Joshua Pyke and Ranim Yehya's journey to success earned them the top honours at Kangan Institute's annual Industry Excellence Awards. Their stories of resilience and ambition highlight the power of education.
More than 80 vocational students and apprentices were recognised at the event, with support from leading industry sponsors.
(Kangan Institute's 2025 Industry Excellence Awards Institute-wide winner awards with CEO Sally Curtain.)
Meet some of our student award winners:
Kangan Institute Student of the Year: Joshua Pyke
Award Sponsor: Rotary Club of Essendon
Joshua Pyke, 26, from Stawell, is Kangan Institute’s Student of the Year, honoured for his passion for the transport industry. A third-generation truck driver, Joshua started driving at 19, working 60-70 hours a week at Thomas Foods International while completing his Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations.
“It was my destiny, it just had to be done,” Joshua said.
For him, trucking is more than a career; it’s in his blood.
“The open road, the freedom, and seeing the country we live in – that’s what I love about it.”
Balancing full-time work, and study was intense, but Joshua made it work and praised the facilities and his supportive teachers.
“It was good to go back to the learning environment. If you want something, you just make it work,” he reflects.
That mindset saw him excel as a driver and the OHS representative for the transport side of the company.
Joshua’s achievements extend beyond his career. A former school captain and winner of the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Award, Josh also established a scholarship at his local high school, inspired by his mother’s tireless efforts to provide for their family.
“Students need the resources and financial help, so I take it upon my own shoulders. It all goes towards whatever they need to get through school.”
When asked if he’s proud of his journey, Joshua is humble but resolute.
“I’m proud of the challenges I’ve faced and how far I’ve come. There will always be challenges, but you just have to persevere. Turning back is not an option. Just soldier on.”
Joshua has his sights set on running the transport operations for Thomas Foods International, though he jokes that he’ll never fully leave the driver’s seat.
In addition to the Kangan Institute Student of the Year, Joshua was also awarded:
Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations, sponsored by Crescent Tools
View Joshua’s story: here
(Joshua Pyke is the Kangan Institute 2025 Student of the Year.)
Kangan Institute Inspirational Student of the Year: Ranim Yehya
Award Sponsor: Apprentice Employment Network
Ranim Yehya’s story is one of remarkable resilience. Born in Lebanon, Raim experienced adversity through the impact of war at a young age including losing her father and leaving school during Year 9 to support her family.
When Ranim moved to Australia she sought a new opportunity and enrolled in the Certificate III in Horticulture at Kangan Institute, combining her love for gardening with a desire to build a career.
“Irrigation, watching the garden grow – it’s my passion, my hobby, and my healing,” Ranim said. “Being outdoors makes me feel so happy.”
The support and kindness of her teachers, along with the nurturing environment of her classes, played a significant role in Ranim’s success.
“The support that you get from the teachers and the class environment helped me become who I am now,” she shared.
Ranim’s story is a powerful reminder that even after immense personal challenges, growth and success are possible with determination and the right support. She hopes her journey inspires others to never give up.
“Don’t ever doubt yourself. Challenge yourself,” Ranim said.
Kangan Institute is proud to celebrate Ranim’s achievements and her inspiring journey, reflecting the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education.
In addition to Kangan Institute’s Inspirational Student of the Year, Ranim was also awarded:
Student of the Year: Horticulture, sponsored by Garden Insitute of Victoria
View Ranim’s story: here
(Ranim Yehya is the Kangan Institute 2025 Inspirational Student of the Year.)
Comments for attributing – Sally Curtain, Chief Executive Officer at Kangan Institute:
“Joshua and Ranim exemplify how vocational education transforms lives. Their stories show how dedication and opportunity can lead to success for individuals and their communities.
“Vocational education opens doors and gives people the skills they need to thrive and make an impact in their industries.
“Kangan Institute is more than just a place of learning – it’s a launchpad for success. All our award-winning students demonstrated what’s possible when determination meets opportunity.”
FULL LIST OF AWARDS
Institute wide awards
Student of the Year
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Essendon
Joshua Pyke
Inspirational Student of the Year
Sponsored by Apprentice Employment Network
Ranim Yehya
Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Apprentice Employment Network
George Paterson
Uncle Norm Hunter Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Sponsored by Kinaway Chamber of Commerce
Sama Rind
FOUNDATION and PATHWAYS Awards
Foundation Education Centre’s Achievement Award
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Essendon
Spencer Campbell
HEALTH and COMMUNITY Awards
Student of the Year: Community Services
Sponsored by iCare Staffing
Raneen Jamal Abd El Aziz
Student of the Year: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Sponsored by Little V.I.P’s Maidstone
Hannah Ishaq
Student of the Year: Certificate III in Pathology Collection
Sponsored by McFarlane Medical
Alexandra (Sascha) Carter
Student of the Year: Diploma of Nursing
Sponsored by La Trobe University
Leanne Simpson
ANIMALS, PLANTS and SCIENCES Awards
Apprentice of the Year: Landscape Construction
Sponsored by Ventia
Charlie Beer
Apprentice of the Year: Parks and Gardens
Sponsored by Heiniger Australia
Janaka Deegodagamage
Student of the Year: Veterinary Nursing
Sponsored by Zebra Vet
Jordyn Naylor
Student of the Year: Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Sponsored by Green Hip Workwear
Lilian Taylor
Student of the Year: Horticulture
Sponsored by Nursery and Garden Institute of Victoria
Ranim Yehya
Student of the Year: Food Processing (Brewing)
Sponsored by Hop Products Australia
Stephane Meyer
Student of the Year: Animal Studies
Sponsored by APM Apprenticeships
Faye Hughes
HAIR, BEAUTY and BARBERING Awards
Outstanding Student: Certificiate III in Hairdressing
Sponsored by Haircare Group
Adrianne Shreeve
Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Barbering
Sponsored by Kings Domain
Sara Smith
Outstanding Student: Certificiate III in Beauty
Sponsored by MyHair and Crown Brush
Fatma Hammoud
Outstanding Student: Diploma of Beauty Therapy
Sponsored by Dermalogica and Algologie
Jazmin Poa
Apprentice of the Year: Hairdressing
Sponored by Eleven
Lyaniahchel NG Lam
Apprentice of the Year: Hairdressing (in Salon)
Sponsored by Pivot Point
Mia McPhee
Apprentice of the Year: Barbering (in Salon)
Sponsored by Excellent Edges
Liam Goodger
Digital Technology Award
Sponsored by Modern Promotions
Lewis Parmenter
Trainee of the Year: Professional and Creative
Sponsored by Kangan Institute
Sama Rind
Inspirational Student of the Year: Professional and Creative
sponsored by Precision Group
Janeane Baker
Student of the Year: Fashion
Sponsored by Parsons & Co
Olivia Galeotti
HOSPITALITY, COOKERY and BAKING Awards
Student of the Year: Bakery
Sponsored by Hop & Spice Restaurant
Leslie Mirandilla
AUTOMOTIVE Awards
School-Based Apprentice/Trainee (SBAT) of the Year: Automotive
Sponsored by Century Yuasa Batteries Pty Ltd
Aidan Bonato
Automotive Pre-apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by Training Systems Australia
William Brownlee
Automotive Centre of Excellence Star Apprentice Award
Sponsored by Kangan Institute
Cooper Fitzsimons
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Body Repair
Sponsored by 3M
Jordan Parker
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Body Repair – Sheen Group
Sponsored by Sheen Group
Joshua Dryden
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Refinishing Technology (Key client)
Sponsored by Sheen Group
Colin Mills
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Light Vehicle
Sponsored by MyCar
Rex Prentice
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Light Vehicle (Key client)
Sponsored by Repco Authorised Service
Thomas Patterson
Automotive: Apprentice of the Year: Heavy Vehicle
Sponsored by Westar Paterson Cheney
Surender Kumar
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Heavy Vehicle (Key client)
Sponsored by Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence
Nelson Grech
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Heavy Vehicle (Bus)
Sponsored by AMWU
Lili Usher-Chander
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Electrical
Sponsored by NAPA
Haydn Wilde
Automotive Electrical Achievement Award
Sponsored by Training Systems Australia
Dante Akin
Automotive Student of the Year: Motorsport
Sponsored by Walkinshaw Andretti United
Liam Schreyer
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Motorcycle
Sponsored by Peter Stevens Motorcycles
Harris Fisher
Automotive Apprentice Rising Star: Auto Body
Sponsored by Saint Gobain Abrasives
Andrew Nguyen
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Marine Technology
Sponsored by Mercury Marine
Benjamin Rowse
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Outdoor Pool Equipment
Sponsored by Briggs & Stratton
Akaiti Tangimama
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Refinishing Technology
Sponsored by PPG Australia
Joel Marotta
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Mobile Plant Technology
Sponsored by William Adams
Nicholas Fair
Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Parts Interpreting
Sponsored by Gates Australia
George Paterson
Inspirational Student of the Year: Automotive
Sponsored by SP Tools
Andrew Ouranios
Alice Anderson Award
Sponsored by Trades Women Australia
Brynn Luker
The Lindsay Fox Heavy Vehicle Technician Excellence Award
Sponsored by Kangan Institute's Automotive Centre of Excellence
Xavier Pitman
A.R. (Dick) Jackson Award
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Coburg
Ekrem Has
Apprentice of the Year: Automotive/Lionel Gell School of Instruction Award
Sponsored by Henry Royce Foundation
Michael Mercer
Sir Henry Royce Foundation Award for Excellence
Sponsored by Henry Royce Foundation
Beaudon Nash
TRADES Awards
Student of the Year: Build 10 Program
Sponsored by FXD
Ayden Andrews
Student of the Year: Build 10 Program
Sponsored by FXD
William Kelly
VETDSS Student of the Year: Engineering
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Joel Quadrio
VETDSS Student of the Year: Electrical
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Brodie Driver
VETDSS Student of the Year: Carpentry
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Alex De Lonno
VETDSS Student of the Year: Trade Skills Centre
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Alex De Lonno
Pre-Apprentice of the Year: Electrical
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Michael Formosa
Pre-Apprentice of the Year: Electrotechnology Technician
Sponsored by Energy Safe Victoria
Ronald Beerens
Apprentice of the Year: Plumbing
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Jonathan Sergiou
Apprentice of the Year: Carpentry
Sponsored by Milwaukee Tools
Myra Stevenson
Apprentice of the Year: Bricklaying and Blocklaying
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Declan Chenhall
Apprentice of the Year: Wall and Floor Tiling
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Te Ropu Hertakara – Rimene
Apprentice of the Year: Wall and Ceiling Lining
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Daniel Zinellu
Apprentice of the Year: Engineering (Fabrication)
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Dylan Galea
Apprentice of the Year: Engineering (Mechanical)
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Robert Occhipinti
Apprentice of the Year: Trade Skills Centre
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Robert Occhipinti
Outstanding Student: Certificate IV in Engineering
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Robert Occhipinti
Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Joshua Pyke
Outstanding Student: Certificate IV in Building and Construction
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Vanessa Arbon
Outstanding Student: Construction and Waterproofing
Sponsored by Gear Wrench
Ghulam Mustafa
Outstanding Student: Wall and Floor Tiling
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Ngun Lian
Outstanding Student: Concreting
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Frank Talarico
Outstanding Workplace Based Student
Sponsored by McKay Training
Brandon Schoon
Outstanding Student: Diploma of Building and Construction
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Matthew De Luca
Outstanding Women in Trade Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Crescent Tools
Alexia Karatzikos
Female Apprentice of the Year: Construction
Sponsored by Bendigo TAFE
Employed by Holloway Air Pty Ltd
Maddison Hargreaves-Hale (Bendigo TAFE student)
