Rachael Hilder named 2019 Victorian Vocational Student of the Year

Rachael Hilder

Kangan Institute graduate Rachael Hilder has been named Victoria’s Vocational Student of the Year at the 2019 Victorian Training Awards held on Friday 6 September.

Currently working as a corrections officer at Ravenhall Correctional Centre, Rachael’s journey at TAFE began at age 48 when she enrolled in diplomas in community services and justice at Kangan Institute.

Despite juggling commitments as a wife, primary carer and parent, Rachael thrived on the educational experience and graduated with high distinctions.  

As Victorian Vocational Student of the Year, Rachael will go on to represent the state at the 2019 Australian Training Awards to be held on 21 November in Brisbane. 

“I am so honoured to be chosen as Victorian Vocational Student of the Year and I am proud to be representing Victoria in Brisbane in November,” she said.

“I am grateful for the amazing teachers at Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows campus and all of the wonderful staff for their patience and encouragement.

“When I first started I didn’t even know how to do most of the things on the computer. It was only due to the dedication of the staff and their patience I was able to actually get through.

“I utilise all of the skills that I learnt through my community services diploma and my justice diploma in my day-to-day role.”

Kangan Institute’s CEO Phill Murphy said Rachael’s achievements reflected her hard work and passion for the vocation.

“Congratulations to Rachael on this outstanding achievement. Her success demonstrates not just her hard work and determination, but also a strong passion to make a positive difference in society through the correctional sector,” he said.

“Her achievements also reflect the great work by our teachers and staff who help individuals like Rachael on a daily basis to build skills and pursue meaningful careers.

“From all of us at Kangan Institute, we wish Rachael good luck as she goes on to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.”      

Amber Gabelich

Maddison Lyall

Held at Crown Palladium, the ceremony also celebrated the achievements of Kangan Institute students Maddison Lyall and Amber Gabelich who were finalists for Victorian Trainee of the Year and Victorian Apprentice of the Year.