Kangan Institute student Taylor Hampton has been named among the state’s finest after being announced as a finalist in the 2024 Victorian Training Awards (VTA) - Koorie Student of the Year.

The VTA nomination comes after he was recognised as Kangan Institute’s 2024 Uncle Norm Hunter Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year in February.

A proud Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri man, Taylor Hampton enrolled in Kangan Institute’s Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB30520) to expand his career opportunities while working at the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA). 

Achieving on his ambitions, Taylor took on a new role as an (acting) external training program manager which saw him travel around Victoria to deliver cultural training.

Taylor said the award nomination was recognition of his commitment to gain vital knowledge to develop his own leadership style and put what he learned into practice in the workplace.

I’ve always wanted to go into leadership. It’s one of those big ambitions of mine,” said Taylor.

“I really enjoyed the course – it was around becoming a leader and the components to that as well, like communicating, having difficult conversations… all those little things that I didn’t even think about.”

Taylor is also a senior facilitator for VACCA’s Koorie FACES program and is working on a new program to support parents and carers of Aboriginal children to embed culture in their homes. Taylor has also co-authored a children’s book, Our Mob, to celebrate pride in practicing Aboriginal culture.

Sally Curtain, CEO of Kangan Institute praised the achievements of Taylor.

“It has been a privilege to be part of Taylor’s journey by equipping him with the necessary skills, training and support to help him succeed.”

“Vocational education and training is paramount right now. Government, industries and communities are relying on TAFE to equip students with the in-demand skills of the future.”

“The determination in students like Taylor are the reason that we are delivering critical skills to foster and inspire bright futures across Victoria.”

Results will be announced at the 70th Victorian Training Awards Ceremony on Friday 30 August 2024.   
 
Presented by the Victorian Skills Authority, the ceremony will celebrate the achievements of 40 finalists that have been named across 14 categories, including individual awards, employer awards, training organisation awards and industry collaboration.