Media releases

Finalists for the 69^th Victorian Training Awards (VTA) have been announced with Federation TAFE in contention for Trainee of the Year, Teacher/Trainer of the Year and Vocational Student of the Year.

Diploma of Information Technology student, Gabriel Gervasoni has been named as a finalist for Trainee of the Year. Gabriel who is profoundly vision impaired is passionate about working in the IT industry and improving the lives of people who live with disabilities through the development of apps and software.

Federation TAFE engineering teacher, Justin Bisson has been named a finalist for Teacher/Trainer of the Year which recognises innovation and excellence. Justin was nominated for his passion for engineering, and innovative and student-focused approach to learning and teaching after introducing an almost entirely online, self-paced course encompassing two qualifications.

Barbara Muller is a finalist in the Vocational Student of the Year category for a student whose outstanding achievement in a course of study led to a nationally recognised qualification. Barbara studied an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) and was nominated for her dedication to her studies, passion, and high academic achievement.

The prestigious VTA honour the best in Victoria’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, celebrating outstanding achievement of apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, employers, training providers, and industry. The finalists were announced by Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney. 

Recipients of the awards will be announced at the Victorian Training Awards Gala on Friday 18 August, coinciding with the WorldSkills Australian National Championships in Melbourne.

Winners will later have the chance to represent Victoria at the 2024 Australian Training Awards, the peak national Awards showcasing best practice in vocational education and training.

VTA winners will receive $5,000 in prize money and a trophy while winners of the People’s Choice Awards, open to finalists from individual categories and decided by online public voting, will receive a laptop valued at more than $2,000.

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Liam Sloan

“Federation TAFE is on a journey to becoming the number one TAFE in Victoria and to have three finalists in the Victorian Training Awards means we are well on our way. Our teachers are passionate about their students, and many are acknowledged by industries and schools for the great work that they do. Justin’s nomination is well deserved and backed by glowing references by colleagues and students. His innovative changes to engineering course delivery were responsive to student needs and helping them achieve their best.”

“Gabriel is a remarkable young man who has excelled in both his studies at Federation TAFE and through his work as a disability advocate which has already seen him awarded Ballarat’s Young Citizen of the Year and a Vision Australia Youth Award amongst other honours. For Gabriel to also be named Federation TAFE’s Trainee of the Year would be most fitting.”

“Barbara’s dedication to her studies and passion for building design is clear and translated to high academic outcomes. She was a model student and has become a fantastic advocate for the building design program and Federation. Barbara is a wonderful example of the ways Federation TAFE transforms lives and delivers the best possible outcomes for our students, giving them a head start on a successful career.”

Quote attributable to Trainee of the Year finalist Gabriel Gervasoni

“Being named a finalist in the Victorian Training Awards is an immense honour, I’m flabbergasted! I enjoyed my time studying at Federation TAFE. The teachers were really helpful and knew their stuff. If I was awarded Trainee of the Year, I would leverage off that to further raise awareness of people with disabilities.”

Quote attributable to Teacher/Trainer of the Year finalist Justin Bisson

“I am honoured to be considered for Teacher/Trainer of the Year. I love teaching and seeing a students’ face light up when they suddenly ‘get’ a concept. So many teachers have great ideas and do a lot for their courses. We have a passion for teaching and engagement with students and I think when that is captured, we do well.”

Quote attributable to Vocational Student of the Year finalist Barbara Muller

“I am extremely humbled to have been nominated. Studying this course has been a lifelong dream. The level of training at Federation TAFE is of a high standard and the trainers are informative, friendly, knowledgeable and take the time to make sure students understand the learning. My time studying at Federation has been one of the most enjoyable of my life, so much so that I am continuing my studies to one day return as a vocational trainer and share my passion with others. The trainers of the Advanced Diploma were instrumental in this.”