Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE

Victorian Training Awards

2008 Teacher/Trainer of the Year

Robyn Richards - National Centre for Equine Education

Through her work, Robyn has demonstrated a long-standng commitment to the animal sciences industry and to best pratice teaching at Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE.

Robyn is a co-ordinator in the animal sciences and equine department and is based at the Christensen Lane Campus in Wangaratta but also teaches at the Seymour Campus and in the workplace.

Robyn's innovative teaching style and ability to engage her students in learning were some of the reasons for her success. Robyn also works closely with the animal science and equine industries to ensure their needs are met and that her training is truly vocational.

Robyn is responsible for several key initiatives within GOTAFE and is a leader and mentor amongst her colleagues and is well respected within the equine and veterinary industries. She is responsible for the implementation of a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing to GOTAFE and the Certificate III in Equine Nursing, the only qualification delivered for this sector in Victoria.

Robyn implemented the inaugural NCEE/Animal Sciences Roadshow across Victoria in 2007 and has developed a handbook for staff, apprentices and employers which improves understanding of workplace training and is being introduced across Victoria.

2008 Employer of the Year

Ridley AgriProducts

Pakenham based stock feed producer, Ridley AgriProducts has forged strong partnerships with training providers such as Innoven, a business unit of GOTAFE, to foster a culture of continual improvement, making the company Australia's leading supplier of stock feed.

Innoven has supported Ridley AgriProducts with a range of in-house training in Food Processing, Competitive Manufacturing and the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to deliver innovative, business-oriented solutions and high standards of training excellence.

2008 Finalists

Victorian Koorie Student of the Year - Erin Peers

Erin has completed her VCE and vocational studies - a Certificate IV in Health (Nursing) at Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE - while also working part time in an aged care facility.

Victorian Trainee of the Year - Jason Smith

Jason was nominated for his outstanding efforts undertaking a Certificate IV in Agriculture at Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE while completing a traineeship with the McGillivray family's Pepperview Dairy Farm at Gunbower.

Victorian VET Client Services/Support Excellence - Michael Loscavo

Michael has been instrumental in developing a more customer-focused, strategic approach to disability services delivery at Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, where he holds the position of Disability Liaison Officer.