A young Wyndham Vale resident has been recognised for the dedication and hard work he displayed while completing his automotive studies.
Richy (Adrien) Riaca, who originally hails from Mauritius, received an Outstanding International Student Award at the Kangan Institute’s class of 2021 international student graduation ceremony, which was held online last month.
Mr Riaca, 25, said that before moving to Australia he studied an automotive certificate III and IV and worked for seven years as a mechanic.
“I came to Melbourne in 2019 to grow my knowledge and I feel I’ve earned this award by working hard,” he says.
With his diploma of automotive technology, Mr Riaca now works as an automotive technician at All Brakes & Mechanical in Werribee.
“In my job back home, I was only doing mechanics,” he said.
“Now I’m doing both mechanics and electrics, and getting more experience.”
During Kangan Institute’s online graduation ceremony, 26 graduates across the automotive, hospitality and community services fields were recognised.
The students came from more than 15 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America.
Kangan Institute chief industry engagement and education delivery officer, Arron Wood, said the ceremony was an important celebration after the challenges which COVID-19 posed for students.
“Graduating is something to be very proud of, and especially so for our class of 2021 international students, who successfully completed their studies whilst navigating the impacts of the global pandemic, both here and in their home countries,” Mr Wood said.
