Kangan Institute wins at the Victorian Training Awards

Kangan Institute featured prominently at the 2014 Victorian Training Awards held on 26 September, emerging as the winner of two prestigious awards for VET Client Service/Support Excellence and VET Teacher of the Year categories.

The VET Client Service/Support Excellence Award was awarded to the Institute’s NEXT STEP program for its success in improving young people’s access to participation and completion of VET qualifications. The one-of-a-kind service provides 15-24 year olds with free counselling on courses, pathway options and career planning.

“We are all thrilled to have the NEXT STEP service recognised at the Victorian Training Awards. The individual care and attention that the team provide every student they assist has resulted in the future of hundreds of young students being secured and on the right track,” said Chris Camwell, manager of Kangan Institute’s Centre for Youth.

Since its inauguration NEXT STEP has provided individualised support to more than 1000 young people, helping them find the right path based on their skills, personal goals and interests. Currently based at the Broadmeadows and Richmond campuses, NEXT STEP’s future plans include expanding to other Kangan Institute campuses.

Learning Support teacher, Julie Wray-McCann, won the acclaimed VET Teacher of the Year Award for her vital work in improving literacy and numeracy skills across the youth and trades areas.

“I feel extremely honoured to win this award. I see incredible professionalism and commitment across Kangan Institute and am fortunate enough to work with a team of Learning Support teachers who are committed to improving the literacy, numeracy and employability skills of all students,” said Julie, whose 24 years of teaching experience spans classroom teaching, specialist learning support, librarian and P-12 mentoring in Australia and overseas.

“My success in this award category was also dependent on the collaboration between the Learning Support team and vocational teaching areas and I’d like to thank all staff that work with us to incorporate our programs into qualifications.”

Some of Julie’s achievements at Kangan Institute include the development of a tailored study skills program for VCE TAFE students, helping to bridge learning gaps through a combination of one-on-one and group support as well as free workshops at critical study milestones.

The annual Victorian Training Awards promote and reward outstanding achievement in vocational education and training, bolstering skills and innovation across the state. State winners will go on to represent Victoria at the 2014 Australian Training Awards in Adelaide on 21 November.  

To find out more about NEXT STEP and access their services, visit kangan.edu.au/study-with-us/skills-and-job-centre/next---step