Congratulations to the winners and finalists for the 2025 Victorian Training Awards Individual categories.
2025 Individual category winners
Amber Leyshan, 2025 Apprentice of the Year winner
Rebecca Gibson, 2025 Trainee of the Year winner
Akwal Magek, 2025 Vocational Student of the Year winner
Stavriana Taliadoros, 2025 School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year winner
Shirley Darcy, 2025 Koorie Student of the Year winner
Tarmi A'Vard, 2025 Teacher/Trainer of the Year winner
2025 Individual category winners and finalists
This award is presented to a Victorian apprentice who has displayed outstanding achievement in all aspects of their trade.
Congratulations Amber Leyshan, 2025 Apprentice of the Year winner
TAFE Gippsland - Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade - Boilermaking (Apprenticeship)
Amber didn’t just want a job; she wanted to construct a meaningful career that would carry her through life. Unsure about her career direction, she deferred a teaching degree and managed a trades department at Bunnings. Inspired by her tradie customers, she took a leap of faith into an engineering and fabrication apprenticeship with AGL at Loy Yang Power Station and enrolled in Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade – Boilermaking at TAFE Gippsland.
With a strong desire to enhance her career prospects, Amber challenged herself in a male-dominated arena, gaining extra welding certifications and mastering advanced techniques. This led to her winning the WorldSkills Regional competition, achieving the highest welding score in Victoria.
Working closely with TAFE Gippsland, Amber actively promotes careers in the trades and has become a tradeswomen advocate. Her sights are set on new energy, including wind turbine projects, so she can make a lasting impact in the industry and community.
Emma Jepsen
Holmesglen Institute - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
After finishing school, Emma Jepsen enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce. However, the economic fallout of the COVID pandemic sparked a re-evaluation of her choice. An aptitude for mathematics and physics, and a passion for renewable energy, led her to launch into a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician at Holmesglen TAFE.
For Emma, the benefits were two-fold; an opportunity to enter the clean energy industry, and to address the underrepresentation of women in trades. Emma completed her bachelor’s degree while doing the electrical apprenticeship, which added value to her work in the electrical field. Because of her significant competency she was soon liaising directly with clients, scheduling jobs, and leading EV charger installations without supervision.
This year, Emma received the George Kline Apprentice of the Year award. She became a strong advocate for TAFE training and a champion for women joining trades. Building an online community, she shared her journey as a female electrician, reaching and supporting over 2.5 million viewers.
Nathaniel Allford
SuniTAFE - Certificate III in Carpentry
The hands-on nature of the building trade appealed to Nathaniel, who wasn’t keen on school. He’s constructing a bright future for himself despite the self-doubt he felt on beginning the apprenticeship and Certificate III in Carpentry at SuniTAFE. Such was his success, he won several awards for excellence.
Employed through Sunraysia and Murray Group Training, Nathaniel works in a small team in a local building company in Mildura. Nathaniel is dedicated to helping his team achieve their goals and thrives on contributing innovative ideas based on his TAFE education and growing his skills further.
Knowing that an apprenticeship can seem daunting, he empathetically mentors younger apprentices. Not only does he guide them in their tasks, he also ensures they’re prepared for a labour-intensive workday with a filled water bottle and packed lunch. Now in his final year, Nathaniel is incredibly proud of his personal and professional achievements.
This award is presented to a Victorian individual who is undertaking a traineeship and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.
Congratulations Rebecca Gibson, 2025 Trainee of the Year winner
Civil Train Victoria (Civil Contractors Federation) - Certificate IV Civil Construction (Supervision)
Rebecca’s on the road to a dynamic career as a construction supervisor, having nearly completed the Assistant Supervisor Traineeship Program (ASTP) at Laing O’Rourke. So far, she’s exceeding all expectations.
As Assistant Supervisor, Rebecca stepped confidently into daily leadership responsibilities. To gain more from her traineeship she advocated for greater autonomy and was awarded her own scope of works to run with minimal senior supervisor support. These works involved complex tasks including delivering a bridge over the new busway as part of the Eastern Freeway upgrades, leading work crews, and managing costs and safety.
Rebecca has learnt to be an adaptable and responsible leader in a high-stakes environment, dealing capably with the ever-changing priorities and scenarios. Passionate about industry change, she champions the inclusion of women in construction, believing the sector will grow stronger through diversity. Her impact is already being felt. Women across Australia are gaining confidence through her mentorship.
Saroj Khadka
SuniTAFE - Certificate III in Business
Saroj immigrated from Nepal in 2019 and settled in Mildura. He worked in a retail job until he discovered the opportunity of a traineeship and Certificate III in Business with SuniTAFE. It was like a dream come true that would help him achieve his goal of working in human resources or as an executive assistant.
The traineeship at Mildura Rural City Council was an opportunity to challenge himself and learn transferable skills. Although he commenced the traineeship with enthusiasm, he lacked confidence. Determined, Saroj pushed himself out of his comfort zone and soon learnt that he was a creative problem solver. He took the initiative to deal with arising issues and was instrumental in having a boom gate installed in the carpark for added security.
Dedication and unwavering commitment earned him SuniTAFE’s Trainee of the Year and a full-time appointment by Mildura Rural City Council as Community Administration Assistant.
Matilda McDonald
Box Hill Institute - Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Growing up on a farm in rural New South Wales, Matilda developed a passion for animal welfare and nurturing sick animals back to health. Chasing her dreams, she relocated to Victoria to pursue vet nursing. Matilda chose to do a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Box Hill Institute, because it would unlock more opportunities to specialise.
Her traineeship at Monash Veterinary Clinic meant she could work and gain valuable industry experience while studying. Despite the challenges of separation from her family and managing a demanding workload, her skillset grew beyond clinical proficiency. Matilda developed outstanding communication, teamwork and research skills, and demonstrated a level of initiative expected from experienced nurses.
Matilda’s impact was felt beyond the clinic and she successfully rehomed many unwanted pets. She also contributes to public outreach through events like the RSPCA Million Paws Walk. Matilda is proud of her achievements and could never imagine herself doing anything else.
This award is presented to a student whose outstanding achievement in a course of study led to a nationally recognised qualification.
Congratulations Akwal Magek, 2025 Vocational Student of the Year winner
RMIT University - Certificate IV in Youth Work, Diploma of Youth Work
Akwal Magek is creative, passionate and community-driven. She is currently studying a Diploma of Youth Work at RMIT University. After completing her Certificate IV in Youth Work in 2024, she returned to formal education with purpose and drive, determined to deepen her skills and create lasting impact in the lives of young people.
During her training, Akwal applied new knowledge directly to her role as Project Support Officer at Culture Spring – a centre for multicultural youth. She facilitated youth-led workshops, mentored young multicultural leaders, and designed creative programs that harnessed art for healing and community building.
Awarded RMIT’s 2024 Vocational Education Student of the Year, Akwal demonstrated exceptional leadership and collaboration across government, corporate, and community sectors. Her approach is both empathetic and strategic, ensuring young people’s voices are heard and responded to. Akwal builds trust, fosters growth, and believes deeply that solutions lie within the youth she serves.
Djuno Fisher
Melbourne Polytechnic - Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services - Costume
Life is anything but dull since Djuno embarked on the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services in Costume at Melbourne Polytechnic. A self-taught designer, her love for costume was shaped during her previous career as a drag queen.
Although Djuno had a strong artistic vision, she lacked formal training. The course helped bridge that gap and advanced Djuno into new technical territory. This led to her consistently pushing the boundaries of what was expected, translating ambitious designs into high-quality garments that demonstrated a unique design point of view.
Djuno relishes being behind the scenes, embracing creativity and storytelling through costume. Her designs reflect a signature blend of theatrical flair and refined techniques. A resin-moulded ‘liquid gold’ corset for Sarastro, and a meticulously hand-beaded bodice for the Queen of the Night, works from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute, earned high acclaim and secured her work with Opera Australia on a production of La Bohème.
Leonie Carter
SuniTAFE - Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Leonie’s local kindergarten was unable to secure regular, qualified staff and was in danger of closing. Leonie first stepped up and gained a Certificate III in Childcare. Although she enjoyed working with children, she lacked confidence and professional knowledge. Embarking on the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at SuniTAFE changed everything.
Leonie transformed from a quiet contributor to a confident leader who changed the trajectory of the children’s development at the Werrimull P12 School with the Prep–2 children and Millewa Pre School where she works. Where Leonie was once reticent to articulate her perspectives, her studies empowered her to design dynamic learning environments, build garden beds for nature-based exploration, and implement emotional regulation strategies that support early development.
Her thoughtful, tireless dedication earned her the SuniTAFE Student of the Year – Academic (Diploma/Advanced Diploma) award where she was recognised for leadership, dedication and professionalism. Now Leonie celebrates an unwavering commitment to nurturing the region’s youngest learners.
This award is presented to a student who is undertaking a Certificate II or above qualification as a part-time Victorian School-based Apprentice or Trainee. The award recognises the student’s commitment to their formal studies at school and in the workplace.
Congratulations Stavriana Taliadoros, 2025 School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year winner
Federation TAFE - Certificate III in Bread Baking & Certificate III in Baking
Inspired by the family memories passed down, about time spent in her grandparents’ café-restaurant, Year 12 VCE student Stavriana is a rising talent in the baking field. Stavriana learnt to appreciate the joy and connection that food can bring and is excited to turn that passion into a career. Beginning with a Certificate II in Cookery in Year 10, she progressed to Certificate III in Baking and Bread Baking through Federation TAFE, while undertaking VCE and working in a local bakery.
Stavriana’s initiative and eagerness to learn led to the offer of the SBAT opportunity. She’s since mastered sweet and savoury techniques, excelled in theory-based learning, and applied her skills to help her team with everything from dough preparation to customer service.
In juggling school, training and work, Stavriana takes the cake. Her creativity and drive have shaped her into a rising talent with a strong work ethic and a genuine love for turning simple ingredients into culinary creations.
Jorja Duffy
Wodonga Institute of TAFE - Certificate II Agriculture
Jorja has always felt at home in an agricultural environment having grown up on her family’s third-generation sheep and crop farm in Thoona. Jorja’s plan is to finish Year 12 having achieved a Certificate II in Agriculture through Wodonga TAFE and the Ag Schools Program that will equip her to work across Australia and the US.
Work placement takes place on the family farm alongside her father where she’s developed strong skills in sheep handling and husbandry, and agricultural enterprise management. The training also deepened her understanding of biosecurity, sustainability, and large-scale farming practices, which she has actively applied to enhance practices on her family farm.
Driven by her ultimate vision of working on cattle stations in Australia, Jorja’s enthusiasm for farming is matched by her growing expertise and strong work ethic. She looks forward to applying her new-found technical knowledge, leadership and resilience to contribute to farming communities here and abroad.
Zac Dudderidge
Bendigo TAFE - Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
Zac solders his way to success in his chosen career in welding and fabrication. From a line of mechanics, he discovered the skill while helping his father fix vehicles around their home. To further learn the craft, he watched welding videos so he could build his own go-kart. The bottom line is that for Zac, welding is a source of great satisfaction.
In Year 12 at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, Zac is completing a Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade at Bendigo TAFE while working as a second-year apprentice. He’s passionate about learning the trade, including business practices and customer service.
Zac was proud to be awarded Bendigo TAFE’s 2025 School-based Apprentice of the Year. A generous-hearted student, Zac mentors struggling classmates and applies his skill and enthusiasm to everything he does. He’s forging a promising future in engineering and fabrication.
This award recognises the achievement of a Koorie student who demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning for themselves and their community.
Congratulations Shirley Darcy, 2025 Koorie Student of the Year winner
The Gordon - Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Proud Wiradjuri woman Shirley Darcy has long been guided by a deep commitment to mob and Country. Her goal has always been to strengthen cultural awareness and safety within vocational education, ensuring Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing are respected in every learning space.
The First Nations pilot of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment at The Gordon Institute was worth more to Shirley than gaining a teaching qualification. She discovered a space to grow, connect and lead. The course was specifically designed to support mob, respecting their strengths, experiences and ways of learning. It empowered Shirley to build inclusive, trauma-informed learning environments and gave her the tools and confidence to become an educator who supports the next generation.
Now teaching the Diploma of Community Services at The Gordon Institute, Shirley is shaping the next generation of community service workers through the lens of cultural integrity, lived experience and an unwavering belief in education as a tool for self-determination and change.
Kareena Robinson
Swinburne University of Technology - Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management
Experiencing first-hand the challenges faced by her people, Kareena’s practice is guided by a powerful commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Kareena’s exceptional career is grounded in compassion, advocacy and leadership. After completing two Certificate IVs in Community Services and Child, Youth and Family Intervention, she pursued further qualifications. This included a Diploma of Community Services and a Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management at Swinburne, supported by her employer, VACCA (Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency).
Kareena’s studies enhanced her role as a team leader in VACCA’s therapeutic family violence and justice team where she innovated several programs. This includes a community action plan to support people in out-of-home care, staff wellbeing initiatives, and an accessible reading program for children, incorporating Elder support.
A deep connection with her community is a source of strength and inspiration, and involvement with VACCA provides Kareena with the opportunity to deliver culturally safe and empowering services.
Zelman Wilkinson
Box Hill Institute - Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
Self-confessed geek Zelman has always been a creative thinker and problem solver. A life changing accident saw him spend six months in rehabilitation. Post-recovery he tried a few career pathways, then his dad encouraged him to consider a trade. He hasn’t looked back since enrolling in a Certificate II in Electrotechnology at Box Hill Institute, followed by a Certificate III in Electronics and Communications via a specialist communications company.
Hands-on learning and being educated by industry experts, Zelman became a standout technician, recognised for his fault-diagnosis skills. His teacher noted that his intuition and skill in solving complex problems was the best he’d seen. He displayed strong leadership under pressure, and generosity in mentoring younger apprentices.
Zelman is proudest of his work supporting remote Indigenous communities where he redesigned communications infrastructure to ensure access in areas with little to no service. His technical excellence and commitment to helping others made him a vital team member.
This award recognises innovation and excellence by a teacher/trainer providing nationally recognised training to students in the Victorian TAFE and training sector.
Congratulations Tarmi A'Vard, 2025 Teacher/Trainer of the Year winner
Bendigo TAFE - Diploma of Justice, Certificate IV Community Services, Diploma of Community Services, Course in Identifying and Responding to Family Violence
Tarmi has 20 years of professional experience in roles in adult community corrections, youth justice and Aboriginal co-operatives. Prior to joining TAFE, she taught criminology and criminal justice in the university sector, where she developed a strong theoretical foundation that she now applies in the Diploma of Justice and Diploma of Community Services programs at Bendigo TAFE.
Academic rigor is integrated with real-world application to prepare students for working in the sector including excursions to courts and prisons. The student cohort is diverse, from school leavers to those with educational barriers, so Tarmi uses flipped classrooms, simulations, and trauma-informed methods. One key innovation has been in developing real case simulations where students explore progressive case file activity, practice risk assessments, and engage with complex justice concepts, which builds confidence and job-readiness.
Tarmi’s initiatives strengthened applied learning, improved assessment outcomes, increased enrolments and opened new pathways for justice careers and further education, including degrees in criminology and law.
Ben Pratt
Gordon Institute of TAFE - Certificate III Barbering
Ben’s at the cutting edge of barbering education, which he transformed with innovative learning methodologies prioritising live experience and digital engagement. Teaching across several dynamic TAFE environments, he blends practical workshops with online tools. Weekly community service excursions take students off the mannequins and onto the human as they provide free haircuts throughout Geelong. In 2024 they delivered over 300 free professional haircuts to people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.
Moving from an education that was largely text-based with the occasional demonstration, Ben produced a comprehensive digital ecosystem including step-by-step videos, visual guides, and interactive quizzes. This increased weekly access to 95% compared to 40% usage of previous resources, and increased assessment pass rates by 50%.
Setting a new national benchmark in barbering education, Ben’s learners are set up for success with a 90% graduate employment rate, surpassing the state average of 75%. His videos have been adopted by over 10 TAFEs nationwide.
Chris Dickeson
Gordon Institute of TAFE - Certificate II in Construction Pathways
With 25 years of carpentry experience and over a decade in vocational education, Chris delivers construction pathway programs at The Gordon TAFE, supporting 15–24-year-olds facing issues such as limited education, long-term unemployment, and trauma or justice-related challenges. Preparing them for commercial construction work required adaptive, trauma-informed teaching methods.
In 2024, Chris led the teaching of the Geelong cohort of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Early Engagement Social Procurement (GEESP) program - a collaborative initiative offering Certificate II in Construction Pathways, which includes life skills training. Guided by the belief that every learner deserves high-quality education, he delivered initiatives that made learners feel respected and supported for the first time in an educational setting. This included literacy support and an innovative Job-Ready Toolbox that embedded soft skills into the carpentry units.
Chris’s bespoke training resulted in over 18 students gaining apprenticeships across multiple skillsets and 38 apprentices employed on the project. His initiatives provide the tools for social change and workforce development, highlighting VET’s power to change lives.
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