SuniTAFE has secured triple the chances of taking home a Victorian Training Award this year, with three students being named finalists for the prestigious awards.  

The Victorian Training Awards celebrate and honour the success of TAFE students from across Victoria, with three finalists for each major category announced by the Victorian Government last Friday.  

Third-year Carpentry apprentice Nathaniel Allford is in the running for Apprentice of the Year.  

Early Childhood Education and Care graduate Leonie Carter is a Vocational Student of the Year finalist.  
Finally, graduate Business trainee Saroj Khadka is a contender for Trainee of the Year.  

SuniTAFE Chief Executive Officer Brett Millington is proud to have three student finalists at this year's awards. 

“We’re incredibly proud to have three finalists recognised in statewide awards, celebrating their skills, talents, and hard work,” he said.  

“Each individual has their own story and their own journey through Vocational Education and Training, and SuniTAFE is proud to be a part of the journey by helping them to develop their skills.  

“This result is a direct reflection of the hard work of, and investment made by, our teachers and support staff who help to create an environment where learning excellence is celebrated.  

“Best of luck to our three finalists, we can’t wait to cheer you on in Melbourne.” 

The award winners will be announced at the Victorian Training Awards gala on 19 September.  
 

Finalist details

Nathaniel Allford - Certificate III in Carpentry
SMGT and Bruce Lee Builders

Leonie Carter - Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Werrimull P-12 School

Saroj Khadka - Certificate III in Business
SMGT and Mildura Rural City Council 
 

About the Victorian Training Awards

The Victorian Training Awards are the largest awards celebration in the Victorian TAFE sector, with nominees coming from every corner of the state.

The Awards have been recognising the hard work of students, teachers, and organisations in the TAFE and training sector for more than 70 years.

There are 14 awards in total in categories for individuals, businesses, and training providers. To be named a finalist is an immense achievement. The categories are highly competitive, and nominees go through rigorous judging processes to select a maximum of three finalists for each category.

This means that in three categories this year, students from Sunraysia are in the top three students in all of Victoria.

SuniTAFE's students are now part of a 7 decades-long legacy of hard working, dedicated, and community-minded finalists and, we hope, on September 19 they’ll join an even more exclusive list of winners.