BENDIGO TAFE is in the running to win multiple accolades at this year's Victorian Training Awards.
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The institution is a finalist in the Inclusive Training Partner of the Year category and has one of its staff members hoping to take home an individual award.
Bendigo TAFE chief executive Sally Curtain said the announcement was a welcome endorsement of the institute's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
"We are proud to be a finalist for the Inclusive Training Provider of the Year for our innovation and approach to inclusivity within the TAFE network," she said.
"But to us, it is more than just an award, it's a social responsibility that we take very seriously.
"The nominations are an acknowledgement of the calibre of all the finalists, and recognition of a strong VET sector in Victoria."
The training partner award recognises exceptional training providers within the state government's vocational education and training (VET) sector that have demonstrated outstanding improvements with regard to the achievement, engagement and well-being of students with disability.
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Bendigo TAFE individual support co-ordinator and teacher Julie Kramer is also one of three finalists for Teacher of the Year.
"I feel really humbled to be nominated, but also very appreciative of the recognition of many years of service to a profession I am extremely passionate about," she said.
Ms Kramer co-ordinated the introduction of real world simulations to every unit of the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community Care) - a move inspired by her 20 years of industry experience in aged care.
She began with palliative care, replacing a video presentation with a practical exercise that involved transforming the classroom to replicate an aged care facility.
"I wanted to ensure students were receiving practical training that was no different to the real world," Ms Kramer said.
"I set up the classroom to replicate an aged care facility, including a mannequin in bed, dim lighting and soft music, so that students could physically learn how to provide adequate care.
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"Supporting people at their end stage of life is often emotionally confronting for personal workers, so I also use this practical setting to encourage student to express and learn to manage their feelings within a safe and honest environment.
Bendigo TAFE Chief Executive Sally Curtain congratulated Ms Kramer on being named state finalist for Teacher of the Year.
"The Victorian Training Awards celebrates the best in the TAFE and training sector, and we're immensely proud of Ms Kramer for being shortlisted for Teacher of the Year," Ms Curtain said.
"TAFE is about preparing students for careers in the real world - it's more than the skills and knowledge we impart, it's also about helping our students gain confidence to succeed.
"Ms Kramer's passion, initiative and innovations have made a significant difference to our students' journeys and we wish her the very best at the upcoming awards."
Results for the Victorian Training Awards will be announced on 16 October, with the Teacher of the Year award recipient to receive $5,000 in prize money and represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.
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