Kangan Institute named finalist in three categories for 2022 Victorian Training Awards

Kangan Institute has been named a finalist for the 2022 Victorian Training Awards’ Large Training Provider of the Year and Inclusive Training Provider of the Year categories.

Its automotive student Madison Giordano was also named finalist for the Apprentice of the Year.

Finalists were announced this week by the Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education the Hon Gayle Tierney MP.

Hosted by the Victorian Skills Authority, the annual Victorian Training Awards brings together apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, training providers, employers and industry representatives, sharing in a high-quality training system that meets the needs of all Victorians.

Kangan Institute’s CEO Sally Curtain said being shortlisted for the Victorian Training Awards highlights the TAFE’s commitment and dedication to students, industry and community over the past twelve months.

“We are honoured to be shortlisted for Victorian Large Training Provider and Inclusive Training Provider of the Year for our innovation and our approach to quality vocational education and inclusivity within the TAFE network,” Ms Curtain said.

“The nominations are an acknowledgement of the calibre of all the finalists, and recognition of a strong VET sector in Victoria.

“Students are the central focus of everything we do at Kangan Institute. Our educators and staff are committed to supporting every student that comes through our door, regardless of age, ability, cultural background, gender or sexuality, so that they have the opportunity to succeed in their chosen fields.

“These awards also reflect our role as a strong, innovative and responsive partner to industry and community, and we are proud to be making a real difference across the regions we serve.”

Formerly a nursing student and now one of three finalists for Apprentice of the Year, Madison Giordano discovered a passion for the mechanical trade after her car broke down during a trip around Australia.

“I was stuck west of Alice Springs for a couple of months, so I stayed at a truck company, and I just helped out around the place,” Ms Giordano said.

When she returned to Melbourne, she began her apprenticeship with Mee’s Bus Lines and Kangan Institute. Four years later, Madison is committed to both her own future and the future of other up-and-coming female mechanics.  

“Being shortlisted for the training awards is not something I ever expected, but I am excited to see where this takes me and what I can achieve,” she said.

“I would love to further educate myself in the field and get as much variety of hands on learning as possible.

“I’d love to be an advocate for getting women into the trade and encourage skills development through trade school.”

She expressed her gratitude to Kangan Institute for helping her shape her current and future career.

“At trade school there was just an abundance of knowledge. All the teachers had many years of experience, each from a different background, and I aspire to get to that same level,” she said.

Ms Curtain said Ms Giordano was an inspiration for anyone thinking of pursuing an apprenticeship.

“Kangan Institute is immensely proud to have played a role in Madison’s journey and we congratulate her on being named finalist for Victorian Apprentice of the Year,” Ms Curtain said.  

“Madison has shown that having the drive to succeed and a supportive learning environment can make all the difference, and she is truly an inspiration to anyone considering an apprenticeship.”

It is the second year in a row for Kangan Institute to be named finalist for the 2021 Victorian Training Awards’ Inclusive Training Provider of the Year. Its automotive student Massimo Zurzolo also a finalist for the 2021 Victorian School-based Apprentice and Trainee.

Kangan Institute recently opened its new Health Hub this year at its Essendon campus, helping to meet the growing skills demand in critical sectors including nursing, pathology, mental health, allied health, aged care and disability.

This follows last year's opening of the new Kangan Institute Trades and Skills Centre in Broadmeadows, the $6.8 million centre which will help create a pipeline of highly skilled trades workers to support the growing community in Melbourne’s north.

Kangan Institute also opened a new veterinary clinic in 2021 at its Broadmeadows Campus and its new $60 million Health and Community Centre of Excellence is anticipated to open in 2024.

Winners will be announced on Saturday 10 September at the 2022 Victorian Training Awards gala dinner ceremony.