Top achievers celebrated at Kangan Institute

Joshua Pyke and Ranim Yehya's journey to success earned them the top honours at Kangan Institute's annual Industry Excellence Awards. Their stories of resilience and ambition highlight the power of education.

More than 80 vocational students and apprentices were recognised at the event, with support from leading industry sponsors.

Meet some of our student award winners:

Kangan Institute Student of the Year: Joshua Pyke

Award Sponsor: Rotary Club of Essendon

Joshua Pyke, 26, from Stawell, is Kangan Institute’s Student of the Year, honoured for his passion for the transport industry. A third-generation truck driver, Joshua started driving at 19, working 60-70 hours a week at Thomas Foods International while completing his Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations.

“It was my destiny, it just had to be done,” Joshua said. 

For him, trucking is more than a career; it’s in his blood.

“The open road, the freedom, and seeing the country we live in – that’s what I love about it.”

Balancing full-time work, and study was intense, but Joshua made it work and praised the facilities and his supportive teachers.

“It was good to go back to the learning environment. If you want something, you just make it work,” he reflects. 

That mindset saw him excel as a driver and the OHS representative for the transport side of the company. 

Joshua’s achievements extend beyond his career. A former school captain and winner of the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Award, Josh also established a scholarship at his local high school, inspired by his mother’s tireless efforts to provide for their family.

“Students need the resources and financial help, so I take it upon my own shoulders. It all goes towards whatever they need to get through school.”

When asked if he’s proud of his journey, Joshua is humble but resolute.

“I’m proud of the challenges I’ve faced and how far I’ve come. There will always be challenges, but you just have to persevere. Turning back is not an option. Just soldier on.”

Joshua has his sights set on running the transport operations for Thomas Foods International, though he jokes that he’ll never fully leave the driver’s seat.

In addition to the Kangan Institute Student of the Year, Joshua was also awarded:

• Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations, sponsored by Crescent Tools

View Joshua’s story: here

Kangan Institute Inspirational Student of the Year: Ranim Yehya 
Award Sponsor: Apprentice Employment Network

Ranim Yehya’s story is one of remarkable resilience. Born in Lebanon, Raim experienced adversity through the impact of war at a young age including losing her father and leaving school during Year 9 to support her family. 

When Ranim moved to Australia she sought a new opportunity and enrolled in the Certificate III in Horticulture at Kangan Institute, combining her love for gardening with a desire to build a career.

“Irrigation, watching the garden grow – it’s my passion, my hobby, and my healing,” Ranim said. “Being outdoors makes me feel so happy.”

The support and kindness of her teachers, along with the nurturing environment of her classes, played a significant role in Ranim’s success.

“The support that you get from the teachers and the class environment helped me become who I am now,” she shared.

Ranim’s story is a powerful reminder that even after immense personal challenges, growth and success are possible with determination and the right support. She hopes her journey inspires others to never give up.

“Don’t ever doubt yourself. Challenge yourself,” Ranim said.

Kangan Institute is proud to celebrate Ranim’s achievements and her inspiring journey, reflecting the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education. 

In addition to Kangan Institute’s Inspirational Student of the Year, Ranim was also awarded:

• Student of the Year: Horticulture, sponsored by Garden Insitute of Victoria

View Ranim’s story: here

Comments for attributing – Sally Curtain, Chief Executive Officer at Kangan Institute:

“Joshua and Ranim exemplify how vocational education transforms lives. Their stories show how dedication and opportunity can lead to success for individuals and their communities.

“Vocational education opens doors and gives people the skills they need to thrive and make an impact in their industries. 

“Kangan Institute is more than just a place of learning – it’s a launchpad for success. All our award-winning students demonstrated what’s possible when determination meets opportunity.” 

FULL LIST OF AWARDS

Institute wide awards

Student of the Year
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Essendon
Joshua Pyke

Inspirational Student of the Year
Sponsored by Apprentice Employment Network
Ranim Yehya

Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Apprentice Employment Network
George Paterson

Uncle Norm Hunter Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Sponsored by Kinaway Chamber of Commerce
Sama Rind

FOUNDATION and PATHWAYS Awards

Foundation Education Centre’s Achievement Award
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Essendon
Spencer Campbell

HEALTH and COMMUNITY Awards

Student of the Year: Community Services
Sponsored by iCare Staffing
Raneen Jamal Abd El Aziz

Student of the Year: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Sponsored by Little V.I.P’s Maidstone
Hannah Ishaq

Student of the Year: Certificate III in Pathology Collection
Sponsored by McFarlane Medical 
Alexandra (Sascha) Carter

Student of the Year: Diploma of Nursing 
Sponsored by La Trobe University
Leanne Simpson

ANIMALS, PLANTS and SCIENCES Awards

Apprentice of the Year: Landscape Construction
Sponsored by Ventia 
Charlie Beer 

Apprentice of the Year: Parks and Gardens 
Sponsored by Heiniger Australia 
Janaka Deegodagamage

Student of the Year: Veterinary Nursing 
Sponsored by Zebra Vet
Jordyn Naylor

Student of the Year: Conservation and Ecosystem Management 
Sponsored by Green Hip Workwear 
Lilian Taylor 
 
Student of the Year: Horticulture 
Sponsored by Nursery and Garden Institute of Victoria 
Ranim Yehya 
 
Student of the Year: Food Processing (Brewing) 
Sponsored by Hop Products Australia 
Stephane Meyer 
 
Student of the Year: Animal Studies 
Sponsored by APM Apprenticeships 
Faye Hughes 
 
HAIR, BEAUTY and BARBERING Awards 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificiate III in Hairdressing 
Sponsored by Haircare Group 
Adrianne Shreeve 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Barbering 
Sponsored by Kings Domain 
Sara Smith 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificiate III in Beauty 
Sponsored by MyHair and Crown Brush 
Fatma Hammoud 
 
Outstanding Student: Diploma of Beauty Therapy 
Sponsored by Dermalogica and Algologie 
Jazmin Poa 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Hairdressing 
Sponored by Eleven 
Lyaniahchel NG Lam 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Hairdressing (in Salon) 
Sponsored by Pivot Point 
Mia McPhee 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Barbering (in Salon) 
Sponsored by Excellent Edges 
Liam Goodger 
 
Digital Technology Award 
Sponsored by Modern Promotions 
Lewis Parmenter 
 
Trainee of the Year: Professional and Creative 
Sponsored by Kangan Institute 
Sama Rind 
 
Inspirational Student of the Year: Professional and Creative 
sponsored by Precision Group 
Janeane Baker 
 
Student of the Year: Fashion 
Sponsored by Parsons & Co 
Olivia Galeotti 
 
HOSPITALITY, COOKERY and BAKING Awards 
 
Student of the Year: Bakery 
Sponsored by Hop & Spice Restaurant 
Leslie Mirandilla 
 
AUTOMOTIVE Awards 
 
School-Based Apprentice/Trainee (SBAT) of the Year: Automotive 
Sponsored by Century Yuasa Batteries Pty Ltd 
Aidan Bonato 
 
Automotive Pre-apprentice of the Year Award 
Sponsored by Training Systems Australia
William Brownlee 

Automotive Centre of Excellence Star Apprentice Award 
Sponsored by Kangan Institute
Cooper Fitzsimons

Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Body Repair 
Sponsored by 3M 
Jordan Parker 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Body Repair – Sheen Group 
Sponsored by Sheen Group 
Joshua Dryden

Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Refinishing Technology (Key client) 
Sponsored by Sheen Group 
Colin Mills 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Light Vehicle 
Sponsored by MyCar 
Rex Prentice 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Light Vehicle (Key client) 
Sponsored by Repco Authorised Service
Thomas Patterson 

Automotive: Apprentice of the Year: Heavy Vehicle 
Sponsored by Westar Paterson Cheney 
Surender Kumar 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Heavy Vehicle (Key client) 
Sponsored by Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence 
Nelson Grech

Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Heavy Vehicle (Bus) 
Sponsored by AMWU 
Lili Usher-Chander 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Electrical 
Sponsored by NAPA 
Haydn Wilde 
 
Automotive Electrical Achievement Award 
Sponsored by Training Systems Australia 
Dante Akin 
 
Automotive Student of the Year: Motorsport 
Sponsored by Walkinshaw Andretti United 
Liam Schreyer 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Motorcycle 
Sponsored by Peter Stevens Motorcycles  
Harris Fisher 
 
Automotive Apprentice Rising Star: Auto Body 
Sponsored by Saint Gobain Abrasives 
Andrew Nguyen 

Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Marine Technology 
Sponsored by Mercury Marine 
Benjamin Rowse

Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Outdoor Pool Equipment 
Sponsored by Briggs & Stratton 
Akaiti Tangimama 

Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Refinishing Technology 
Sponsored by PPG Australia 
Joel Marotta 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Mobile Plant Technology 
Sponsored by William Adams 
Nicholas Fair 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Parts Interpreting 
Sponsored by Gates Australia 
George Paterson 
 
Inspirational Student of the Year: Automotive 
Sponsored by SP Tools
Andrew Ouranios 

Alice Anderson Award 
Sponsored by Trades Women Australia 
Brynn Luker 

The Lindsay Fox Heavy Vehicle Technician Excellence Award 
Sponsored by Kangan Institute's Automotive Centre of Excellence 
Xavier Pitman 
 
A.R. (Dick) Jackson Award 
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Coburg 
Ekrem Has 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Automotive/Lionel Gell School of Instruction Award 
Sponsored by Henry Royce Foundation 
Michael Mercer 
 
Sir Henry Royce Foundation Award for Excellence 
Sponsored by Henry Royce Foundation 
Beaudon Nash 
 
TRADES Awards 
 
Student of the Year: Build 10 Program 
Sponsored by FXD 
Ayden Andrews

Student of the Year: Build 10 Program 
Sponsored by FXD 
William Kelly 
 
VETDSS Student of the Year: Engineering 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Joel Quadrio 
 
VETDSS Student of the Year: Electrical 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Brodie Driver 
 
VETDSS Student of the Year: Carpentry 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Alex De Lonno 
 
VETDSS Student of the Year: Trade Skills Centre 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Alex De Lonno 

Pre-Apprentice of the Year: Electrical
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Michael Formosa

Pre-Apprentice of the Year: Electrotechnology Technician 
Sponsored by Energy Safe Victoria 
Ronald Beerens 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Plumbing 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Jonathan Sergiou 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Carpentry 
Sponsored by Milwaukee Tools 
Myra Stevenson 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Bricklaying and Blocklaying 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Declan Chenhall 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Wall and Floor Tiling 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Te Ropu Hertakara – Rimene 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Wall and Ceiling Lining 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Daniel Zinellu 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Engineering (Fabrication) 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Dylan Galea 

Apprentice of the Year: Engineering (Mechanical) 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Robert Occhipinti 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Trade Skills Centre 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Robert Occhipinti 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificate IV in Engineering 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Robert Occhipinti 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Joshua Pyke 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificate IV in Building and Construction 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Vanessa Arbon 
 
Outstanding Student: Construction and Waterproofing 
Sponsored by Gear Wrench 
Ghulam Mustafa 
 
Outstanding Student: Wall and Floor Tiling 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Ngun Lian 
 
Outstanding Student: Concreting 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Frank Talarico 
 
Outstanding Workplace Based Student 
Sponsored by McKay Training 
Brandon Schoon 
 
Outstanding Student: Diploma of Building and Construction 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Matthew De Luca 
 
Outstanding Women in Trade Apprentice of the Year 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Alexia Karatzikos 
 
Female Apprentice of the Year: Construction 
Sponsored by Bendigo TAFE 
Employed by Holloway Air Pty Ltd 
Maddison Hargreaves-Hale (Bendigo TAFE student)