For the past 20 years, Bev Williams has helped more than 1,000 students tackle the big question of “what next?” as they complete their foundational studies and plan their next move.
As an automotive industry placements and pathways coordinator at Kangan Institute, Bev is a seasoned veteran in connecting students to work and apprenticeship opportunities so they can get their foot in the door.
Her work behind-the-scenes has not gone unnoticed with Bev recently recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List.
Simply doing a job she loves, Bev said the accolade was unexpected.
“I feel really humbled; I wasn’t expecting it at all. I’m just somebody going about doing my day-to-day job,” Bev said.
“I’m lucky because I really love my job; the little achievements when you see that somebody has got a job or apprenticeship.”
Based at Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence in Docklands, the majority of students supported by Bev have completed pre-apprenticeship courses in automotive and are wanting to find a job in industry.
More recently, she is focusing on connecting international students to employment across Melbourne.
“The value of my role is outcomes. For students, it’s giving them an outcome. Some young people have no idea how to apply for an apprenticeship or what to do,” Bev said.
“I work with all of them one on one, work out if they want to go to a placement or apprenticeship, and help them with resumes and cover letters, tying in with our Skills and Jobs Centre.
“I connect them to opportunities within their area of interest, in areas like paint and panel, heavy and light vehicle, agriculture and so on.
“There is a lot of interest in light vehicles, mostly vehicle mechanics, although we are also trying to broaden the outlook of students and letting them know there are other options, like trucks, mobile plants and motorcycles.”