Delivering vocational education and training to more than 4,500 students each year, the Association of Independent Schools NSW (AISNSW) is making a huge contribution to Australia’s skills pipeline.
Enabling high-quality VET to be delivered by qualified teachers using industry-standard facilities, AISNSW supports its mission with a comprehensive RTO management service and a rigorous compliance process.
AISNSW prides itself on strong learner engagement and the results of the past few years speak for themselves. Achieving a 93% completion rate for students enrolled in 2023 qualifications, the RTO has also been instrumental in driving cumulative growth in the VET sector.
In 2015, 85 independent schools were members of AISNSW, but now there are 133 – a 56% increase. Similarly, enrolments in independent-school-offered VET courses have grown from 2,130 in 2015 to over 5,844 in 2023 – 77% of these students studied through AISNSW. And with 96% of 824 students in 2023 recommending AISNSW to others, these numbers will only increase.

Efficacy of Mines Rescue’s training goes far beyond student satisfaction, it could be the difference between life and death.
The goal of all Mine Rescue’s training is to support a culture of zero harm by building workers’ competence. And, considering the NSW coal industry maintains one of the highest safety records in the world for a hazardous sector, this RTO is exceeding its goals.
Mine Rescue boasts a team of nationally accredited trainers and assessors with decades of technical experience in mining operations. When coupled with its purpose-built training facilities that utilise a mix of virtual reality and real-world equipment so trainees can fight actual fires, use breathing apparatuses and respond to hazard simulations, the all-encompassing approach clear.
With a 97.89% satisfaction rating from 5,565 respondents in 2023, Mine Rescue has also garnered industry-wide recognition – it was highly commended for ‘Best Blended Learning Solution’ at the 2023 Australian Institute of Training and Development awards.

Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA) seeks to shape the future of the automotive sector through training.
Fuelled by a desire to address industry-wide skills shortages, MTA leverages its 45-strong team of highly qualified trainers to ensure training is accessible to its 2000+ apprentices and trainees, regardless of their location.
Grounded in personalisation, MTA’s training approach employs one-on-one mentoring and a five-week learning cycle to allow for regular check-ins and adjustments. It takes pride in ensuring support is always available with a focus on real-time feedback built into its training structure.
Agile in adapting to emerging training needs, MTA recently invested in specialised courses on electrical vehicles. It also engages with industry stakeholders through its advisory councils and boards and looks to frequent train-the-trainer sessions to stay connected to the latest developments in the field.
Striving to bridge the gap between education and employment for all of its apprentices and trainees, MTA is committed to advancing standards on every level.

Training Provider of the Year