By Laura Michell
Kangan Institute student Rachael Hilder was named vocational student of the year at the recent 2019 Victorian Training Awards.
She will now represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards in November.
Ms Hilder’s TAFE journey began at 48 years of age when she enrolled in diplomas in community services and justice at Kangan.
She juggled her studies with caring for her family.
“I am grateful for the amazing teachers at Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows campus and all of the wonderful staff for their patience and encouragement,” she said.
“When I first started, I didn’t even know how to do most of the things on the computer. It was only due to the dedication of the staff and their patience I was able to actually get through.”
Ms Hilder, from Broadmeadows, is now working as a corrections officer at Ravenhall Correctional Centre.
Kangan Institute chief executive Phil Murphy said Ms Hilder’s award reflected her hard work and passion for her vocation.
“Her success demonstrates not just her hard work and determination but also a strong passion to make a positive difference in society through the correctional sector,” he said.
