Nominations are now open for South Australia’s leading vocational education and
training (VET) awards.
The awards recognise the achievements of the state’s best VET students,
apprentices and trainees, trainers, training providers, schools and employers.
Winners will be announced at a Gala Presentation in September.
The recent AUKUS announcement highlighted how critical a world-class skills sector is to the future economic strength of the state and these prestigious awards showcase the talents of training organisations, students and employers who are leading the way.
The Awards program has been expanded this year with the introduction of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognises an individual’s outstanding leadership and contribution to the South Australian VET and skills sector for more than 15 years. The new award highlights the enormous contribution that many make to the sector, above the everyday, with a long-lasting impact.
Individual Awards
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
- Apprentice of the Year
- School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
- Trainee of the Year
- Vocational Student of the Year
- VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Organisational Awards
- Industry Collaboration
- Small Employer of the Year
- Large Employer of the Year
- Small Training Provider of the Year
- Large Training Provider of the Year
- Excellence in Diversity
- VET Innovation for Schools
South Australia continues to show strong growth in trade sectors as we build upon the biggest opportunities that the state has ever seen – including the nationally significant AUKUS deal.
The Malinauskas Labor Government has made significant investments in the skills sector – unlike anything the state has ever seen. These include the signing of the $2.3 billion National Skills Agreement (NSA), including Fee-Free TAFE, funding for five new regional skills centres and a boost in funding for training providers to address skills shortages. Recognising excellence in the sector is important as we continue to build on its growth.
The Award program also includes a Voters’ Choice Award which is presented to the public’s favourite individual finalist.
Nominations close on 24 May, with judging to take place throughout June and July. Winners will be announced on 25 September at the 2024 South Australian Training Awards Gala Presentation, before the national 2024 Australian Training Awards Presentation in Canberra on 6 December.
For more information about applying, visit www.trainingawards.sa.gov.au
As put by Blair Boyer
The South Australian Training Awards are an important opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, training organisations, students, and employers.
More than ever before, our TAFE and vocational training sector is critical to giving South Australians the skills they need for the jobs they want. Events such as the South Australian Training Awards highlights vocational training as an equal pathway that leads to high-quality, secure jobs – while building our state’s future.
We have a big job ahead of us to significantly increase our skilled workforce to meet the demands of our emerging defence industry and other areas of growth in our state.
Our investments in the wider skills sector will help us to meet the demands of the exciting period of growth ahead of us and it’s important that along that journey, we recognise the outstanding talents of those in the sector.
As put by SA Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker
The SA Training Awards are a fantastic way to showcase the efforts and talents of individuals and organisations across the state who motivate others and contribute to their communities, while building a fulfilling pathway in the VET sector.
Through these awards we want to recognise the incredible quality, diversity and ingenuity in VET across our state.
I encourage you to get involved in this Awards program by nominating yourself, encouraging others to nominate or simply spreading the word.
You may know someone who’s an outstanding teacher, trainer, or long-serving member of the VET sector; you may be aware of a business committed to building and developing its people through training; or you may be one of our state’s outstanding training providers delivering high quality training and shaping our future workforce.
You might be a passionate apprentice or trainee who’s making a positive impact in your industry or someone who has overcome challenges and is now thriving because of your training. Now is the time to share your story.
As put by 2023 SA Training Awards winner–Apprentice of the Year, National Awards finalist, Hugo Kregar
Being recognised as the SA Apprentice of the Year has brought immense pride to both myself and my family.
From a young age I had a strong desire to complete an apprenticeship, knowing it was an excellent way to begin my career in construction. As an aspiring apprentice I always looked up to young leaders in the industry, so it is very humbling to be recognised through this award.
I believe apprenticeships are one of the best ways to begin a successful career and the Awards have given me a platform to inspire and encourage others to undertake this pathway.
Winning the State award along with completing my apprenticeship, has opened so many doors to progress my career. I’ve taken on a new role as a Building Estimator, using the skills learnt from my carpentry apprenticeship and my construction management degree that I am currently undertaking.
I’ve also had the opportunity to be an ambassador for the Construction Industry Training Board and MEGT, as well as a Member of the South Australian Skills Commission Apprentice and Trainee Training and Safety Committee.
