Kangan Institute held its annual Graduation and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 17 February at the Moonee Valley Racing Club in celebration of students’ achievements and success throughout 2015.
The ceremony honoured graduates and top achievers from a wide range of study areas, including health and community, professional, creative and primary industries, automotive, foundations, construction and industrial.
Over 150 graduates from Broadmeadows, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Docklands and Richmond campuses attended the event, which was hosted by Andrew Morello, a Kangan Institute graduate who propelled to success as the winner of The Apprentice Australia – Season one.
The top award – Vocational Student of the Year sponsored by ANZ – was awarded to VCE and Certificate II in Business graduate Amanda Gharib of Glenroy, who overcame great odds to return to education after a challenging period away from Australia.
“When I was 14 my family and I were in Kurdistan on holiday when my father got into a car accident. His condition was bad and we weren’t able to travel and return home. We stayed in Kurdistan for three years – during that time I wasn’t able to go to school and I slowly started to lose English skills like grammar,” said Amanda.
“I was 17 when I returned to Australia and I wanted to go back to high school to complete year 10, but I wasn’t allowed to because of my age. But a family friend recommended Kangan Institute so I applied there.”
Amanda enrolled into the Certificate II in Business and VCAL, before progressing into the VCE in her second year. The opportunity to do work experience through the VCAL program was, according to Amanda, a key highlight of her studies.
“The work experience helped me secure a permanent role at a taxation agency, and I’ve been working there for two years now. I’ve never worked before starting at Kangan – the Institute has helped me to secure skills, experience and knowledge to find a job,” she said.
The 19-year-old, who experienced financial challenge while completing her studies, also expressed her gratitude for the support rendered by the Institute enabling her to complete her course without a hitch.
“The administrative staff and teachers helped me explore different payment plans for my course – this meant I was able to actually start studying,” said Amanda.
“The library was also an amazing facility for somebody like myself who wasn’t able to afford the books. I was borrowing books and using the internet from the library – it’s helped me and a lot of other people.”
Amanda already has her next steps planned – she is already accepted into university where she intends to complete Bachelor of Business (majoring in Management and Marketing). This award win serves as a motivation for her future.
“Just being nominated is an amazing feeling and it’s motivated me to do well in school – it showed that my hard work was recognised,” she said.
“I hope I can inspire others – it doesn’t really matter where you come from, you can always try your best and succeed.”
Other awards and winners for the evening include:
Adult Learner of the Year (Foundations & Pathways) – Ghada Bori
Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Essendon
Apprentice of the Year (Automotive, Construction & Industrial) – Ashley Poole
Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Essendon
Trainee of the Year (Automotive) – Daniel Domine
Sponsored by: MAS National
Outstanding Student in VET in Schools Program Award (Foundations & Pathways) – Van Biak Thang Liasi
Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Pasco Vale
Uncle Arnold Davis Award (Foundations & Pathways) – Jayde Roberts
Sponsored by: Broadmeadows Magistrates Court
Harold Richardson Student of the Year – Amanda Gharib
Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Pasco Vale
Gold Medallion (Automotive) – Dale Rhook
Sponsored by: Apprenticeships Group Australia
Gold Medallion (Health & Community) – Leila Asaad
Sponsored by: On Demand Printing
Gold Medallion (Professional, Creative & Primary Industries) – Simon Gandolfo
Sponsored by: Moonee Valley City Council
Gold Medallion (Foundations & Pathways) – Amanda Gharib
Sponsored by: Broadmeadows Magistrates Court
Gold Medallion (Construction And Industrial) – Darcy Elliot
Sponsored by: Apprenticeships Group Australia
