NSW Training Awards - Winners announcement

Congratulations to the 2026 NSW Training Awards State Winners!

Pictured: The jubilant winners on stage at the 2026 NSW Training Awards

The 2026 NSW Training Award Winners have now been announced, and what a spectacular event it was! Skilled learners, teachers, and organisations from regional and rural NSW were celebrated at the 71st NSW Training Awards for their excellence in vocational education and training (VET).

Congratulations to the winners and finalists for their outstanding achievements across the vocational training and education sectors. The eligible winners will now progress to represent NSW on the national stage.

Join us in congratulating our 2026 NSW Training Award Winners:

Individual Awards Winners

Apprentice of the Year

Nikita Wells, Certificate III in Hairdressing, TAFE NSW, Cooper & Co Hairdressing, New England

Trainee of the Year

Trinity Preston, Certificate III in Business, Australian College of Commerce & Management, Orange City Council, Western NSW

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Charlie Degnan, Certificate III in Agriculture, Yanco Agricultural High School, Riverina

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Joanne Campbell, Certificate IV in Housing, CHIA NSW, Homes North Community Housing, New England

School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Annie-Maree Martin, Certificate III in Agriculture, Australian Training Company, Tinker Valley Farm, Ulladulla High School, Illawarra & South East NSW

VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

Rouaa Altinawi, Entry Education, Illawarra & South East NSW

Vocational Student of the Year

Kiara Watts, Certificate III in Individual Support, Coffs Coast Community College, Pillars of Care, North Coast & Mid North Coast

Organisation Award Winners

Industry Collaboration Award

Apollo Fabrication Group & Educational Living

Small Employer of the Year

Daimler Trucks Wagga & Daimler Trucks Albury

Large Employer of the Year

Ausgrid

Small Training Provider of the Year

SCA Hair & Beauty Academy Pty Ltd

Large Training Provider of the Year

Zeal Futures Learning

Disability Inclusion in the VET Sector

aEX Institute (BSI Learning)

 

Well done and we can’t wait to follow these journeys and for the exciting developments to come!