Bendigo TAFE’s Diploma of Nursing graduate Brendan Key has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Victorian Training Awards’ Vocational Student of the Year. The announcement was made by the Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert on 12 July.
“It’s a real honour to be shortlisted for the Victorian Training Awards. I’m looking forward to representing myself, TAFE and my family,” said Brendan, who also achieved Bendigo TAFE’s 2015 Vocational Student of the Year Award this March.
Prior to his studies Brendan worked within the Australian Defence Force and his experiences included facilitating children health checks within Aboriginal communities. This inspired him to enter the nursing field and get the skills he needs to contribute to remote healthcare in the future.
“Since completing my studies I’ve gained employment with St John of God Healthcare in their one-year graduate program. I look forward to a long career in this field, and my passion will one day lead me to be a mental health nurse in Indigenous health in remote areas of Australia,” he said.
Minister Herbert also announced Bendigo Kangan Institute, the parent organisation of Bendigo TAFE, as a finalist in the Victorian Training Awards’ Large Training Provider category.
“I’d like to congratulate Brendan for being named a finalist for the VET Vocational Student of the Year Award. It’s an incredible attribute to his creativity, hard work and achievements,” said Bendigo Kangan Institute’s CEO Trevor Schwenke.
“To be shortlisted as a finalist in the Victorian Large Training Provider Award is an enormous recognition of everything that Bendigo Kangan Institute has achieved in 2015, including our financial turnaround, integration progress and industry partnerships, all amidst a challenging time for the TAFE sector in general.
“Our success in 2015 is a real testament to the quality of our people and support of our customers, and we entered this award as an acknowledgement to them.”
The annual Victorian Training Awards recognises and awards outstanding achievements amongst training providers, teachers, vocational students and more. Victorian winners will be announced on 26 August and have the opportunity to progress into the 2016 Australian Training Awards within their respective categories.
