An apprentice turned carpentry teacher at Bendigo TAFE has been recognised with a top industry accolade.
Bendigo TAFE’s Torin Coakley was named Trainer of the Year at the Master Builders Victoria (MBV) Apprentice of the Year Awards earlier this month.
The award, based on heartfelt nominations from apprentices, recognises Torin’s outstanding dedication to teaching, mentorship and the future of the construction industry.
“It came as a complete surprise. I give a lot to support my students at all stages and it is so nice to have this recognition and appreciation,” Torin said.
Torin’s journey with Bendigo TAFE began in 1993 as a pre-apprenticeship student. After a career that took him from Sydney to Canada, Thailand and the Pacific Islands, he returned to where it all started – this time, as a teacher.
“I had a lot of respect for some of my original trainers (and) I thought I’d also like to share my skills with others,” Torin said.
Torin has been teaching for nearly nine years and was previously recognised as a finalist for the Victorian Training Awards Teacher of the Year in 2020. His passion for education goes beyond the classroom.
“I love being able to build up a rapport with my students and help them learn new skills. I also love seeing them mature and grow in their knowledge,” Torin said.
“I try to be a mentor and role model for my students and someone they can call on even when they finish their apprenticeship.
“I am always looking for ways to improve and ways that I can support not just apprentices and students but even fellow trainers and industry as a whole.”
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