- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
- Apprentice of the Year
- Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector (*NEW in 2026 – this category is state-based and will not be held at regional level).
- School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
- Trainee of the Year
- VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year
- Vocational Student of the Year
- VET in Schools Student of the Year (this category does not continue to the Australian Training Awards)
About the Awards
How do the Awards work?
The NSW Training Awards begin with 9 Regional Training Awards programs held across the state. Regional Winners compete for a place as NSW State Training Awards Finalists, and the best in each category are selected to represent NSW at the Australian Training Awards.
Further information can be found:
What's New for 2026
All Individual categories are now self-nominated. This means you can submit your own nomination without needing someone else to nominate you first. However, all individual nominees must specify an Endorser as part of their nomination.
Find out more about Endorsers on our FAQs Page
There are two new categories in 2026:
- Disability Inclusion in the VET Sector (organisation)
- Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector (individual)
NSW Training Awards categories
Use this simple Eligibility Checker
Individual Awards
Organisation Awards
- Disability Inclusion in the VET Sector
- Large Training Provider of the Year
- Small Training Provider of the Year
- Industry Collaboration
- Large Employer of the Year
- Small Employer of the Year
Why be involved with the Awards
As the premier awards for VET in NSW, the NSW Training Awards are a great way for individuals, Employers and Registered Training Organisations to receive recognition for outstanding achievements made possible through VET.
For organisations the Awards are the perfect platform to showcase a commitment to VET. Entering the Awards raises the profile of organisations, increases the broader conversations of how VET can support industries and connects organisations to a wide network of VET advocates and sector leaders.
For individuals, the Awards provide the unique opportunity to celebrate their achievements and hard work. Being recognised at a Regional or State Training Awards presentation can open many doors and connect finalists and winners into a network of like-minded learners and passionate industry professionals.
A core aim of the NSW Training Awards program is to discover and develop VET Ambassadors to connect with students, employers, and community members to share insights into their VET journeys and industries.
Reach out to the Training Services VET Ambassador team to find out more about this initiative: RTS.VETAmbassadors@det.nsw.edu.au.