Awards galore for Bendigo TAFE

A BENDIGO TAFE former apprentice turned carpentry teacher and two of its current students have taken out major accolades at the Master Builders Victoria (MBV) Apprentice of the Year Awards.

Torin Coakley was named Trainer of the Year, while Kirra Tranter won the AIB Florence M. Taylor Award, and Alexandra Thwaites the Developing Leader Award.

Mr Coakley said the recognition came as a “complete surprise.”

“I give a lot to support my students at all stages and it is so nice to have this recognition and appreciation,” he said.

Starting off at Bendigo TAFE in 1993, Mr Coakley’s career took him from Sydney to Canada, Thailand and the Pacific Islands before turning to teaching almost nine years ago.

He said he loves being able to build a rapport with his students and see them mature and grow in their knowledge.

“I try to be a mentor and role model for my students and someone they can call on even when they finish their apprenticeship,” he said.

“(I’m) always looking for ways to improve and ways that I can support not just apprentices and students but fellow trainers and (the) industry as a whole.”

In further good news, graduate Taylor Mann has been awarded the 2024 Outstanding Student of the Year by Design Matters National.

Now working at Penno Drafting and Design in Quarry Hill, Ms Mann previously completed the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural).

Ms Mann credits much of her success to the practical, real-world focus of the Bendigo TAFE course and the community she found among her classmates.

“Our group was small but close-knit,” she said.

“We all came from different backgrounds but shared a common passion. That made the experience even more enjoyable.”

Information on Bendigo TAFE’s trades and industrial courses can be found on its website.