The Kangan Institute held its annual awards presentation at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne which recognises the elite apprentices from the full spectrum of trades taught across the network. The National Collision Repairer was invited and reports on the young talent from the Automotive Centre of Excellence.
The MC for the evening was TV celebrity and successful businesswoman Shelley Ware, who introduced Bunurong Elder, Uncle Shane Clarke to perform the Welcome to Country, on behalf of the traditional owners of the land on which the event was held, before Bendigo Kangan Institute’s CEO, Sally Curtain took to the stage.
Curtain congratulated the 76 award recipients who were presented on the night. In acknowledging the ongoing challenges of 2021, Curtain stated that she was proud to be the CEO as the students celebrate their achievements of the past year. She acknowledged the support of her board, the patrons and sponsors of this year’s event and recognise that the students are on a path of excellence towards becoming leaders in their respective fields.
The Automotive Industry Awards were presented by Christine Brown, Director of Automotive at Bendigo Kangan Institute.
Industry leading coatings company PPG Industries, represented by Chris Edwards, once again sponsored the Automotive Refinishing Technology Apprentice of the Year award, which was won by Jing He of WPC Group. Global organisation built on innovation 3M, represented by Matt Gennari, sponsored the Automotive Body Repair Apprentice of the Year, which was won by Hayden Vincent of Agee Panels & Towing.
The Sheen Group, a key client of Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence, also recognised their own apprentices, with Mark Reining from their Ferntree Gully facility being awarded the Sheen Group Refinishing Apprentice of the Year and Paul Rubino from their Bullen facility being awarded the Sheen Group Body Repair Apprentice of the Year.
Gavin Cribb, Education Manager at the Automotive Centre of Excellence, summed up the evening: “It has been wonderful to be able hold a live event once again, especially as it has been such a success. On behalf of the Institute, I congratulate the students and their families, as well as the teachers and trainers who have been so influential in the development of these young men and women.”
At the conclusion of the evening Ware wrapped up proceedings, thanking the special guests, teachers and staff, award recipients and, most importantly, the families and friends of all the apprentices who, she reiterated, are the future leaders in their respective fields.
Look for the full story and lots of pics in the April issue.