Two Golds for Chisholm at World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics Awards

Chisholm Institute of TAFE has been recognised for international excellence with two award winners in the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics Awards of Excellence, held in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Commercial Cookery graduate, Leela Subramaniam won GOLD in the Outstanding Student Achievement Award Category. Leela completed her Certificate III in Commercial Cookery as a mature-age student at Chisholm in 2022. She is now Senior Sous Chef at the Flinders Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula, managing a team of eight kitchen staff.

“Training at Chisholm built my confidence and gave me several life-changing opportunities.  Previously, I was nervous and afraid to make a mistake, but TAFE provided a nurturing space for me to learn, free from judgement,” said Leela.

Following the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics Leadership Summit in Jamaica, she is heading to Oslo, Norway for an internship in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Her far-horizon dream is to establish a social enterprise restaurant, focused on providing training opportunities to disadvantaged youth in remote areas.

Chisholm’s Manager of Community and Social Services, Raelene Stockton also won GOLD in the Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Category.  Raelene has devoted her career to understanding and addressing family violence and creating specialised education and training.

Raelene established Chisholm’s Family Violence Training Hub, initiated the Family Violence Community of Practice for trainers and led the design and delivery of Australia’s first accredited gender-equity qualification. She has also contributed to Government policy on family violence and gender equity.

Chisholm Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Varty, said he was delighted that Raelene and Leela were selected to receive the WFCPA’s highest international education award.

“I congratulate Raelene and Leela, and all those who have supported them to achieve their goals. Having your accomplishments recognised internationally is a significant honour,” said Mr Varty.

The World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics is an international network of colleges, polytechnics and associations, provides leadership in delivering workforce education for our global economy. The International Leadership Summit and Annual Awards of Excellence reward international leadership, course innovation and student success.