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2023 Victorian Training Awards - individual categories

Meet the 2023 individual category winners

2023 individual category winners and finalists

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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 Careers

Tia Claire Webb Certificate III in Hairdressing, Bendigo TAFE

Rebecca Hope

Certificate IV in Business, Melbourne Polytechnic

Rebecca Hope

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 Education

Gabriel Gervasoni Diploma of Information Technology, Federation TAFE

Barbara 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 TAFE

Joachim 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 Training

Thalia Spokes Victoria Police school-based program

Pearl Dunn

Diploma of Nursing, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE

Pearl Dunn Victorian Training Awards 2023 Koorie Student of the Year winner outside health workplace with physiotherapy on a board behind her

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, SkillInvest

Kurin Lelean Certificate IV in Youth Work, Holmesglen TAFE

Thomas 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 – Technical

Jill 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

Updated 12 January 2026

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