Western Sydney Ad School: A pathway to AWARD School

After six years of shaping fresh talent, Western Sydney Ad School (WSAS) has established a reputation as both a launchpad for the industry and for many, a second chance at gaining entry to AWARD School.

Founder and head tutor, Rocky Ranallo, has seen the pattern firsthand: “Plenty of my students have come to me after missing out on AWARD School. They take the WSAS course, sharpen their ideas, and are accepted into AWARD. And then they actually do really well once they are there,” says Ranallo.

But Ranallo insists the ultimate aim is not just AWARD acceptance: “At the end of the day, this is not about passing an exam. It is about getting people jobs. Our focus is on creating portfolios filled with ideas that help you get hired. That is the win.”

Part of WSAS’s success stems from its accessibility. With reasonable fees and no entry criteria, the school attracts a mix of students who might otherwise be unable to break into advertising.

“We have got baristas, tradies, retail workers, you name it. People with no industry contacts whatsoever but bucketloads of raw creativity. That diversity is gold, and agencies are crying out for it,” explains Ranallo.

Ranallo sees WSAS as more than just a classroom. It is a way to widen the pipeline of creative talent across the city: “There is so much untapped potential in the West. If more people were aware of this pathway, we would have a whole new wave of voices entering the industry. And let us be honest. Advertising could use a few new voices.”

And what about AWARD School, WSAS’s better-known counterpart?

“Look, I think there is a massive opportunity for collaboration one day. WSAS is already doing the groundwork in Western Sydney, and AWARD has the marketing clout.  Until then, I am just happy we are giving people from the west a proper crack at the industry.”

For more information or to enrol, visit www.westernsydneyadschool.com.au