Christmas is a time of great joy when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the greatest gift of all for all humankind. We’re reminded of how much God loves each and every one of us.
The message of Christmas shapes the way we do things at Bedford throughout the entire year, because we believe in the intrinsic value God has placed within each person.
The message of Christmas shapes the way we do things at Bedford throughout the entire year, because we believe in the intrinsic value God has placed within each person.
It means that we are not an institution churning out cohorts of students each year to get a qualification with slim job prospects. We don’t leave students to figure it out on their own – to sink or swim. We don’t believe education should be so inflexible or unsupportive. It’s not a ‘system’, and students to us, aren’t a ‘number’.
We value each student for who they are and what they want for their lives. We absolutely believe in them. We empower them to step into their professional journey and a career they love. We find ways to help them achieve their qualification despite challenges, because we want everyone to succeed.
We value each student for who they are and what they want for their lives. We absolutely believe in them.
We focus not just on theory as well as practice, but also on the whole person – supporting ongoing spiritual formation, and developing students of grit, character, and compassion.
We open doors to extend their professional experiences and connections, and help expand their vision for the world they want to see.
We believe in transforming education where we help students own the story of their life and become who they want to be. Thanks to our Baptist history and Christian foundation, we’ve been doing this for over 80 years.
We wish all of you great joy this season, and whatever your vision for 2025, we believe in you.
Bedford College is delighted to announce a strategic partnership with Christian Schools Australia (CSA), reinforcing our commitment to advancing Christian education in Australia. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities rooted in Christian values.
Through this new partnership, Bedford welcomes the opportunity to:
work with CSA for the educational and spiritual development of each student,
join a strong and supportive national network of Christian schools,
increase our access to industry support, professional development and educational resources, and
collaborate with other Christian education leaders nationally to discuss key industry policy, and learn from the global Christian education sector.
“We are really excited about what this means not only for our trainers and students, but also for what it means for young people across Australia accessing vocational training pathways that align strongly with their values and faith convictions.”
Bedford CEO, Steve Dixon
Bedford’s CEO, Steve Dixon, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: “We are really excited about what this means not only for our trainers and students, but also for what it means for young people across Australia accessing vocational training pathways that align strongly with their values and faith convictions.”
Ian Liney, Executive Officer NSW/ACT at CSA, says, “We are excited to welcome Bedford into our network. This partnership aligns with our vision of fostering a thriving Christian education community in Australia.”
Christian Schools Australia CEO, Dr. Daniel Pampuch, sees the partnership as an important one for its members and Christian schooling more broadly, stating, “CSA is pleased too with this new partnership. Bedford operates in a unique sphere offering vocational training which ensures that graduates are job ready. This is important not only for Christian school students looking to commence a career, but also for CSA in ensuring that members have a steady inflow of qualified staff to take up vital positions within their communities.”
“This is important not only for Christian school students looking to commence a career, but also for CSA in ensuring that members have a steady inflow of qualified staff to take up vital positions within their communities.”
Christian Schools Australia CEO, Dr. Daniel Pampuch
This new partnership will help enhance our programs and create pathways for student success, leveraging our combined strengths for greater impact.
At Bedford, we believe in transforming education that is empowering – flexible and supportive; effective – combining robust theory with practice; and encompasses the whole person – a holistic approach developing students in grit and character to do great things.
Launched by the Baptist Churches in NSW in 1943, we are proud of our long-term reputation for producing high-quality graduates. Bedford is a place where you can belong, where you are valued and supported. Most importantly, it’s a place where you can grow, develop, and make an impact on your world.
Bedford is committed to leveraging this partnership for the positive impact it will have on our students, staff, and the broader Christian education community.
(Pictured above, L-R: Bedford Chief Delivery Officer Peter Denison, Bedford CEO Steve Dixon, CSA Director of Professional Programs and Services Dr. Maria Varlet, CSA Executive Officer NSW/ACT Ian Liney at Bedford, Norwest, Sydney, 2024.)
Bedford is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with the Global Leadership Network Australia (GLNA), a premier organisation dedicated to fostering leadership skills worldwide. This collaboration supports Bedford’s commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities and developing future leaders ready to navigate the challenges of our interconnected global landscape. By pooling our resources, expertise, and networks, we aim to increase our impact and extend our influence in the realms of education and leadership development.
Our collaboration … marks a significant advancement in our mission to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders.
Steve Dixon, CEO Bedford
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Through this partnership, students at Bedford will gain exclusive access to the Global Leadership Network’s cutting-edge resources, workshops, and seminars designed to enhance their leadership capabilities and prepare them for impactful careers across various industries. Participants will benefit from interactions with world-renowned leaders, gaining valuable insights and strategies to excel in their chosen fields.
What the Partnership Entails
Our collaborative efforts will span several key areas:
Collaborative Impact: We will join forces with GLNA’s Next Gen initiatives, creating a shared impact that resonates throughout the Australian educational landscape.
Collaborative Content: Together, we will develop and curate relevant, impactful programs and curricula tailored to the unique needs of Australian youth.
Collaborative Outcomes: Our teams will work closely to implement the plans and initiatives we develop, ensuring they translate into tangible benefits for our students.
Collaborative Messaging: Both organisations will actively promote and support each other’s missions, amplifying our voices and expanding our reach.
Leaders Speak Out
“Our collaboration with the Global Leadership Network marks a significant advancement in our mission to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders,” said Steve Dixon, CEO of Bedford. “We are thrilled to bring such a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our campus, enriching our curriculum and equipping our students with the essential tools they need to lead with innovation and integrity.”
Karen Wilson, CEO of GLNA, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating “Our shared value around bringing transformation to leaders is something that first appealed to me as I considered a collaborative partnership between Global Leadership Network Australia and Bedford. Coming from a Christian foundation and being able to see leaders’ lives transformed is core to who we are, and we are thrilled to partner with Bedford as they do this same thing in the area of Education. Their staff are dynamic and enthusiastic and there is a synergy that makes us both more effective as we join forces. It is with great enthusiasm that we celebrate this partnership as we are truly better together.”
Their staff are dynamic and enthusiastic and there is a synergy that makes us both more effective as we join forces.
Karen Wilson, CEO Global Leadership Network Australia
Looking Ahead
As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we invite our community to stay engaged and informed about the many opportunities this partnership will undoubtedly bring. From leadership workshops to educational initiatives, the future looks bright for the students of Bedford and the broader network of GLNA.
Stay tuned to our blog for updates and stories from this dynamic collaboration, and see how together, we are shaping the future of leadership in Australia and beyond.
About Bedford We believe in transforming education. Empowering people to become who they want to be. Get the depth of professional knowledge, real-world practical application, and holistic personal development. We help many of our students gain employment before they even graduate. We believe in you.
About Global Leadership Network The Global Leadership Network is a global conference series and community committed to leadership development and transformation. Its programs and events are designed to inspire and equip individuals with innovative leadership insights from around the world.
Bedford is honored to continue its longstanding partnership with BaptistCare by supporting this years Halo Ball, an event dedicated to raising much-needed funds and awareness for women and children escaping domestic and family violence. This partnership exemplifies the shared values of both Bedford and BaptistCare: a commitment to caring for the vulnerable and building stronger communities.
For many years, Bedford has worked closely with BaptistCare, an organisation rooted in Christian values, dedicated to offering practical, emotional, and spiritual support to those in need. The Halo Ball is more than just an event; it is a gathering of like-minded individuals and organisations united by a desire to help women and children rebuild their lives in the wake of hardship. The funds raised through this event are vital in providing emergency housing, counselling, and long-term support services, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.
“Our partnership with BaptistCare and the Halo Ball allows Bedford to take an active role in supporting a cause that aligns with our core values,” says Steve Dixon, CEO of Bedford. “As a Christian-based educational institution, we are committed to uplifting those in need, and this event helps us live out that mission by standing alongside BaptistCare to make a real difference.”
Bedford’s collaboration with BaptistCare is built on shared beliefs in compassion, service, and community support. Both organisations have deep roots in the Baptist community and are driven by a mutual desire to help those who are vulnerable.
On Friday, a team from Bedford attended this year’s Halo Ball, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership and contributing to a brighter future for those who need it most.
For more information about the Halo Ball and how you can support, visit BaptistCare Halo Ball.
Bedford College is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Anglicare Sydney, aimed at enhancing the learning and employment outcomes for students undertaking vocational placements in aged care and related services. This collaboration is built on the Vocational Placement Agreement (VPA), tailored to meet the specific needs of Anglicare Sydney.
Through this specific partnership, Bedford College and Anglicare Sydney will work together to provide students with real-world, practical experiences that complement their classroom learning. This initiative not only prepares students for immediate employment but also equips them with the skills necessary to excel in the rapidly growing aged care sector.
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
Collaborative Learning: Students will engage in structured programs that integrate both on-the-job and off-the-job training, tailored to meet the high standards of the aged care industry.
Mutual Benefits: The partnership is designed to benefit all parties involved, from students gaining invaluable experience to Anglicare Sydney accessing a pool of well-trained, job-ready graduates.
Commitment to Excellence: Both Bedford College and Anglicare Sydney are committed to raising the standard of vocational education and ensuring that graduates are not only competent but also highly skilled and ethical professionals.
Bedford College’s CEO, Steve Dixon, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Anglicare Sydney represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide top-tier vocational training. It ensures our students are exceptionally well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry and make meaningful contributions to the community.”
Anglicare Sydney CEO, Simon Miller, said “This partnership is a win-win. Together we can provide students with valuable real-world experience, while also developing high calibre and caring professionals for the sector. I hope it inspires current and future generations of aged care graduates into a successful and deeply rewarding career.”
Bedford and Inaburra School are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this week, marking a significant commitment to provide enhanced vocational education opportunities for students. This collaboration aims to equip students with practical skills and knowledge, preparing them for various post-school pathways.
Established in 1943, Bedford has been a cornerstone in vocational education, continually adapting to meet the dynamic needs of the workforce. Inaburra School, founded in 1982, is committed to delivering a comprehensive education within a caring, Christian environment, emphasising academic excellence and spiritual growth.
The partnership leverages recent changes allowing more vocational courses within the HSC framework, enabling Bedford to offer training directly on Inaburra’s campus. This initiative will allow students to begin their vocational training while still completing their HSC, providing a seamless transition into tertiary education and beyond.
Key Benefits of the Partnership:
On-site Vocational Training: Students will have the convenience and advantage of receiving high-quality vocational training at Inaburra, facilitated by Bedford’s expertise.
Expanded Educational Pathways: The collaboration broadens the scope of academic and vocational pathways available to students, enhancing their educational and career prospects.
Shared Values and Vision: Both institutions share a commitment to Christian values and education, aiming to provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Mr. Stuart Jones, Inaburra’s vocational education administrator, expressed his enthusiasm about the benefits for Inaburra’s senior students: “With the broader pathways available through vocational education, this partnership helps Inaburra tap into the tertiary education environment as well as the understanding Bedford has of what the employment sector is looking for in new employees. It also provides the opportunity for our students to gain this training on site here at Inaburra.”
Steve Dixon, CEO of Bedford, highlighted the strategic benefits of the partnership: “The benefit of this partnership with Inaburra for Bedford is we can engage with students as they consider what their future is going to be and we can help equip them far earlier than they would have been otherwise. At a wider level it is about the shared conviction of being a Christian provider and being able to provide that experience for students no matter their own conviction or world view. This will help empower students, which is true to what we are as an organisation, to be what they want to be into the future.”
For more information about this partnership, please contact Bedford’s Partnerships Manager on 1300 174 174.
This week is National Skills Week, where we celebrate the value of skills-based and vocational training.
The theme for this year is exciting – Game Changer – and aligns closely with our philosophy at Bedford. We believe in transforming education, where we help you to become who you want to be, and own the story of your life. We’re always excited by the possibilities that skills-based and vocational education holds to get you on your way to a successful career you love.
Bedford CEO, Steve Dixon, talks about skills and the Olympics… and the critical importance of vocational education.
We’re always excited by the possibilities that skills-based and vocational education holds to get you on your way to a successful career you love.
Like many Australians I was up watching the Olympics over these last couple of weeks, and like previous iterations I find myself enthralled by sports that I wouldn’t otherwise have any interest in or awareness about.
I watch plenty of football and basketball every year, and I have a basic level of awareness as to what’s happing in the world of tennis and golf when major tournaments are on but that’s really about it for me.
Now be honest, the same is true for you.
We love the dedication and ability of people who are representing us as a nation… a time when we clearly celebrate skill over intellect.
How many people regularly watch swimming, kayaking, rowing, athletics, beach volleyball, skateboarding, and water polo other than every four years at the Olympics?
Why am I passionately cheering on people who I don’t know anything about, doing a sport that I wouldn’t otherwise take any interest in?
For me, I think it’s less about the sport I’m watching and more about celebrating the Australian effort on the world stage.
Much has been made about our achievements and in particular the per-capita comparison against much more populated nations. I have heard and read comments around the investment we make in sport as a nation, but I have heard less around how our love of sport in general influences our engagement, enthusiasm, and expectations when it comes to the sports we watch during the Olympics.
We love the dedication and ability of people who are representing us as a nation. We cheer them on to achieve their best – and hopefully bring home a medal for their efforts.
It’s a time when we clearly celebrate skill over intellect.
As CEO of a vocational education institution this fascinates me because we live in a world where skills are elevated to a height not seen in tertiary education. As such, we see skills development as a key point of difference when it comes to students choosing a vocational pathway.
…we live in a world where skills are elevated to a height not seen in tertiary education. As such, we see skills development as a key point of difference when it comes to students choosing a vocational pathway.
Alissa Haddad, our Dean of Education and Community Services outlines “Education within the vocational education landscape does not sit as an isolated construct to build one’s theoretical knowledge. Rather, it prepares citizens for productive work engagements and to become active contributors to the knowledge economy by developing key attributes that position student learners ready for the 21st century workforce.”
Last year the Sydney Morning Herald published an article around the benefits of vocational training for young people completing the HSC. In it they outlined “Annually, around 30 per cent of HSC students opt to study a vocational education and training (VET) course as part of their HSC, providing a pathway straight into further training, work or university.”1
We believe there is shift coming where that number is going to be far closer to 50% in the not-too-distant future as people consider the increasing costs associated with education, the length of time required to complete a qualification, as well as how to distinguish themselves as the preferred applicant for jobs.
We live in a world that is getting faster by the day, and the demands of work are changing rapidly. To be job-ready is no longer seen as a ‘nice to have’ but is clearly a ‘need to have.’ Vocational training prepares students for the workforce through mandated work placements and the requirements of trainers to demonstrate their ongoing ‘currency’ as educators.
To be job-ready is no longer seen as a ‘nice to have’ but is clearly a ‘need to have.’
Radha Reddy, our Dean of Health Services explains “Vocational training programs are created in consultation with professionals from the industry to keep the curriculum up to date and in line with the demands of the labour market.”
It is this industry consultation that results in our students not simply having the associated knowledge with their chosen field of study but improves the ability of graduates to find immediate employment. Employers can have confidence that our students know what to expect as they enter the workplace.
Forbes highlight this by outlining “Technical skills not [sic] just add an important point to your resume but also help you get a higher paying job. It is a gateway of opportunities and success. It makes you successfully perform your day-to-day work duties. It increases your knowledge and makes you an expert in the field.”2
Sharon Kerr, our Manager of Educational Projects put it this way “The importance of VET is often underestimated. However, the VET sector plays a major role in empowering individuals, community capacity building, and importantly improving the bottom line of employers, resulting in a stronger local and national economy. As a result of close partnerships with industry stakeholders, VET providers develop job-ready, industry-focused training solutions, to influence environmental, economic and social sustainability for the state and nation and the resulting social benefits of generational change.”
Vocational training is where concepts and theories intersect with the real world and that’s what more and more employers want. Vocational training provides these skills. And who doesn’t want to be able to demonstrate to an employer that they have the skills to be able to the job?
Vocational training is where concepts and theories intersect with the real world and that’s what more and more employers want.
Let’s be honest, the Olympics wouldn’t be the same if we were watching people demonstrating their knowledge of a sport. Their knowledge is important, but it’s their skill that we are drawn to. And it is their ability to execute their skill under pressure that we celebrate.
By Steve Dixon
CEO, Bedford
SMH, When The HSC Leads Straight To A Dream Job, Available online: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/when-the-hsc-leads-straight-to-a-dream-job-20230530-p5dcfk.html ↩︎
Forbes, Top 20 Skills That Employers Look For In Candidates, Available online: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/business/top-skills-to-get-a-job/ ↩︎
Merran Renton is our longest serving staff member. Not only has she worked on team but she also studied at Bedford as a student. This week, she celebrates her 40th working anniversary with Bedford – what an incredible achievement!
To honour her long-serving dedication, we asked some questions about her time here over the years and she shared her fondest memories, along with some heartfelt wisdom.
Q: Firstly Merran, what do you remember about your experience as a student at Bedford?
A: One of my fondest memories as a student (although I’m not sure ‘fondest’ is the right word!) is working hard to achieve 120 words per minute shorthand and 50 words per minute on a manual typewriter (I had never seen one before). This required hard work and dedication and involved typing drills and even typing music!
I also made great friends that year and they still remain.
Q: What was your first day working at Bedford like?
A: I mostly remember being very nervous – and then realising that I needed to revise my shorthand to get it back to textbook style! I was fortunate to have friends working at Bedford so that was a good welcome.
Q: What changes have you seen over the years?
A: There have been too many changes over the years to number, however, we have always been moving forward and improving – training our students to be the best they can be.
Significant physical changes have included the location of Bedford, originally in the Sydney CBD, then Glebe and now in Norwest.
Q: What has stayed the same?
A: What has stayed the same is Bedford’s underlying purpose – to train our students in a caring Christian environment, so they are skilled and well-prepared to take their place as valued members of the community.
Q: What do you value most about your time so far at Bedford?
A: I love what I do, training young people with skills to enable them to take their place in the workplace and to be able to contribute to their community. Seeing them grow over a year and mature in so many areas of their lives. Witnessing their graduation is a proud moment.
Also, being able to share my faith over the years has been a highlight.
With Bedford staff, I have made long-lasting friendships. This has created a great working space and community.
Q: Do you know how many students you’ve taught over the years?
A: Wow! Too many to count! But I would say over a thousand students. We have also employed many Bedford graduates over the years. Being able to work with them has been fantastic too, to be able to see firsthand their capabilities being put to use.
Q: Can you offer any wisdom to students or young people just starting out?
A:
Find the sweet spot of work-life balance
Enjoy what you do inside and outside of work
Value friendships and nurture them
Do your best in whatever task is asked of you, from photocopying to the very important meeting with a client
Respect those around you in all positions
Keep learning and looking for opportunities for self-improvement, as well as how to benefit your company too
Enrolments are now open for 2025 and we’re offering our scholarship opportunities once again. Many Bedford students have benefitted from our scholarships over the years and if you’re considering studying at Bedford, we’d love you to apply too.
We’ve put together a Q&A that explains the process for you.
Q: What is a scholarship?
A: Our scholarships are a reduction of fees, distributed evenly across the duration of your course of study.
Q: Why does Bedford give out scholarships?
A: We love supporting students with a big vision for their life and the world they want to see – we don’t want anything to stop you from getting where you’re going!
We believe in you and we want to help you make an impact. We believe education should be empowering, not exclusive, and granting scholarships is an important way we make sure that everyone has a chance to succeed.
Q: Does Bedford give scholarships only based on academic merit?
A: No. We recognise that every student is different and all shine in their own way. We see hard work and determination as an indicator of a potential scholarship candidate and there are many other reasons we may also consider.
We want to invest in the potential you have to positively impact your community in the future, not just assess your achievement in the past.
Q: What are the three areas Bedford considers when granting scholarships?
A:
Equity – Financial, health, family or personal circumstances
Achievement – Previous study, work or community participation
Passion – Your desires, dreams, goals, or acts of service
Q: What’s the process to apply?
A: First, contact our Student Services team, via the link on our website, to get the ball rolling. Let them know you’re interested in applying and they can send you everything you need.
You’ll need to submit an application form, along with a Supporting Statement, which explains how you believe a scholarship will help you with your studies and in your future career. This statement should clearly explain your background, your current circumstances, and the vision you have for your career journey. This helps the Bedford team assess your eligibility, need and merit.
We make our selection based on the application/personal statement, academic records, letters to support the application, portfolio (letters of support, awards, samples of work etc) and fulfilment of the equity requirements of the scholarship. If we think it’s helpful, we may request an interview.
Q: Is any one excluded from applying?
A: If you’re eligible for other types of funding, such as the Smart and Skilled program, unfortunately you can’t access scholarship funding as well. Please check with us about this so we can guide you to the funding opportunity best suited to you. We’re here to help you as best we can!
Q: How do I get start my application?
A: Head to the scholarships page on our website for more info and click on ‘Get in touch to apply’. This will put you in contact with our Student Services team and they’ll guide you from there.
After 80 years of Bedford, we’re changing. Not who we are, but embracing what we believe and do.
We’re rebranding for greater meaning. We’re reaching new markets, starting new courses, expanding locations.
Bedford CEO, Steve Dixon, says, “As I think about the last decade, it’s clear that education is changing. Students need it to be faster, and more flexible, and world events are challenging the rigidity of the system.
“Education shouldn’t be institutionalised, inflexible and impersonal. And it shouldn’t be unsupportive and unproductive, leaving students unprepared.”
We exist to eliminate barriers that hinder people from realising their potential, and set a new standard for education that is holistic, purposeful and transformative. Empowering people to accelerate toward the life they desire and the future they want to create. Helping them to grow in character, capability and confidence with values that affirm who they are.
People matter. Character matters. Outcomes matter.
Bedford was established by Baptist Churches in NSW, in 1943 to meet Australia’s great emerging social needs due to the devastation of families during World War II. Over 80 years, Bedford has adapted to a world that’s constantly changing.
Our constant approach has been building theoretical depth and practical application, with holistic personal development.
We believe in Transforming Education— empowering people, shaping the world.