Bendigo TAFE has been named a finalist for the 2022 Victorian Training Awards’ Large Training Provider of the Year and Inclusive Training Provider of the Year categories.
Its students Desirae Kilduff and Franchesca Morrell were also named finalists for Koorie Student of the Year and Trainee of the Year respectively.
Finalists were announced this week by the Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education the Hon Gayle Tierney MP.
Hosted by the Victorian Skills Authority, the annual Victorian Training Awards brings together apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, training providers, employers and industry representatives, sharing in a high-quality training system that meets the needs of all Victorians.
Bendigo TAFE’s CEO Sally Curtain said being shortlisted for the Victorian Training Awards highlights the TAFE’s commitment and dedication to students, industry and community over the past twelve months.
“We are honoured to be shortlisted for Victorian Large Training Provider and Inclusive Training Provider of the Year for our innovation and our approach to quality vocational education and inclusivity within the TAFE network,” Ms Curtain said.
“The nominations are an acknowledgement of the calibre of all the finalists, and recognition of a strong VET sector in Victoria.
“Students are the central focus of everything we do at Bendigo TAFE. Our educators and staff are committed to supporting every student that comes through our door, regardless of age, ability, cultural background, gender or sexuality, so that they have the opportunity to succeed in their chosen fields.
“These awards also reflect our role as a strong, innovative and responsive partner to industry and community, and we are proud to be making a real difference across the regions we serve.”
Having completed a dual qualification in Human Resources and Leadership and Management at Bendigo TAFE, Koorie Student of the Year finalist Desirae Kilduff said she hoped to inspire other First Nations students to consider vocational education.
“I feel elated and very proud that my efforts have been recognised,” said Ms Kilduff.
“I think it's important to acknowledge the efforts of all Victorian First Nations students that completed vocational studies over the last year; it has not been an easy feat. It's also important for me to congratulate the finalists in this category, I am excited to hear of their achievements.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to share my journey in vocational education and training and promote the opportunities First Nations students can attain through training."
Ms Kilduff said one of the best things about studying at Bendigo TAFE was its all-round support and a flexible learning environment.
"What I love about TAFE is the community of like-minded people that I was able to form relationships with to share learning, discuss ideas and solutions and create networks,” she said.
“Additionally, the valuable student services and dedicated teachers provided me with the support to complete my qualifications in a flexible and approachable environment."
Trainee of the Year finalist Franchesca Morrell said it was an honour to be shortlisted.
“All the hard work that I put in has finally paid off. It is truly an honour to be recognised and I would like to thank my family, friends, and colleagues for their support,” she said.
A Certificate III in Dental Assisting graduate, Mrs Morrell currently works as a senior dental nurse at Bendigo Health. She said her studies at Bendigo TAFE enabled her to seamlessly gain skills for work.
“I loved how the assessors in TAFE are supportive and easily accessible whenever I needed a hand,” she said.
“I found the learning modules to be hands-on, seamless, straightforward, and easy to complete. The fact that the program includes working at the same time was a huge advantage in terms of time management and applying what we learn in a real-world scenario.”
Ms Curtain wished both student finalists the best for the awards.
“Bendigo TAFE is immensely proud to have supported Desirae and Franchesca on their vocational education and training endeavours, and we congratulate them on being named finalists at the Victorian Training Awards,” Ms Curtain said.
“Both students have shown that hard work, along with strong support and a flexible learning environment can lead to great success – they are an absolute inspiration for us all and we wish them all the best for the upcoming awards.”
These nominations follow last year's outstanding results for Bendigo TAFE which saw its individual support teacher Julie Kramer named the 2021 Victorian Training Awards’ Victorian Teacher of the Year and plumbing apprentice Andrew Jan named Victorian Apprentice of the Year.
This year also marks the second year in a row for Bendigo TAFE to be named finalist for Inclusive Training Provider of the Year.
In November 2021, Bendigo TAFE unveiled its new $60 million revitalisation of its Bendigo City Campus. The state-of-the-art facility features a mix of new and refurbished heritage-listed buildings, including a new bakery and restaurant training facilities, hair, beauty and barbering salon, library, rehabilitation gym, life skills laboratory and an Indigenous education centre.
Winners will be announced on Saturday 10 September at the 2022 Victorian Training Awards gala dinner ceremony.
