Tobi levelled up his confidence through vocational education before starting his Bachelor of Games

Tobi has always had an interest in working in the animation industry but wanted to set himself up for success before starting his bachelor's degree.

From the moment Tobias Ward-Boas started his first Certificate IV in Screen and Media class, he knew he was building towards a future in animation and game design. Now in his Bachelor of Games (formerly known as Bachelor of Design (Games)), Tobi has credited his experience studying in vocational education (VE) with enabling him to thrive in higher education.

After completing his certificate, Tobi moved to study the Diploma of Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects, followed with his Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation and Design). As he completed those VE programs, he picked up the skills he needed to feel comfortable, prepared and confident to transition into the bachelor’s degree.

Tobi Ward smiling in a selfie by a river on a sunny day, with gum trees behind him.

After completing several vocational education qualifications, Tobi is now studying a Bachelor of Games.

Tobi attributes a big part of his success to the support and care he received from VE teachers throughout his studies.

The teachers that I met in the Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma helped me in many ways to get where I am today. They were all lovely and I received so much support.

As a neurodivergent student with an intellectual disability, building strong relationships with his teachers and leaning on RMIT’s Equitable Learning Services has empowered Tobi to take on new challenges and learn at a pace that worked for him.

“It was building the rapport with my teachers that made me feel very comfortable, because it was built based on professionalism, respect, care and trust."

“I want to give a special thanks to all the teachers who helped me. Nicole McKinnon, Airie Hirsh, Maya Toone, Jeanie Heague Smith, Eneti Warentini, Nathanial Bates, Suzanne Thompson, Kirean Doolan, Aish Ramji, Tim McCarthy and Peter McDonald. They’ve all made an amazing impact in guiding the current games and animation skills I have today and have taught me real lessons about what to expect in the creative industry."

As part of the Parademe mob from Tasmania, Tobi has also connected with the Ngarara Willim Centre and encourages other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to do the same.

"The Centre’s community is a great way to make friends, gain educational support like tutoring, scholarships and cultural learning."

Tobi attending graduation for his VE studies.

Find out more about the programs mentioned in this article:

26 October 2026

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