NVITAFE Teacher Bobby Read wins Teacher/Trainer of the Year at the Victorian Training Awards 2026

Monday, 21 September 2026

A huge congratulations to Bobby Read, Landscape Construction Teacher, who has been named Teacher/Trainer of the Year at the 2026 Victorian Training Awards.

Bobby brings more than 20 years of landscape industry experience to his teaching, and his work in the Certificate III in Landscape Construction is a great example of practical TAFE learning at its best. Seeing that long, theory-heavy sessions weren’t working for many apprentices, Bobby redesigned the program around hands-on, community-based projects that build technical skills, confidence and real workplace readiness.

One standout project has been the work at the Halve Waste Education Centre, where apprentices built retaining walls, seating, garden beds and irrigated lawn areas using recycled materials. Along the way, they developed trade skills while learning about sustainability, circular-economy principles, literacy, numeracy and compliance in a practical setting.

The impact has been impressive, with apprentice retention increasing to 95 per cent and employers consistently reporting that Bobby’s apprentices are confident, capable and ready to contribute.

Congratulations Bobby, and thank you for the skill, care and creativity you bring to your teaching.