SWTAFE shortlisted for three major training awards

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 /

South West TAFE has been shortlisted as a Victorian Training Award finalist for Large Training Provider of the Year, Industry Collaboration Award and Trainee of the Year for former business student Trephy Grant.

South West TAFE won the Large Training Provider of the Year title in 2020 and was again a finalist in 2023.

CEO Mark Fidge said the nominations recognised South West TAFE’s excellent outcomes for students and local industry and its close connection to the community.

“To win the Large Training Provider award in 2020 and then be shortlisted as a finalist twice within the next few years is a wonderful tribute to our staff and students and something the community should be proud of,” Mr Fidge said.

“We consistently achieve great outcomes for more than 6000 students and our courses respond to identified skills shortages in high-demand professions,” he said.

“We continue to innovate and deliver opportunities and good job outcomes for our region.”

South West TAFE is the only regional provider shortlisted for the Large Training Provider award and will compete with Melbourne Polytechnic and Box Hill Institute.

Mr Fidge added that the Industry Collaboration Award shortlisting reflected South West TAFE’s ongoing commitment to working with the community and local industry to address pressing workforce demands across the region.

The nomination is for the Aged Care Mobile Skills Lab, a workforce development collaboration between South West TAFE as the lead organisation and disability and aged care providers Eventide, Calvary Community Care, Edgarley Assisted Living, Mulleraterong.

The Mobile Skills Lab is the first-of-its-kind in Victoria, and uses a purpose-built motorhome to create a simulated aged care workplace environment.

Mr Fidge said this allowed training to be taken on the road to all types of nursing homes and aged care facilities. The Mobile Skills Labs has so far supported more than 75 trainees.

Mr Fidge added that it was pleasing a TAFE graduate was being recognised as a finalist, reflecting the strong focus on getting the best outcomes for all students.

Ms Grant completed a Certificate III in Business with SWTAFE as a traineeship. Her employer during the traineeship was Westvic Staffing Solutions and she was hosted by Western District Food Share.

The winners will be announced in Melbourne on August 30.