Kangan Institute and Bendigo TAFE poised for excellence at Victorian Training Awards

Kangan Institute and Bendigo TAFE have been named a finalist for the 2023 Victorian Training Awards – Large Training Provider of the Year, a year after being recognised as the top large training organisation in Australia.  

Three students are also shortlisted in the following categories:

·         Victorian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year: Joachim Lopez-Valoa, Kangan Institute

·         Victorian Vocational Student of the Year: Pinar Teker, Bendigo TAFE

·         Victorian Apprentice of the Year: Tia Webb, Bendigo TAFE

These nominations follow strong results at last year’s state and national training awards, which saw Kangan Institute ad Bendigo TAFE named Victorian and Australian Large Training Provider of the Year for 2022. Student and teacher winners from both TAFEs were also recognised at state and national levels.

Kangan Institute and Bendigo TAFE Acting Chief Executive Officer Graham Fryer said being shortlisted across four categories this year is validation of the TAFEs’ ongoing commitment to delivering success for students, employers and local communities.

“We put students at the centre of everything we do,” Graham said.

“Being a finalist in this year’s Victorian Training Awards validates our work in providing students with quality training, knowledge and confidence to change their lives, and our commitment to partnering with industry and the communities we serve to help solve critical skills shortages.”

“To win the award second time in a row would be such a boost for our staff and communities to know that what they are doing is recognised and it really matters.” 

Enrolled in the Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology (AUR30520) at Kangan Institute, Victorian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year finalist Joachim Lopez-Valoa chose to pursue an apprenticeship during secondary education to get a head-start in the industry.

(Joachim Lopez-Valoa)

“I feel very honoured to be part of the finalists and having all of my hard work recognised by the state of Victoria is simply mind blowing,” said the 18-year-old who is employed at Mercury Marine Australia.

“Becoming a school-based apprentice has helped me gain knowledge and experience in a real work environment whilst still in school. Moreover, all the of the experience I have accumulated will help me have a smooth transition as I finish school and move to working full-time.”

A migrant from Turkey, Pinar Teker overcame the challenges of settling in a new country while facing domestic violence and navigating sole parenting. Turning her life around through education – first a Certificate III in School-based Education Support (CHC30221) followed by a Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015) at Bendigo TAFE – Pinar said she was pleased to represent her peers as a Victorian vocational student finalist.

“It is a fantastic feeling being in a position to be able to represent migrant people, who went through the same difficulties I went through, and my classmates,” said Pinar.

Employed as a Redress Advocate at Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services, Pinar supports people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

“Having studied at TAFE prepared me for what I wanted to do in my new career path and gave me the skills I can use,” Pinar said.

“What I love the most about my role is that I am able to help or assist people when they need that additional support. Each day, I go home with a feeling of fulfillment.”

Armed with a creative flair and a penchant for hands-on work, Victorian Apprentice of the Year finalist Tia Webb found her calling as a hairdresser after initially pursuing teacher training at university.    

Currently working at Hairem Scarem in Bendigo, the Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) graduate of Bendigo TAFE said it was an honour to be nominated amongst Victoria’s top apprentices.

“I feel very shocked and honoured to be honest. I’m very grateful for everyone who has helped and guided me to get this far in my studies,” Tia said.

“By pursuing an apprenticeship in hairdressing, I was able to become qualified in hairdressing and I was also fortunate to walk away with amazing experience and skills which have assisted me in my career!”

Results will be announced at the 69^th Victorian Training Awards Ceremony on Friday 18 August 2023.

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.