However, that’s not the case for Mrs Tabain, who has racked up 33 years working for the institute in areas such as finance and student records. 

She said the variety in each day meant there was always something new and different to be doing. 

Mrs Tabain was presented with a citation for her many years of loyal service at a ceremony in Wagga last Friday. 

“I started in 1978 when I was 16,” she said. 

“I actually left for five years, but then came back.

“I love my job.

“There’s definitely been many changes along the way.”

Mrs Tabain is now employed as the student records co-ordinator and said people often commented on how long she had been working at the TAFE. 

“The job’s always been very challenging, and I enjoy the work,” she said.”

“Student records is never the same, it’s changed over the years and it always gives you more challenges.

“People say to me ‘you’ve been in the same job all these years’, but really I haven’t because the systems have changed and so I’m continually trying to master the next system.

“The problems and issues are always different, so you definitely don’t get bored.”

Mrs Tabain said there had been highlights during her career and said she hoped to stay in the role for many more years to come. 

The biggest change during her time has been technology. 

“When you look back and think about things used to be done, you do realise how far we’ve come,” Mrs Tabain said. 

“As I said, that’s been part of why I enjoy it. 

“Things are always changing, so there’s always something new to learn and do.”

The institute’s relieving director of strategy, partnerships and customer service, Anne Lowe, said Mrs Tabain’s dedication to her work over many years was a source of inspiration to all staff.

“(Julie) has built very strong relationships with generations of staff who have relied on her and trusted her,” she said.

“Her application to her work, her commitment to master the systems she works with, her technical skills and knowledge and her dedication to the staff and students she supports has seen Julie become a very highly valued and respected member of her team and of the wider institute.”

As well as Mrs Tabain, nine other staff members across the institute in total were recognised for completing 20 or 30 years of service at the ceremony.