GOTAFE Agriculture Trainer recognised at Victorian Training Awards
GOTAFE would like to congratulate Trainer and Assessor Agriculture Megan Dodd, who was named a finalist at the 2024 Victorian Training Awards.
Trainer and Assessor Agriculture Megan Dodd was nominated for the Trainer/Teacher of the Year award in July and attended the award ceremony at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre recently.
Being a finalist at the awards recognises Megan’s collaboration efforts with industry and commitment to providing a skilled agriculture workforce for years to come.
Megan also dedicates time to upskilling and learning about innovations within industry, with collaboration within various professional bodies, including the Victorian TAFE Association, the National Herd Improvement Association, and Dairy Australia.
Megan has been a Trainer and Assessor at GOTAFE since 2007, and said she is very proud to be named a finalist in the Trainer of the Year category.
"I am really passionate about what I do and honoured to be nominated as a finalist. My dedication to advancing VET practice and driving positive change within the agriculture industry is unwavering."
Megan’s favourite part about being a trainer and assessor at GOTAFE is imparting her passion and knowledge onto students and staff.
“I love working with students and seeing their enthusiasm and sense of achievement when they acquire new skills and knowledge,” she said.
The Victorian Skills Authority recently confirmed that the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry in Victoria will need an additional 3000 workers over the next three years.
“We know the agriculture and horticulture industries are vital to the future of our region," Megan said.
“It is therefore crucial that we provide pathways, career opportunities and training for people who want to join this workforce.”
With 25 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural production occurring in Greater Shepparton alone, trainers like Megan are playing a critical role in ensuring there is enough workers to meet demand.
As many new courses in agriculture and horticulture are on the horizon as part of GOTAFE's Future of Agriculture project, Executive Director of Student Experience Laura Baker says it is an exciting time to be a student at GOTAFE.
“GOTAFE is working hard to ensure agriculture students are equipped with the appropriate skills as the industry evolves,” Ms Baker said.
“Megan's nomination reflects the dedication GOTAFE is putting into adequately supporting our local industries.
“We are excited to see the impact of her training over the years to come.”