Women have taken out the majority of the accolades at the 2023 NSW Training Awards at Sydney Town Hall. The Awards recognise excellence in vocational education and training (VET).
Presented by Training Services NSW, the awards acknowledge exceptional achievements across categories that highlight the state’s foremost vocational learners, trainers, employers, and training providers.
This year’s awards have seen an unprecedented number of women taking out all of the individual student awards.
NSW Deputy Premier, Minister for Skills, and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said today’s winners have gone above and beyond in their fields.
“These amazing women are challenging the notion of male-dominated trades and are spearheading the way for other women to enter non-traditional industries,” she said.
“They are showcasing the boundless opportunities vocational education and training can offer.”
Caroline Morris was among the award recipients, earning the title of Apprentice of the Year for her exceptional performance in Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade.
Caroline has now become the first woman to complete a Fitter Machinist apprenticeship at her workplace in over 20 years.
“I wanted to work with my hands, stay living regionally, and develop a future-proof career. An apprenticeship achieved all three goals,” Caroline said.
“I want to show young people, especially young girls, that there are great opportunities available for them in trades. Being trade-qualified opens doors for everyone.”
2023’s Trainee of the Year, Bridie Searle, is now responsible for managing million-dollar maritime projects. despite never having stepped foot on a ship before her traineeship.
Bridie’s passion for STEM during year 10 motivated her to enrol in, and successfully complete, Certificate IV in Project Management Practice.
“I’ve always been a hands-on learner. The balance of theory and practical work offers an unmatched training program – it was pivotal to my success,” Bridie said.
“When I reflect on the person and professional, I’ve become during this traineeship, it fills me with pride. It’s been fantastic and I’ve picked up so many skills that are transferable across multiple roles and industries.”
The VET industry plays a major role in a thriving community and economy as it underpins priority sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and engineering.
Annually, the VET industry sees one million learners upskilling every year.
The 2023 NSW Training Awards Individual Winners
Award Category | Winner | Qualification | Region |
Vocational | Tracie Wood | Diploma of Project Management | North Coast |
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander | Aaliyah Morley | Certificate III in School-Based Education Support | New England |
VET in Schools | Elizabeth King | Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | New England |
School-Based Apprentice/Trainee | Molly Smith | Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | New England |
VET Trainer/Teacher | Colin Taranto | Timber System Design / Timber Frame or Truss Manufacture | North Coast |
Trainee | Bridie Searle | Certificate IV in Project Management Practice | Central and Northern Sydney |
Apprentice | Caroline Morris | Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade | Western NSW |
Women in Trades | Celina Pellett | Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production) | Hunter and Central Coast |
The 2023 NSW Training Awards – Organisational Winners
Award Category | Winner |
Industry Collaboration Award | Coates Hire and Local Government NSW |
Small Employer of the Year | Flow Smart Pty Ltd |
Large Employer of the Year | Transdev Australasia Pty Ltd |
Small Training Provider of the Year | Fireground Pty Ltd |
Large Training Provider of the Year | Enterprise & Training Company |
