Fifteen winners have been announced in the annual Victorian Training Awards, highlighting incredible talent in the state's vocational training sector and reinforcing the positive impact of the Andrews Labor Government's Free TAFE courses.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney announced the winners - selected from 47 finalists - recognising the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations in the Victorian TAFE and training sector.
The awards play an important role in celebrating apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, training providers, employers, and industry representatives from across Victoria.
Some of this year's winners include Wellsprings for Women, Bendigo Kangan Institute, Victoria University Polytechnic and Master Builders Association of Victoria.
CEO of Holmesglen TAFE Mary Faraone and Parkville College's Howard Kelly were awarded the Lynne Kosky Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement, honouring the incredible contributions they have both made to the sector.
Each category award winner won $5,000 in prize money and a 2022 Victorian Training Award trophy. People's Choice Award winners won an Apple MacBook laptop valued at more than $2,000 and winners from most award categories will represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards in November.
The Labor Government's Free TAFE course reforms have so far delivered saved students more than $297 million in fees since they were introduced in 2019. In that time, more than 122,200people have commenced training in a Free TAFE course.
For the full list of Free TAFE courses visit www.freetafe.vic.gov.auExternal Link
Since 2014, the Labor Government has made a record $3.5 billion investment to rebuild the TAFE sector and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
"Congratulations to all of our winners for their resilience, hard work and commitment to education - they are leading the Victorian TAFE and training sector."
"All the winners are helping to lead the Victorian TAFE and training sector to make it work better for more people across the state."
Award winners - 2022 Victorian Training Awards
- Apprentice of the Year - Chhunly Taking, Holmesglen TAFE
- Trainee of the Year - Franchesca Morrell, Bendigo TAFE
- Vocational Student of the Year - Caitlin Cook, South West TAFE
- School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year - Jaynaya Miller, Bendigo TAFE
- Koorie Student of the Year - Desirae Kilduff, Bendigo TAFE
- Teacher/Trainer of the Year - Rebecca Toleman, South West TAFE
- Small Employer of the Year - Smart Business Solutions Group
- Large Employer of the Year - M.C. Herd Geelong
- Employer Award for Apprenticeship Development - New Plumbing Solutions
- Community Training Provider of the Year - Wellsprings for Women
- Inclusive Training Provider of the Year - Victoria University Polytechnic
- Small Training Provider of the Year - Master Builders Association of Victoria
- Large Training Provider of the Year - Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute
- Industry Collaboration Award - Arborists don't grow on trees, Arbortrim Australia Pty Ltd, Citywide & Arboriculture Australia
