SuniTAFE was proudly represented at last Friday’s Victorian Training Awards gala, with a student and teacher both attending as finalists.

Swan Hill nursing graduate Emily Behrendt took out the People’s Choice Award for Koorie Student of the Year, which is a public vote that runs alongside the main awards.

Meanwhile, Heavy Automotive Teacher Will Sharpe was a runner up for the Teacher or Trainer of the Year category.

The annual awards are designed to reward high achieving students, teachers, employers, and institutes within the TAFE sector for their hard work and dedication.

This year marks 70 years since the first Victorian Training Awards and SuniTAFE could not be prouder to have been represented twice.

SuniTAFE Chief Executive Officer Brett Millington attended the gala in support of both finalists.

“It was a great evening, and we were all so pleased to see Emily and Will recognised as finalists for their achievements in the past year,” he said.

“Both had truly compelling stories behind their nominations, and it was great to see them celebrated accordingly.”

Emily Behrendt’s award recognition comes from her immense capacity for perseverance and her dedication to her training and career goals in spite of hardship.

She is now living her dreams as a nurse at Kerang District Health providing compassionate care to her local community.

Meanwhile, Will Sharpe’s nomination is the direct result of his student-centred approach to teaching and his commitment to improving educational outcomes.

Delivering four qualifications at the Mildura campus is a great responsibility that Will carries well, with his talent for teaching exemplified by his coaching of pupil Thomas Bevan who will compete in the International WorldSkills competition in France later this month.

Both finalists were one of three candidates in their respective categories and faced tough competition. 

SuniTAFE congratulates all 2024 Victorian Training Awards finalists and winners.