Victorian Training Awards finalists

2025-07-22

The Gordon Celebrates Finalists in the 2025 Victorian Training Awards

The Gordon is proud to announce that four of its representatives have been named finalists in the prestigious 2025 Victorian Training Awards, now in their 71st year of recognising excellence in the TAFE and training sector.

The Gordon’s finalists span individual and industry award categories, showcasing the outstanding talent, teaching excellence, and strong industry partnerships the organisation is known for.

The Gordon finalists are:

  • Shirley Darcy, Koorie Student of the Year – Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
  • Chris Dickeson, Teacher/Trainer of the Year – Certificate II in Construction Pathways
  • Ben Pratt, Teacher/Trainer of the Year – Certificate III in Barbering
  • Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Early Engagement Social Procurement (GEESP) Program, Industry Collaboration Award
Shirley Darcy, Koorie Student of the Year

Being named a finalist is incredibly humbling. This journey has been about more than study – it’s been about reclaiming knowledge, building confidence, and giving back to community. I’m proud to represent my mob and inspire others to walk their own path through education.

Shirley Darcy - Finalist for the Koorie Student of the Year and a proud Wiradjuri woman from the Kulin Nation

The Victorian Training Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations across 14 categories, including students, apprentices, employers, and training providers from all corners of Victoria. 

The Gordon’s Chief Executive, Joe Ormeno said " these finalists reflect everything The Gordon stands for—exceptional learners, outstanding educators, and partnerships that create real impact. Their achievements showcase the power of vocational education to transform lives, build confidence, and connect people to opportunity. We’re proud to see our students, staff and partners recognised at this level—it’s a testament to what’s possible when TAFE is at its best.”

The Gordon is home to two of the three state-wide finalists in the highly coveted Teacher/Trainer of the Year category – highlighting the outstanding calibre and impact of its educators.

This year’s finalists hail from a mix of metropolitan and regional areas including Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura, Sale, Wangaratta and Wodonga.

The 2025 Victorian Training Awards Gala will be held on Friday 19 September at Centrepiece, Melbourne Park.

Category winners will go on to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards later in 2025.

Congratulations to our finalists – and best of luck!