The NSW Department of Education is proud to present the 2024 NSW Training Awards. These awards recognise and reward excellence and outstanding achievements in vocational education and training.

Aboriginal artwork 'Ceremonies' by WUPA artist, Craig Layer

Ceremonies WUPA Artist, Craig Layer

The Department acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose customs have allowed the nurturing of the country where we work and live as modern-day Australians. We recognise the strength in their continued connection to culture and traditional lands from across NSW.

We pay our deepest respect to the Elders, both past and present, who have maintained the knowledge of culture and paved the way for our youth to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Welcome to the 2024 NSW Training Awards, our 69th annual celebration of the outstanding achievements of students, teachers, employers, and training providers involved in our world­class vocational education and training (VET) sector.

The awards recognise not only high-achieving young learners building careers through work­based training but also the adult learners who have chosen to use VET as a platform for a career change.

The Training Awards provide an opportunity to honour our teachers who have guided students through VET courses, fostering high levels of commitment, discipline, and resilience. We also celebrate employers who demonstrate innovation and change driven by VET.

The NSW Training Awards extend beyond just recognition; they celebrate the beacons of change and inspiration embodied by the NSW Training Awards Ambassadors. These exceptional individuals showcase the transformative power of vocational education and training. As role models for aspiring learners across the state, they demonstrate that with determination, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning, anyone can achieve career fulfilment while making a meaningful contribution.

To all the 2024 finalists, thank you for being champions of VET. You have earned your place at tonight's ceremony because you have been recognised as among the best in the state.

I congratulate you all on your outstanding achievements and wish you every success in your respective fields.

The Hon. Steve Whan MP
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

Order of Proceedings

Welcome to Country
Uncle Allen Madden

Master of Ceremonies
David Collins PSM

Address by
The Hon. Steve Whan MP
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

Performers
Jannawi Dance Clan

Awards Presentation

  • Vocational Student of the Year

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

  • VET in Schools Student of the Year

  • School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

  • Women in Trades

  • Industry Collaboration Award

  • Small Employer of the Year

  • Large Employer of the Year

  • Training Provider of the Year

  • VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

  • Trainee of the Year

  • Apprentice of the Year

Post event celebration

Acknowledgements

The NSW Department of Education would like to acknowledge the ongoing support, commitment and contribution that has led to the success of the 2024 NSW Training Awards. We acknowledge the many judging panel members from the regional and state selection process who dedicated their time and expertise to assess the entries and select the finalists and winners across the 12 award categories.

The Department also acknowledges the nine Training Services NSW Regional offices and associated regional vocational education and training incorporated committees:

Hunter & Central Coast Training Awards logo
Bay2Bay logo
The Greater Northern Skills Development Group logo
Illawarra & Souther East NSW Regional Vocational Training Committee logo
Southern & South Western Sydney Regional Development Committee Inc logo
Western NSW Skills Development Hub Inc logo
Riverina-Murray Vocational Education and Training Committee Inc logo
Skills NC Inc logo
Western Sydney Vocational Training Committee Inc logo

The NSW Department of Education would also like to thank our 2024 Ambassadors, who were our NSW winners for 2023: Caroline Morris, Bridie Searle, Molly Smith, Aaliyah Morley, Tracie Wood, Colin Taranto and Elizabeth King for their generous contribution to the NSW Training Awards Program. Also to our VET EPP Ambassadors, Jade Barrington and Celina Pellet for their on stage appearances.

Special acknowledgement is extended to:

  • David Collins PSM for time and contribution as MC

  • Jannawi Dance Clan

  • Training Services NSW and DOE staff volunteers

  • TAFE NSW – Western Sydney event student volunteers undertaking Diploma of Event Management and Diploma of Travel & Tourism Management.

  • Canape’s cooked and prepared by Hospitality students from Burwood Girls High School and Ingleburn High School

  • TAFE NSW – Ryde Campus for the florist arrangements created by students undertaking a Certificate IV in Floristry and Diploma of Floristry

We would also like to acknowledge the dedication and efforts of our event manager Clare Dawson and Danielle Bell from Forum Group Events.