Eight students completed a Certificate IV in Business Administration, while a ninth completed her Certificate III before being picked up for a traineeship with the Bega Valley Shire Council.

Acknowledged at the graduation ceremony was BVSC trainee Bronty Burhop and Cert IV students Camille Hossack, Layla D’Arnay, Grace Nelson, Connor Llewelyn, Renee Quennell, Sally Telford, Ginger Bottari and Dale McCoy.

Adult Education CEO Rhonnie South was on hand to congratulate the students.

“All these students are to be congratulated for their hard work and enthusiasm,” Ms South said.

She said the pathway program had been developed to encourage students to pursue careers in management, commerce, business and the arts.

“It is wonderful there are opportunities locally for higher education and then meaningful employment,” she said.

Adult Ed trainer Barry Grant also congratulated the students, saying they gained a lot of confidence through the course and it was now up to them to reap the rewards.

“Put in all the time and you will get a lot back,” he told them.

Bega Chamber of Commerce president Mal Barnes was another guest speaker at last Friday’s ceremony.

He said it was the chamber’s long-term vision to further engage the district’s youth, particularly those “dreaming of the possibilities of going in to business”.

“It can be very rewarding,” he said.

“And the more that local economy and business develops, the more it will benefit the shire.”