Rachael Hilder named Kangan Institute Student of the Year

Kangan Institute has named community services and justice graduate Rachael Hilder its 2018 Student of the Year at the Class of 2018 Graduation and Awards Ceremony held last night.

More than 200 graduates from Broadmeadows, Docklands, Richmond, Essendon and Moonee Ponds campuses attended the ceremony, with 11 awards presented to the cohort’s top-achievers.  

Ms. Hilder, who accomplished diplomas in community services and justice in 18 months, received $1,000 from sponsor ANZ Bank as part of the Student of the Year Award.

The 48-year-old’s Kangan Institute journey began with a decision to pursue a career of her own following years as a primary carer and parent.

Class of 2018 Student of the Year Rachael Hilder.

“I’d always worked hours around my children and I had to quit two part-time jobs to return to study,” she said.

“My younger son has a disability so I was also his primary carer. He turned 18 and I decided that it was time for me to now be a little bit selfish and re-educate myself and have a new career.”

Currently employed as a full-time correctional officer, Ms. Hilder highlights the role that TAFE played in transforming her life.

“I’d like to thank Kangan Institute and all the staff at community services, justice and in administration,” she said.

“When I first started I didn’t even know how to do most of the things on the computer. It was only due to the dedication of the staff and their patience I was able to actually get through.

“I utilise all of the skills that I learnt through my community services diploma and my justice diploma in my day-to-day role.

“In twelve months I’m aiming to be a supervisor at the facility where I work and eventually I’d like to work for Corrections Victoria in parole.”

Kangan Institute’s interim CEO Phill Murphy congratulated all graduates and award winners for their achievements.

“On behalf of Kangan Institute I’d like to congratulate all the graduates and award winners for their successes. Their achievements highlight the significance of vocational education and training in transforming lives, shaping communities and providing value to industry,” he said.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the Victorian Government and our industry partners and award sponsors. Their support enables us to continue delivering quality training and producing skilled talents.”

Full list of award winners:

• Student of the Year – Rachael Hilder
  Sponsored by ANZ Bank
• Guide Dogs Victoria Inclusivity and Accessibility Award – Taitusi Matia
  Sponsored by Guide Dogs Victoria
• Inspirational Student of the Year – Megan Taylor
  Sponsored by Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale
• Trainee of the Year (non-trade) – Maddison Lyall
  Sponsored by Mercedes Warratah
• Gold Medallion Professional and Creative – Courtney Jaensch
  Sponsored by Social Garden
• Gold Medallion Foundations and Pathways – Elham Batrus Ayshoa
  Sponsored by Rotary Club of Essendon
• Uncle Norm Hunter Gold Medallion Indigenous Education – Emily Smith
  Sponsored by Broadmeadows Magistrates Court
• Gold Medallion in Food and Fibre – Ruth Cleveland
  Sponsored by Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale
• Gold Medallion in Health and Community – Rachael Hilder
  Sponsored by NORTH Link
• Gold Medallion Construction and Industrial – Raad Amer Asho
  Sponsored by MAS National
• Gold Medallion in Automotive – Lauren Honey
  Sponsored by Apprenticeships Group Australia Apprenticeships Plus