Wodonga TAFE’s reputation as a leading education and skills provider has been lifted further after being named Victoria’s large training provider of the year.
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The Victorian Training Awards, which recognises high-quality training being delivered across the state, were held in Melbourne on Friday. Wodonga TAFE is also the highest ranked in the Victorian TAFE sector for student and employer satisfaction.
The Border-based operator was chosen ahead of Melbourne’s Box Hill Institute and Holmesglen Institute in the large training provider category.
The ceremony, at Crown, saw winners named across 13 categories, from almost 40 finalists, and Wodonga TAFE will now represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards in Sydney on November 15.
Wodonga TAFE’s cookery and bakery teacher Sarah Whitling was a finalist in the teacher/trainer of the year while Christian Bashimbe was a finalist in the vocational student of the year category.
Mr Bashimbe, 25, arrived on the Border in February 2017 with his mother and five siblings, who fled conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and has dedicated himself to creating a better future for vulnerable groups.
Ms Whitling is dedicated to providing the highest grade of training and often local, national and international chefs to work alongside her students and apprentices at the McKoy Street campus.
She is enthusiastic about creating opportunities for marginalised groups, especially Aboriginal, ESL and disadvantaged youth.
After the finalists were named Wodonga TAFE chief executive Mark Dixon said it was recognition of the organisation’s commitment to the region.
“It validates the work that we do every day as an education provider within our community and with industry,” he said.
“This success, and the fact that Wodonga TAFE is ranked number one in Victoria for student and employer satisfaction, is only possible because of the amazing people we have at Wodonga TAFE.
Victorian Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said the state’s TAFEs helped ensure people were well equipped to enter the workforce.
“These awards put Victoria’s top vocational education and training performers in the spotlight,” Victorian Minister for Training and Skills, Gayle Tierney, said.
