of Education. This will allow me to become a primary school teacher, which is my dream. I really enjoyed my year at Bedford College and I hope you do too!
Mark Filwarkiw (Business Graduate)
After the completion of my HSC, I felt university wasn’t going to be the place for me, but I wanted to continue further studies to expand my knowledge without undertaking years of study. Bedford College enabled me to fast track my learning and move into the workforce to begin my career.
An appealing aspect of the College is the small class sizes, which are great for students to interact face-to-face with the brilliant teachers and absorb the first hand information they have to share. Bedford College was a great option for me as the one year Diploma has enabled me to move out into the workforce using the skills and knowledge gained to become successful in business and in life. Bedford College has enabled me to pursue my goals and build my career.
In the future I aim to become a wealthy businessman and I feel the education Bedford has provided me will assist in reaching my goal. So if you want an excellent fast track option, come to Bedford it’s a great place.
Tim Olazo (Child Care Graduate)
Bedford College has given me the opportunity to accomplish many of my goals and aspirations. Bedford has provided me with the knowledge and experience needed for me to get into university.
Before I stated at Bedford I was unsure of my options but wanted to study a course which helped me pursue my primary teaching goal. My youth leader told me about Bedford and it sounded like the perfect course for me because of the university pathways.
It was one of the biggest joys of my life knowing that I got accepted into the Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Sydney University. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without my Bedford Diploma and I am very thankful for the help and support I received from both teachers and staff.
I made so many great friends during my time at Bedford and I am really thankful for what I have achieved. My focus is now completing university for which I am excited and nervous at the same time.
Jay Ar Lacuna (Business Graduate)
Moving to Sydney from the Philippines and enrolling in a Business Diploma for one year was a big challenge for me (imagine I have to leave my home country and my loving family as well).
As an international student, at first I thought it would take me some time to settle in and get along with all the people at Bedford. I was wrong. The staff and teachers treated me with smiles and everyone was very welcoming.
What I really liked about Bedford – it has a well structured program and the small class size promotes student interaction and also allows one-on-one time with the teachers. My stay at Bedford was really worthwhile. I gained the knowledge, skills and experience in both theory and practical aspects of business.
Teachers provided me the support and encouragement I needed as an international student to complete my Diploma. Bedford is not just about studying and gaining skills for life - it’s also about gaining and building friendships that will last forever.
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. It's 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 first started 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 college 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 learned 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 using all that all I learned at Bedford and I will be able to apply these in my career as a childcare worker.