Meet the 2023 individual category winners
2023 Victorian Training Awards individual category winners
2023 Apprentice of the Year - Leela Subramaniam
2023 Victorian Training Awards Trainee of the Year - Rebecca Hope
2023 Vocational Student of the Year - Barbara Muller
2023 Victorian Training Awards School-based Apprentice of the Year - Joachim Lopez Valoa
2023 Koorie Student of the Year - Pearl Dunn
2023 Teacher or Trainer of the Year - Thomas Patterson
2023 individual category winners and finalists
Leela Subramaniam
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, Chisholm Institute
Leela’s cookery career began after a family tragedy. She’d been working part-time in hospitality while undertaking a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce when her father died. Unable to concentrate on studies, Leela withdrew, commenced Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Chisholm, and transitioned to apprentice chef at work.
On completing her apprenticeship in 2022, she was promoted to junior sous chef. Her head chef proudly declared that a graduate being promoted to a leadership role was unheard of.
Now, Leela helps run the kitchen and leads a team of 8 during busy shifts, ensuring that each meal exiting the kitchen is perfect.
Finalists
Hannah Grau
Certificate III in Electrotechnology, NECA Education and CareersTia Claire Webb
Certificate III in Hairdressing, Bendigo TAFERebecca Hope
Certificate IV in Business, Melbourne Polytechnic
Rebecca worked at the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) while studying the Certificate IV in Business through NECA Education and Careers. This might not seem so extraordinary but succeeding in this is, having once struggled to attend school without one-on-one support because of autism. Now she thrives in the world of human resources and is a guiding light for disability awareness.
Success in the employment programs team led to developing effective coping strategies and instigating such initiatives as a disability support services directory for her workplace. Rebecca has full-time employment as a program coordinator at Amaze, Victoria’s autism peak body delivering initiatives that enhance the lives of autistic people.
Finalists
Dianne Montgomery
Certificate IV in Disability, The Centre for Continuing EducationGabriel Gervasoni
Diploma of Information Technology, Federation TAFEBarbara Muller
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), Federation University of TAFE
Barbara always dreamed of studying buildings. Her love for construction and design led her to enrol in the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) at Federation TAFE.
The course boosted her confidence and problem-solving skills. She became a leader and helped other students. After graduating in 2022, she received the EJT Tippett Outstanding Achievement Award.
Now, Barbara is starting her career in building and construction and is studying the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to become a VET trainer.
Finalists
Nick Roberts
Certificate III in Patisserie, The Gordon (Geelong)Pinar Teker
Diploma of Community Services, Bendigo TAFEJoachim Lopez-Valoa
Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology, Kangan Institute
Joachim is avidly interested in the mechanics of things and figuring out how they work by taking them apart. His other great love is water activities. He’s combined these 2 passions and is studying a Certificate III in Marine Mechanics at Kangan Institute. He chose a school-based apprenticeship to get a head-start by graduating secondary school with 2 years of experience.
Joachim demonstrates enthusiasm and initiative at work every day. He examines the list of daily tasks and doesn’t wait for instruction from his boss to get started. Once qualified, Joachim is keen to keep working as a marine mechanic.
Finalists
Chloe Zouch-Ristic
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Cire TrainingThalia Spokes
Victoria Police school-based programPearl Dunn
Diploma of Nursing, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE
Pearl always dreamed of becoming a nurse. She started her studies in 2020 and, despite many challenges, graduated with a Diploma of Nursing from SuniTAFE in April 2023. She now works in aged care and finds her job rewarding.
While studying, Pearl also served on the Mallee District Aboriginal Services Board, helping improve health in the Murray River community. After graduating, she became a role model, encouraging others to pursue nursing careers.
Finalists
Jenaya Bartlett
Certificate III in Business, SkillInvestKurin Lelean
Certificate IV in Youth Work, Holmesglen TAFEThomas Patterson
Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry) Pre-apprenticeship, Outer Northern Trade Training Centre
After 15 years as a carpenter and licensed builder, Thomas moved into VET teaching to share his skills. At Outer Northern Trade Training Centre, he teaches Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry) and Certificate I in Construction Pathways.
To better prepare students, Thomas introduced full-scale building tasks like wall frames and roof structures. He also worked with plumbing and electrical teachers to use the same hands-on approach, leading to faster skill development and better student results.
Finalists
Justin Bisson
Federation TAFE, Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting, and Diploma of Engineering – TechnicalJill Ford
Dental Assisting teacher, Chisholm Institute
For more information, or questions about the Victorian Training Awards please get in touch by email victorian.training.awards@ecodev.vic.gov.au
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