Angliss Alum Matt Triumphs at 70th Victorian Training Awards
William Angliss Institute alum Matthew Tyquin, a graduate of the Certificate III in Meat Processing Retail Butcher claimed two top honors at the 70th Victorian Training Awards: Victoria's Apprentice of the Year and the People's Choice Award.
"It can't be real," was Matt's first thought when he heard is name announced for the Apprentice of the Year award. "Receiving both awards was an awesome feeling, and winning the People's Choice Award, made me realise just how much support I have from my friends, family and the whole community," he said.
He expressed gratitude to his manager Paul Klooster including the whole team at Ashburton Meats and his mentor and trainer Peter O'Rourke from William Angliss Institute.
Winners across all categories were announced at the 70th VTA Gala Ceremony held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre where Matthew thanked the Institute for its support and congratulated the other two Apprentice of the Year Finalists Bonnie Inkster and Trey McAuley whishing them all the best for their future.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney said, "Congratulations to the winners of this year's Victorian Training Awards - each of you is contributing to making our world-class TAFE and training system stronger, better and accessible to all Victorians.
"Looking back on the history of these awards, we can see how far we have come in creating a high-quality vocational education sector in Victoria – and we will continue to adapt, evolve and improve so that Victorians can train for the jobs of the future."
William Anglis Institute CEO Nick Hunt congratulates Matthew Tyquin
Matthew's journey through butchery began at the age of 15 when he was a clean-up kid at Ashburton Meats. After completing a Bachelor of Biomedicine at La Trobe University, he gave it the chop, realising that his passion lied in butchery.
Impressed by the craftsmanship in butchery, he adopted the paddock to plate philosophy. In the workplace, he became a strong advocate for animal sustainability and ethical practices.
"I hope that promoting and educating consumers about where meat comes from continues and that butchering keeps creating new value-added products to help better use the whole animal. Value-added products are created by using secondary cuts of meat and creating ready-to-cook meals by experimenting with different flavour enhancements," explained Matt.
Being acknowledged for his outstanding achievement in all aspects of his trade, was not a surprise for Peter. "I am very proud of Matt winning both awards. He always puts in 100% on all tasks and has worked hard for and with Paul, his employer at Ashburton Meats, to become the best butcher he can be," he said.
In 2022, Matt was named the World Champion Butcher Apprentice at the World Butchers Challenge (USA). At just twenty-five, he has mentored apprentices and served as an Australian Butchers' Guild Ambassador for Meat and Livestock Australia. He also shared his insights at the William Angliss Institute Career Practitioners Day promoting butchery to younger generations. "As the meat processing industry evolves, butchery has become regarded as a craft. The legacy of this tradition relies on apprentice butchers, like me, to inspire interest and passion among the younger generation, ensuring its tradition continues to thrive."
Peter's advice to Matt is to stay true to his values of "professionalism, humility, loyalty and passion for the meat industry, which will lead to continued opportunities and success."
With William Angliss Institute approaching its 85th anniversary, Matthew's achievements are particularly significant as the Institute continues to honor its rich heritage as Australia's first trade college specialising in butchery.
Matthew is now in the running to represent Victoria at the upcoming Australian Training Awards in December.
For more information on Angliss apprenticeships, visit Apprenticeship & Traineeship Training, email enquiry@angliss.edu.au or call +613 8595 5334 for more information.
