The awards recognise excellence across the state’s vocational education sector. Fifteen winners were amongst the record number of nominations received this year.

Jayco was crowned Large Employer of the Year, while Melbourne Polytechnic is the Inclusive Training Provider of the Year.

The strength of this year’s competition highlights the state’s thriving TAFE and vocational education and training sector and points towards continued success.

Both will be amongst the Victorian contingent representing the state the Australian Training Awards in Hobart in November 2023.

Jayco – Large Employer of the Year

Jayco Australia is an iconic brand of recreational vehicles and a family business that employs more than 1,100 employees, around 40 per cent of who are actively engaged in training each year. Their commitment to training contributes to increased productivity, improved product quality and a highly skilled workforce capable of driving industry growth and technological leadership.

Located on a 50-acre state-of-the art facility, employees spend an average of 15 hours per month in training, utilising the Jayco Training Academy or ‘Dojo’, their hub for immersive learning experiences to deliver qualifications and courses in leadership, service and repair, competitive systems and practices, engineering-fabrication, plumbing, and women in leadership programs.

The Victorian Chamber is also active with Jayco, delivering the Certificate III in Competitive Systems and Practices to Jayco’s front-line workers. This qualification upskills staff in applying competitive systems and practices to their work as well as assisting others.

Melbourne Polytechnic - Inclusive Training Provider of the Year

Melbourne Polytechnic’s (MP’s) commitment to supporting people living with disability is a core value. They’re the only TAFE provider delivering Auslan qualifications in Victoria and the second largest employer of deaf people.

In 2022 MP launched its All Abilities Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy to ensure accessible and inclusive education for students living with disability.

MP’s Work Education Centre delivers tailored programs specifically designed for learners with disabilities and complex needs, and provides job specific skills. Full wraparound supports contribute to completion rates being comparable to other cohorts, and their focus on inclusivity has resulted in outstanding achievements and student wellbeing.

Rebecca Hope, Certificate IV in Business at Melbourne Polytechnic, was also announced as the Trainee of the Year.

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said: “Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Victorian Training Awards – their contribution to our community is incredible, whether they are a student, teacher or an industry leader.

“The strong competition in the Victorian Training Awards is a clear sign that our vocational education system is growing and thriving – there’s no doubt we’re helping more Victorians find a job they love and can succeed in.”

Other Melbourne Chamber members were recognised in individual awards. These included Chisholm Institute, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR), NECA Education and Careers and Kangan Institute.

For the full list of winners visit the Victorian Training Awards 2023.