Image of Kangan Institute major award winners: (L-R) Rebecca McBride, Wyatt Tucker, Ally (Patricia) De La Rosa, Abshir Ciid, Laura Macpherson and Isaiah Carney

Kangan Institute’s Industry Excellence Awards showcased the power of hands-on learning to build confidence, open career pathways and strengthen the industries that rely on skilled workers.

This year’s celebration highlighted how practical training continues to change lives and support success for students, apprentices and the communities they serve.

Meet some of our award winners:

Kangan Institute Student of the Year: Ally (Patricia) De La Rosa 
Award Sponsor: Rotary Club of Essendon

From sweeping salon floors to Student of the Year, Ally proves it’s never too late to start again

When Ally De La Rosa moved from Mexico to Australia on her own at 20, she brought with her a creative spirit, a formidable work ethic and a love for storytelling through hair and makeup.

After two decades working in film, she reinvented herself at 43 with the aim to deepen her craft in hair so she could step onto sets and into salons with greater confidence and range.

Enrolling in hairdressing (and later barbering) at Kangan Institute, Ally found herself captivated. What began as upskilling quickly became something more. Techniques that once felt unfamiliar became a new language she couldn’t stop speaking.

“I didn’t think I was going to love it that much, and now I’m obsessed with hair. I love it,” she said.

While studying, Ally discovered a learning environment that mirrors industry: diverse peers, complementary teaching styles and facilities that feel like a working salon. 

 Ally soon took on an apprenticeship at a local salon and embraced the humility of being a beginner, sweeping floors and cleaning stations. 

“It’s not exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I had to start again,” she said. “I wanted to feel more confident, and learning made that possible.”

With two teenagers at home, Ally needed flexibility and grit. She added pre-dawn shifts at ABC News two days a week doing hairstyling – 3:30am starts that let her study and work in the salon later in the day. Three worlds that fed into each other: the precision and pace of live news, the technical focus in class and the client care refined in the salon. 

That determination and the way she has translated learning into impact has earned her Kangan Institute’s 2026 Student of the Year award.

For Ally, craft and community go hand in hand. She and her partner are in the process of converting a van into a mobile salon, a project designed to bring free haircuts (and even face painting for kids) to orphanages and community centres.

It’s a way to take high-quality, dignity-affirming services to people where they are.

“It’s not about the skills I’m getting, it’s what I can do for communities,” she said.

“I thought that maybe because I was older, it was too late to learn something else. It’s the opposite. Because I really wanted it, it became an obsession,” she said.

In addition to the Kangan Institute Student of the Year, Ally was also awarded:

• Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Hairdressing, sponsored by Haircare Group

Ally studied Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416)

You can watch Ally’s story here: https://youtu.be/3tsyH1Zg3-A 

Image of Kangan Institute Student of the Year: Ally (Patricia) De La Rosa

Kangan Institute Apprentice of the Year: Wyatt Tucker 
Award Sponsor: Precision Group

Country mechanic future‑proofing his family business for the EV era named Apprentice of the Year

Growing up on the family farm in Edenhope, a small Victorian town near the South Australian border, Wyatt Tucker was surrounded by engines, tools and the steady rhythm of country life.

That early fascination became a career path when Wyatt joined the family business, Tucker’s Auto Care – a small but vital workshop servicing the local community.

With just two bays and two people, the shop handles everything from tractors and farm machinery to classic car restorations, smash repairs and everyday maintenance. In a town where everyone relies on their vehicle, versatility isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Working side by side with his father (and mentor) Wyatt realised he wanted to deepen his skills and broaden the services the workshop could offer.

What began as a single apprenticeship grew into something bigger. Wyatt completed qualifications in automotive air conditioning and automotive body repair before moving into automotive electrical technology at Kangan Institute, a decision driven by the rapid shift toward hybrid and electric vehicles.

“I didn’t originally think I was going to do three apprenticeships,” Wyatt said.

“But with the cars moving into the EV and hybrid technology, you need to understand high-voltage systems and how to safely de-power them. That’s where the electrical side became so important.”

Training at Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence in Docklands gave Wyatt access to industry-leading facilities and hands-on experience that he could immediately apply back home.

“It gives you a great preset for what you need to bring ack home and develop your own business,” he said.

“You can’t plan or quote a job properly unless you understand what’s behind what you’re repairing.”

Wyatt’s commitment to learning, his adaptability and drive to future-proof his family’s business has now earned him the Kangan Institute Apprentice of the Year Award. 

Looking ahead, Wyatt and his family are preparing for the next chapter. 

As demand grows, the family is set to build a new expanded workshop, to support Edenhope, surrounding farming districts and neighbouring towns.

“The need is huge out there,” Wyatt said.

“Everyone relies on each other. That’s why it’s so important to keep building and improving what we do.”

In addition to the Kangan Institute Apprentice of the Year, Wyatt was also awarded:

• Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Electrical Technology, sponsored by Training Systems Australia

Wyatt studied Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology (Auto Electrical) (AUR30320)

You can watch Wyatt’s story here: https://youtu.be/Asr8oa-mmPo 

Image of Kangan Institute Apprentice of the Year: Wyatt Tucker

Quotes attributable to Kangan Institute CEO Laura Macpherson:

"Our Industry Excellence Awards shine a light on the passion and hard work our students bring to every challenge.”

“Their journeys remind us how powerful vocational education can be in opening doors, building confidence and shaping the skilled communities our industries depend on.”

FULL LIST OF AWARDS

Institute wide awards

Kangan Institute Student of the Year 
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Essendon 
Ally (Patricia) De La Rosa

Kangan Institute Apprentice of the Year 
Sponsored by Precision Group 
Wyatt Tucker

Kangan Institute Inspirational Student of the Year 
Sponsored by Kinaway 
Rebecca McBride

Uncle Norm Hunter Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 
Sponsored by Apprenticeship Employment Network 
Isaiah Carney

Kangan Institute Inclusivity and Accessibility Award 
Sponsored by Beyond Training 
Abshir Ciid

AUTOMOTIVE awards

A.R. (Dick) Jackson Award 
Sponsored by NextGen Jobs 
Jeremiah Sackie

Alice Anderson Award 
Sponsored by Trades Women Australia 
Star Bux

Apprentice of the Year: Automotive/Lionel Gell School of Instruction Award in Automotive 
Sponsored by Sir Henry Royce Foundation 
Hayden Peggie 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Electrical Technology 
Sponsored by Training Systems Australia 
Wyatt Tucker 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations – Bus, Truck and Trailer 
Sponsored by Saint Gobain Abbrasives 
Rhys Dicker 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Parts Interpreting 
Sponsored by Repco Authorised Service 
Hayley Macleod 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Refinishing Technology 
Sponsored by PPG Industries 
Ai Hosseini 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Body Repair Technology 
Sponsored by 3M 
William Wayside 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Diesel Engine Technology 
Sponsored by Cummins South Pacific 
Zeth Blandthorn 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology 
Sponsored by Patterson Cheney/Westcar Trucks 
Cooper Engellenner 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology 
Sponsored by mycar Tyre & Auto 
Damien Trcka  
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Marine Mechanical Technology 
Sponsored by Mercury Marine 
Jacob Swan 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Mobile Plant Technology 
Sponsored by William Adams CAT 
Cate Gledhill 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Mobile Plant Technology (Forklift) 
Sponsored by Gates Australia 
Christopher Baguley 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Motorcycle Mechanical Technology 
Sponsored by Yamaha 
Jeremy Inns 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Outdoor Power Equipment Technology 
Sponsored by EGO 
Aaron Williamson 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Workplace delivery in Light Vehicle 
Sponsored by Kangan Institute 
Dechlan Morrison 
 
Automotive Inspirational Student of the Year 
Sponsored by Logicar 
Bailey Dunwoodie 
 
Automotive Pre-Apprentice of the Year 
Sponsored by Training Systems Australia 
Matthew Wang 
 
Automotive Student of the Year: Motorsport 
Sponsored by Walkinshaw Andretti United 
William Brownlee 
 
School-Based Apprentice/Trainee (SBAT) of the Year: Automotive 
Sponsored by Century Yuasa Batteries PTY LTD 
Morgan Ferguson 
 
Sir Henry Royce Foundation Award for Excellence 
Sponsored by Sir Henry Royce Foundation 
Hayden Collins 
 
The Linsday Fox Heavy Vehicle Technician Excellence Award 
Sponsored by Kangan Institute 
Nikita Ryan 
 
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Workplace delivery in Heavy Vehicle 
Sponsored by SP Tools 
Liam Anderson 
 
DIGITAL awards

Digital Technology Award 
Sponsored by Versa Agency 
Seyedeh Masoumeh Bayat Ghiasi 
 
FOUNDATION and PATHWAYS awards

Foundation and Education Centre’s Achievement Award 
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Essendon 
Juwayriyah Loukil 
 
HAIR, BEAUTY, BARBERING & CREATIVE awards

Apprentice of the Year: Certificate III in Barbering (ob Job) 
Sponsored by Excellent Edges 

Mitchell Clark 
Apprentice of the Year: Certificate III in Hairdressing 
Sponsored by Eleven 
Konstantina Xistras 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Certificate III in Hairdressing (in Salon) 
Sponsored by Pivot Point 
Indiana Horsfall 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Barbering 
Sponsored by Kings Domain Barber Shop 
Gidey Tesfay 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Beauty Services 
Sponsored by MyHair and Crown Brush 
Jorja Sullivan 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Hairdressing 
Sponsored by Haircare Group 
Patricia Alejandrina (Ally) De La Rosa 
 
Outstanding Student: Diploma of Beauty Therapy 
Sponsored by Dermalogica and Algologie 
Paris Mignanelli 
 
HEALTH and COMMUNITY awards 
 
Most Inspirational Student of the Year: Certificate III in Pathology 
Sponsored by 4 Cyte Pathology 
Forugh (Rose) Bayramzade 
 
Most Inspirational Student: Nursing 
Sponsored by Elsevier 
Terra Hill 
 
Quality Improvement in Nursing (excellence in nursing) 
Sponsored by Laerdal 
Emnie Hassoun 
 
Student of the Year: Allied Health Assistance 
Sponsored by DPV Health 
Catherine Flower 
 
Student of the Year: Certificate III in Pathology Collection 
Sponsored by Limbs & Things 
Jordyn Nicholas 
 
Student of the Year: Certificate IV in Community Services 
Sponsored by Livingstone 
Isaiah Carney 
 
Student of the Year: Diploma of Community Services 
Sponsored by Anglicare Victoria 
Naela Taleb 
 
Student of the Year: Dental Assisting Work Based/ Trainee 
Sponsored by Colgate 
Tamike Costello 
 
Student of the Year: Diploma of Nursing 
Sponsored by La Trobe University 
Miriam Mitchell 
 
Student of the Year: Early Childhood Education and Care 
Sponsored by Little VIPS 
Iqra Ahsan 
 
Student of the Year: Health 
Sponsored by McFarlane 
Ei Ei Win Kyaw 
 
HOSPITALITY, COOKING and BAKING awards

Student of the Year: Baking 
Sponsored by Hop & Spice Restaurant 
Constantinos Lambrianou 
 
Student of the Year: Cookery 
Sponsored by onecollectivegroup 
Kira Fogarty 
 
Student of the Year: Hospitality 
Sponsored by Hotel Agencies 
Carla Beeg 
 
FOOD and LAND awards 

Apprentice of the Year: Parks and Gardens 
Sponsored by Social Garden 
Andrew Taylor 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Landscape Construction 
Sponsored by Kangan Institute 
Oliver Mcintosh 
 
Student of the Year: Animal Behaviour and Training 
Sponsored by Black Dog Wear 
Michaela Mastroianni 
 
Student of the Year: Animal Studies 
Sponsored by Exotic Veterinary Nurse Training 
Cassidy O’Neil 
 
Student of the Year: Animal Studies – Pet Grooming 
Sponsored by Oz Grooming World 
Rebecca McBride 
 
Student of the Year: Animal Studies – VETDSS 
Sponsored by APM Employment Services 
Natalie Ade 
 
Student of the Year: Horticulture 
Sponsored by Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria 
Matthew Hoyland 
 
Student of the Year: Veterinary Nursing 
Sponsored by ZebraVet 
Amanda Roos 
 
Workplace Delivery Student of the Year: Veterinary Nursing 
Sponsored by Royal Canin 
Megan Hughes

TRADES awards 
 
Outstanding Student: Construction Waterproofing (on Campus) 
Sponsored by Bostic 
David Pavlides 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Carpentry 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Codey Bourke 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Engineering (Fabrication) 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Aiden Young 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Engineering (Mechanical)  
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Ethan Elkin 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Wall and Floor Tiling 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Zane Tasevski 
 
Outstanding Electrical Student of the Year: Electrical 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Matthew Pera 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Norma Bamblett 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificate IV in Building and Construction 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Mandi Hilder 
 
Outstanding Student: Certificate IV in Engineering 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Moslem Dadpoariyan 

Outstanding Student: Diploma of Building and Construction 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Asghar Naseri 
 
Pre-Apprentice of the Year: Trade Skills Centre 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Branden Bernon 
 
VETDSS Student of the Year: Carpentry 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Alex De Ionno 
 
VETDSS Student of the Year: Electrical 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Mateen Goma 
 
VETDSS Student of the Year: Engineering 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Rhien Clements 
 
Outstanding Student: Workplace Based Student 
Sponsored by Crescent Tools 
Rahul Prajapati 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Electrotechnology Electrician 
Sponsored by Energy Safe Australia 
Joseph McCormick 
 
Pre-Apprentice of the Year: Electrical  
Sponsored by FXD 
Branden Bernon 
 
Student of the Year: Build 10 Program 
Sponsored by FXD 
Kaidence Giles 
 
VETDSS Student oof the Year: Trades Skills Centre 
Sponsored by FXD 
Mateen Goma 
 
Inspirational Student: Workplace Based Student 
Sponsored by McKay Training 
Rengtung Urai 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Plumbing 
Sponsored by Reece 
Benjamin Anderson 
 
Outstanding Women in Trade Apprentice of the Year  
Sponsored by Total Tools Bendigo 
Erica Linehan 
 
Apprentice of the Year: Trades Skills Centre 
Sponsored by Total Tools Bendigo 
Benjamin Anderson