Lifetime achievement award for automotive placement guru

Kangan Institute staff Bev Williams OAM has been recognised for her exceptional contributions to vocational education.

The experienced automotive industry placement coordinator was presented the World Federation Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) Awards of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award (Gold) in Jamaica this week.

The award celebrates Bev’s instrumental role in guiding over 1,000 students as they transition from foundational studies to their next career steps, establishing a proven track record of connecting students with valuable work and apprenticeship opportunities.

The prestigious award follows national recognition for Bev last year when she was awarded Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List. 

“What an absolute honour to not only represent not Kangan Institute but Australia. I’m extremely overwhelmed, excited and grateful to the people who took the time to nominate me,” Bev said

Based at Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence in Docklands, Bev primarily supports students who have completed pre-apprenticeship courses in automotive and are seeking to enter the industry. 

Her recommendations have led to placements with a diverse range of employers, including manufacturers, dealerships, and group training organisations. 

Student success and great teammates drive Bev’s passion and love for the work she does.

“What makes me passionate? Small wins. When you see a student gain an apprenticeship and achieve the outcome they were hoping for on enrolling,” Bev said. 

“I am lucky to work with great teachers who really support students and make the classroom a safe, fun place to learn. The students see Kangan Institute as the TAFE of choice and often ask if their employer will let them return to the Automotive Centre of Excellence as an apprentice.”

Held at the WFCP World Congress in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the 2024 Awards of Excellence celebrated remarkable contributions to skills development and wider economic and social development, with awards across 14 categories presented to individuals and organisations from all over the world.

Comments for attributing, Sally Curtain, CEO Kangan Institute: 

"Kangan Institute is honoured to have Bev as part of our team. Her unwavering dedication to bridging the gap between training and the workplace has impacted countless students.   

“Bev was first awarded with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List.  This recent award is a testament to Bev’s significant role in shaping the future of the industry and her commitment to fostering the next generation of automotive professionals, placing her among the best in the field globally."