It was a day of celebrations as Kangan Institute welcomed more than 800 graduates, staff and guests at its annual graduation and awards ceremony on Thursday 31st May 2012. Max Walker hosted the 2012 graduation with flare, drawing upon his experiences in the sports world.

Held at the Melbourne Convention Centre, the event congratulated graduating students from all areas of study including technical, business, community, youth and health as well as international students. Michael Burke and Maria Filis performing the National Anthem.

In his official welcome speech, Kangan Institute CEO Ray Griffiths said that the ceremony was the first chapter in a big future for the graduates. Aunty Joy delivering the Welcome to Country and acknowledgement of Elders.

"Today, we're reminded about what TAFE is all about - giving people high quality vocational education, practical skills and experience, and meaningful qualifications that employers value," he said. Kangan Institute CEO Ray Griffiths delivering the welcome speech. "So no matter what level of qualification you receive today, as TAFE graduates, you have most definitely improved your employment prospects by embarking on a great stepping-stone to your career." John Secombe and the Minya Gidij Marra Dance Group performing at the 2012 Graduation Ceremony.

Awards were also presented to Kangan Institute's top achievers across various study areas at the ceremony. At top of the class, Yogesh Bute was awarded the Victorian Learning and Employment Skills Student of the Year Award as well as the Gold Medallion of Business Services Group on the day.

Yogesh Bute accepting his Student of the Year Award. The hospitality student is currently pursuing an exciting career at Accor's Graduate Management Training which owns, operates and franchises more than 4,000 hotels ranging from economy to luxury on five continents in the world.

Yogesh hopes to one day start up his own specialised business in catering certified organic lunch boxes, family meals and fresh produce, an idea that had placed him as the Overall Winner of the 2011 Melbourne Airport Developing Tourism Leaders Award. "I want to get as much as I can out of the industry for the next 10 years before I open up my own business," he said.

Student award winners for 2011 include:

• Victorian Learning and Employment Skills Student of the Year Award: Yogesh Bute 
• Supported by ANZ bank International Student of the Year Award: Edwina Augustin 
• Business Services Group Gold Medallion: Yogesh Bute 
• Supported by Moonee Valley City Council - Community, Youth and Health Group Gold Medallion: Alyce Holmes 
• Supported by Moonee Valley City Council - Harold Richards Student of the Year Award: Kimberly Do 
• Apprentice of the Year: Neil Jarman Supported by the Rotary Club of Essendon 
• Technical Group Gold Medallion: Neil Jarman Supported by Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale 
• Adult Learner of the Year Award: Sabah Hanna Supported by the Rotary Club of Essendon  
• Uncle Arnold Davis Memorial Award: Chris Linton Supported by Broadmeadows Magistrates Court 
• Gunung-Willam-Balluk Uncle Norm Hunter Award: Dyllan O'brien Supported by the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court 

Cocktail function in the Melbourne Convention Centre foyer. Congratulations to all of our 2011 graduates and we wish them great successes in their next endeavours!