About the Awards
The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, teachers, training organisations and employers.


The Awards
The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW within the NSW Department of Education to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector. The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, Trainers/Teachers, Registered Training Organisations, large and medium Employers.
One of the main aims of the program is to discover Vocational Education and Training Ambassadors. During the regional phase applicants that are outstanding in their industry are shortlisted and interviewed. The state phase will evaluate the regional winners and look for character values and virtues that will contribute to the qualities that are required to become an individual Ambassador.
Why you should be involved with the Awards
As the premier awards for vocational education and training (VET) in NSW, the Awards are a great way to receive recognition for the effort that individuals, Employers and Registered Training Organisations put into VET.
For organisations, the Awards are the perfect platform to showcase the organisations’ commitment to VET. Entering the Awards raises the profile of the organisation and the awareness of the industry to the organisations’ dedication to skills for the workforce.
For individuals, the Awards provide the unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements and hard work. Nominating an individual for an award can open many doors and potentially become a stepping stone in their careers.
To find out more about what happens after winning, have a read of some testimonies from previous NSW Training Award Winners below.
The Awards categories
Individual Award
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
- Apprentice of the Year
- School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
- Trainee of the Year
- VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
- Vocational Student of the Year
- VET in Schools Student of the Year
Check your eligibility for Individual Awards.
Organisation Awards
- Large Training Provider of the Year
- Small Training Provider of the Year
- Industry Collaboration Award
- Large Employer of the Year
- Small Employer of the Year
Read what our previous winners have to say


"After being announced as the Winner for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander of the Year in 2018, I have pushed myself to learn a brand-new skillset through VET. I have learned great communication skills and winning the Award has given me the opportunity to study a Certificate in Business Operations and Manufacturing. I have also been offered the opportunity to become a VET Ambassador, promoting VET Pathways to my peers and my community."


"Since becoming a NSW Training Awards Ambassador, my career has flourished. I have gone on to work in different industries and fields. My proudest achievements by far are being recognised as a finalist and when I secured work with Service NSW, which is a credit to the transferable skills I learned during my School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship".
"This experience has given me a chance to meet new friends who have become a family of encouragement and support".


"Winning the award has given me self-confidence and courage, which has made such a positive difference in my professional and personal life. I have networked with so many peers who also share similar passions and goals to mine which is so exciting. I have considered these peers of mine to be life-long friends because they continue to support my journey in VET."