Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE has taken out Victoria’s prestigious Large Training Provider of the Year and Teacher/Trainer of the Year awards for 2025.
The facility, which brings together Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute, was named Victoria’s Large Training Provider of the Year, winning the award for demonstrating excellence and high-level performance in vocational education and training.
Minister for Skills and TAFE, Gayle Tierney, yesterday visited Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE’s Echuca campus to celebrate its success.
“Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE is a shining example of Victoria’s world-class TAFEs, and it is no surprise that it has won the prestigious Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year award for a second time,” said Ms Tierney.
“We are proud to back regional TAFEs to deliver vocational education across the state, so that all Victorians can access high-quality training close to home regardless of where they live – because we’re on your side.”
Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE train over 37,000 students each year across nine campuses, four Centres of Excellence, and over 450 active industry partnerships. This includes a course in battery electric bus safety to support the Government’s $20 million Zero Emission Bus Trial and has trained 1,350 students in electric vehicle skills.
“Winning Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year is a powerful endorsement of our strategic ambition and sector leadership. It reflects the scale, innovation and impact we’ve delivered across Victoria. We’re proud to help shape the future of skills, workforce development and lifelong learning,” said Bendigo Kangan Institute Board Chair, Sharan Burrow AC.
Former Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE Chair, Margaret O’Rourke OAM (pictured), was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector award, recognising her years of leadership and dedication to vocational education and training.
Tarmi A’Vard, a community and justice teacher at Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE, was named Teacher/Trainer of the Year. Tarmi’s initiatives at the TAFE have strengthened applied learning, improved outcomes for students and opened new pathways for justice careers.
Engineering apprentice and Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE student Zac Dudderidge was also named as a finalist for School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year.
“Being named Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year is an incredible achievement for Bendigo Kangan Institute and a proud moment for vocational education in Victoria. This recognition celebrates the dedication of our educators, staff and students, and affirms our leadership in delivering inclusive, future-ready training that empowers individuals and strengthens communities,” said Bendigo Kangan Institute Interim CEO, Janelle Arena.
“We also congratulate Tarmi for winning Victorian Teacher of the Year and Zac for being a finalist. Tarmi and Zac’s achievements represent the highest recognition in vocational education, showcasing the excellence of our teaching.”
Bendigo Kangan Institute is one of Victoria’s largest training providers, with 37,000 students training across nine campuses in metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria and internationally each year.
One of Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE’s recent initiatives is the new Learning Hub in Castlemaine. The hub is a collaboration with local service provider Dhelkaya Health. A wing of Dhelkaya Health’s training hospital has been renovated to provide nursing, aged care and homecare learning spaces for Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE students.
Bendigo Kangan Institute is also delivering two new TAFE campuses in Melton and Sunbury. The Allan Labor Government has committed $80 million for these new campuses, which are expected to open in 2028.
