The NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award recognises the achievement of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who displays a strong understanding and knowledge of the vocational education and training system and demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning for themselves and their community.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

To be eligible for this award you must:

• identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent;
• meet the eligibility for one of the following individual award categories

Please refer to the eligibility under each award:

• Apprentice of the Year
• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
• Trainee of the Year
• Vocational Student of the Year

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The NSW Apprentice of the Year Award is presented to an apprentice who has been outstanding in all aspects of their training and demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award you must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia and undertaking training in New South Wales;
• have completed or be due to complete your apprenticeship* (i.e. contract end date) between 1 June 2025—31 May 2026 in a training course that leads to a nationally recognised qualification;
• have a registered training contract with the NSW Department of Education;
• not be enrolled in school; and
• have an appropriate Endorser specified. Your Endorser must provide their endorsement comments to your submitted nomination in order for it to be eligible.

*Note: this refers to the completion date on the training contract. If you have completed early through competency-based completion, evidence of this early completion must be attached to the online nomination.

Individuals who have won at the state level may nominate again, provided there is a grace period of 1 year.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download NSW Apprentice of the Year Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award recognises an individual's outstanding leadership and contribution to the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) and skills sector for more than 15 years. This may be a new innovation, new knowledge, or ways to impove professional practice deemed to be above and beyond the everyday with a long-lasting impact in the sector.

Nominations for this award must be submitted by a third-party. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award you must:

• be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia and meet the Autralian Training Awards Conditions of Entry;
• made a positive impact on the VET and skills sector (at either state/territory or national level);
• earned recognition by other industry, training, education or employer groups;
• have the respect of their professional peers;
• demonstrated over an extended period of time, a contribution which has included either research, industry achievement, professional leadership or service to the VET and skills community;
• demonstrate personal integrity; and
• have 15 years or more service to the VET and skills sector.

Note: The NSW winner of the Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award will be put forward for consideration for the National Award. Winning at the State level does not guarantee progression to the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download NSW Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The NSW School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award is presented to a student who is undertaking a Certificate II or above qualification as a part-time School-based Apprentice or Trainee recognising the student’s commitment to their formal studies at school, and in the workplace.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award, you must currently be enrolled at school and remain enrolled throughout 2026.

If you are no longer attending school and have completed a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, you may be eligible for nomination in another NSW Training Awards category, including Apprentice of the Year; Trainee of the Year or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year if all eligibility criteria is met.

If your qualification is not attained through a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship, you may be eligible to enter into the VET in Schools Student of the Year Award category.

To be eligible for this award you must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia and undertaking training in New South Wales;
• be undertaking/completing a Certificate II or above qualification through a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship;
• have a registered training contract with the NSW Department of Education;
• be enrolled at school throughout 2026 (if you are no longer enrolled at school, you may be eligible to be nominated in another category if all eligibility criteria are met); and
• have an appropriate Endorser specified. Your Endorser must provide their endorsement comments to your submitted nomination in order for it to be eligible.

Individuals who have won at the state level may nominate again, provided there is a grace period of 1 year.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The NSW Trainee of the Year is presented to a trainee who has been outstanding in all aspects of their training and demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award you must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia and undertaking training in New South Wales;
• have completed or be due to complete your training* (i.e. contract end date) between 1 June 2025—31 May 2026 in a training course that leads to a nationally recognised qualification;
• have a registered training contract with the NSW Department of Education;
• not be enrolled in school; and
• have an appropriate Endorser specified. Your Endorser must provide their endorsement comments to your submitted nomination in order for it to be eligible.

*Note: this refers to the completion date on the training contract. If the nominee has completed early through competency-based completion, evidence of this early completion must be attached to the online nomination.

Individuals who have won at the state level may nominate again, provided there is a grace period of 1 year.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download Trainee of the Year Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The NSW VET in Schools Student of the Year Award is open to full-time Year 11 or 12 school students undertaking accredited vocational education and training as part of their HSC studies.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award you must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia and undertaking training in New South Wales;
• be undertaking accredited vocational education and training as part of their HSC studies;
• be enrolled at school throughout 2026;
• not be completing your qualification as part of a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship; and
• have an appropriate Endorser specified. Your Endorser must provide their endorsement comments to your submitted nomination in order for it to be eligible.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download VET in Schools Student of the Year Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The NSW VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award recognises innovation and excellence by a teacher or trainer providing nationally recognised training to students at a registered training organisation (RTO), or in partnership with an RTO.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award you must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia;
• be a qualified (as determined by the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015) teacher or trainer (or regularly contracted) by an RTO;
• have delivered training in New South Wales from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 which will lead/has led to nationally recognised qualifications or Statements of Attainment under the Australian Qualifications Framework national training system (excludes online delivery, unless a NSW resident); and
• have an appropriate Endorser specified. Your Endorser must provide their endorsement comments to you submitted nomination in order for it to be eligible.

Individuals who have won at a regional or state level for VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year may nominate again provided there is a grace period of 1 year.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The NSW Vocational Student of the Year Award is presented to a vocational learner who has been outstanding in all aspects of their course of study leading to a nationally recognised qualification and demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

To be eligible for this award you must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia and undertaking training in New South Wales;
• be a full-time or part-time learner who is not undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship;
• have completed or due to complete your training (i.e. training end date) between 1 June 2025—31 May 2026 in a training course that leads to a nationally recognised outcome or qualification;
• not be enrolled in school; and
• have an appropriate Endorser specified. Your Endorser must provide their endorsement comments to your submitted nomination in order for it to be eligible.

Individuals who have won at the state level may nominate again, provided there is a grace period of 1 year.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download Vocational Student of the Year Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The Disability Inclusion in the VET Sector Award recognises organisations (including employers, training providers and organisational partnerships) who are championing access and equity in the workplace and/or in the delivery of Vocational Education and Training (VET), for people with disability. This award celebrates organisations taking an intersectional approach to removing barriers to training, development and workforce participation.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award, organisations must:

• be an organisation (employer, training provider or organisational partnership) operating in NSW
• employing and/or delivering training to VET learners
• be embedding inclusive strategies and policies focused on people with disability
• have a current Accessibility and Inclusion Action Plan (or equivalent)

The definition of disability for this award is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:

“Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download Disability Inclusion in the VET Sector Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The Large Training Provider of the Year Award recognises a Registered Training Organisation that offers a range of training products and services, and demonstrates excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of vocational education and training.

All eligible large training providers are encouraged to nominate for this award, including community learning providers and independent training providers.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award, an organisation must:

• be an RTO for which the delivery of vocational education and training is the core business;
• have 500 or more students enrolled at the time of nomination, as reported by RTOs in the most recent annual National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data collection period (If this criterion is not met, nominees may be eligible to apply for the Small Training Provider of the Year Award);
• deliver the majority of their training in NSW; and
• have not nominated in this category in any other States.

Note: To maintain the integrity of the NSW Training Awards, applicants to the Large Training Provider of the Year Award will be subject to quality assurance checks by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), and/or the applicable regulatory authority in NSW. The checks will inform the selection process of applicants and finalists to this award category.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download Large Training Provider of the Year Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The Small Training Provider of the Year Award recognises a Registered Training Organisation that offers a range of training products and services and that demonstrates excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of vocational education and training.

All eligible small training providers are encouraged to apply for this award, including community learning providers and independent training providers.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award, an organisation must:

• be an RTO for which the delivery of vocational education and training is the core business
• have fewer than 500 students enrolled at the time of nomination, as reported by RTOs in the most recent annual National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data collection period (If this criterion is not met, nominees may be eligible to apply for the Large Training Provider of the Year Award)
• the majority of the training is being delivered in NSW; and
• have not nominated in the category in any other States.

Note: To maintain the integrity of the NSW Training Awards, applicants to the Large Training Provider of the Year Award will be subject to quality assurance checks by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), and/or the applicable regulatory authority in NSW. The checks will inform the selection process of applicants and finalists to this award category.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download Small Training Provider of the Year Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The NSW Industry Collaboration Award recognises exemplary skills development collaboration between at least one employer/industry body and at least one organisation delivering nationally recognised training.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award, an organisation must:

• have at least one party who is an industry organisation (e.g. employer, enterprise, group of enterprises, industry association, industry advisory body, trade union or professional association);
• have at least one party who is be delivering nationally recognised training or directly contributing to the outcomes of nationally recognised training which leads to formal qualifications or Statements of Attainment under the Australian Qualifications Framework; and
• have not nominated in this category in any other States

Please note that nominations will not be accepted from organisations operating under contractual ‘partnership' agreements.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download Industry Collaboration Award Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The NSW Large Employer of the Year Award recognises large businesses and enterprises that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to their employees.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award, an organisation must:

• be registered in Australia, with an Australian Business Number (ABN);
• deliver nationally recognised vocational education and training to their employees that leads to formal qualifications or Statements of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation under the Australian Qualifications Framework
• employ 100 or more full-time equivalent (FTE) employees*
• nominate in the state or territory where their head office is located; and
• have their head office located in NSW.

*An organisation with less than 100 employees in NSW (including full-time, part-time and casual equivalents) are considered small employer organisations.

NSW Training Awards will accept joint applications from:

• a partnership between a single Host Employer and a Group Training Organisation. Host Employers or Group Training Organisations who nominate for the award are required to have their partner agree to the nomination, however there is no requirement to jointly write the nomination.

NSW Training Awards will not accept joint applications from:

• organisations whose core business is the delivery of vocational education and training (these organisations may consider nominating for either the Large or Small Training Provider of the Year Award).

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download Large Employer of the Year Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

The NSW Small Employer of the Year Award recognises small businesses that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to their employees.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To be eligible for this award, an organisation must:

• be registered in Australia with an Australian Business number (AB);
• deliver nationally recognised vocational education and training to their employees that leads to formal qualifications or Statements of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation under the Australian Qualifications Framework;
• employ 99 or fewer full-time equivalen (FTE) employees;
• nominate in the state or territory where their head office is located; and
• have their head office located in NSW

*An organisation with 100 employees or more in NSW (including full-time, part-time and casual equivalents) are considered large employer organisations.

NSW Training Awards will accept joint applications from:

• a partnership between a single Host Employer and a Group Training Organisation. Host Employers or Group Training Organisations who nominate for the award are required to have their partner agree to the nomination, however there is no requirement to jointly write the nomination.

NSW Training Awards will not accept joint applications from:

• Organisations whose core business is the delivery of vocational education and training (these organisations may consider nominating for either the Large or Small Training Provider of the Year Award).

Eligibility and Selection Criteria PDF

For more information, download Small Employer of the Year Eligibility and Selection Criteria (PDF).

1. All nominations must be submitted online via the NSW Training Awards application portal. https://trainingawardsnsw.awardsplatform.com/

2. The closing dates: individual award categories close Monday, 2 February 2026 at 4:00pm

3. Nominees for the individual categories must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia and reside in New South Wales.

4. Nominees for the individual categories must only nominate for one award in the 2026 NSW Training Awards.

5. Nominees must not be nominated for any similar award in another State or Territory in the same year.

6. State Winners can be nominated again for the NSW Training Awards under a different Training Contract; however, a grace period of one year is required.

7. NSW Government Employees, except for those directly involved in the awards or judging, are eligible to apply for the NSW Training Awards.

8. Each award category has specific criteria. All nominations must meet all eligibility criteria for their respective category and be factually correct for the nomination to be considered a valid entry.

9. Eligibility and Selection Criteria are subject to change in accordance with the Australian Training Awards: www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au.

10. It is the responsibility of all nominees to ensure that they have selected the correct award category.

11. The NSW Training Awards reserves the right to re-assign nominations lodged to an incorrect award category or region at its discretion.

12. By using the NSW Training Awards online nomination portal, you consent to the transfer and storage of your personal information in the cloud.

13. All nominees must comply with State and Commonwealth government standards regarding training, workplace health and safety, and industrial relations matters. The NSW Department of Education may refuse to proceed with a nomination at any time where an organisation or individual is under investigation by a State or Federal Government or has any unresolved issues with any other NSW Government department.

14. All Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) referenced in nominations and nominated as Endorsers must be registered with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and approved to deliver and/or assess the listed course or qualification in New South Wales (i.e. the course or qualification must be on the RTO’s scope of registration).

15. All nominees will be advised in writing of the outcome of their nominations

16. Shortlisted nominees must attend all interviews as required, either in person or virtually.

17. To withdraw a nomination after it has undergone the culling and interview process, the nominee must provide an explanation in writing as to why the nomination is being withdrawn.

18. All Finalists for Regional, State, and National Training Awards are required to attend their respective presentation ceremonies. Dates for this will be announced on the Key Dates and Events section of the NSW Training Awards website.

19. Individual Category Winners of the 2026 NSW Training Awards will be invited to attend professional development sessions in Sydney. Dates for this will be announced on the Key Dates and Events section of the NSW Training Awards website.

20. Winners of the 2026 NSW Training Awards Individual Categories, except for the VET in Schools (which is NSW-only) and Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector (which goes through a national shortlisting process) categories, will become finalists at the 2026 Australian Training Awards. Finalists will be required to interview for the Australian Training Awards and attend the 2026 Australian Training Awards Ambassador Week and presentation ceremony. Dates for the Ambassador Week, presentation ceremony and the city will be announced on the Key Dates and Events section of the NSW Training Awards website.

21. If under the age of 18 years, nominees must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian, at the NSW Training Awards judging interviews, Regional Events, State Event, and Australian Training Awards.

22. When necessary, the NSW Department of Education reserves the right to extend the deadline for nominations.

23. Feedback regarding judging can be requested within the period up to 30 September 2026.

24. All decisions and recommendations of the judging panels are binding and final, requested feedback will be provided verbally.

25. All nominees for the NSW Training Awards agree that the provision of their personal information may be used by external organisations for the purpose of determining their eligibility.

26. All nominees for the NSW Training Awards agree that all or part of any non-confidential material or details from their nominations, photographs, and recordings can and may be used online, in any broadcast and print media. This may include a range of publicity and promotional materials related to VET and skills, the NSW Training Awards, or the Australian Training Awards.

27. The NSW Government reserves the right to use all, or part of any material generated (photographs, film footage, application submissions or any detail) for the purpose of the NSW Training Awards or for publication online, in print or other broadcast media, for publicity, promotional materials or campaigns related to the NSW Government.

28. Finalists and Winners of the 2026 NSW Training Awards may be required to participate in media interviews, promotional events and activities.

1. All nominations must be submitted online via the NSW Training Awards application portal.
2. The closing date for organisation award categories is Friday, 27 February 2026 at 4:00pm.
3. Organisations must not be nominated for any similar award in another State or Territory in the same year.
4. Organisation winners may nominate again for the NSW Training Awards; however, a grace period of one year is required.
5. NSW Government Employees and initiatives, except for those directly involved in the awards or judging, are eligible to nominate for the NSW Training Awards.
6. Each award category has specific criteria. All nominations must meet all eligibility criteria for their respective category and be factually correct for the nomination to be considered valid.
7. Eligibility and Selection Criteria are subject to change in accordance with the Australian Training Awards
8. It is the responsibility of all nominee organisations to ensure that they have selected the correct award category.
9. Organisations understand that, should a nomination be lodged into the wrong category, it may be re-assigned to the correct category once nominations have closed.
10. By using the NSW Training Awards online nomination portal, you consent to the transfer and storage of your personal information in the cloud.
11. All nominees must comply with State and Commonwealth government standards regarding training, workplace health and safety, and industrial relations matters. The NSW Department of Education may refuse to proceed with a nomination at any time where an organisation is under investigation by a State or Federal Government or has any unresolved issues with any other NSW Government department.
12. Organisations and Training Providers should be aware that integrity checks will be conducted as part of the judging process.
13. All Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) referenced in nominations must be registered with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and approved to deliver and/or assess the listed course or qualification in NSW (i.e. the course or qualification must be on the RTO’s scope of registration).
14. RTOs may be subject to quality assurance checks by (ASQA).
15. Community education providers will be subject to quality assurance checks by the NSW Department of Education
16. Organisations must be registered in Australia and have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
17. All nominees will be advised in writing of the outcome of their nominations
18. Shortlisted nominees must attend all interviews as required, either in person or virtually.
19. To withdraw an nomination after it has undergone the culling and interview process, the organisation must provide an explanation in writing as to why the nomination is being withdrawn.
20. Winners of the 2026 NSW Training Awards Organisation Categories, except the Disability Inclusion in the VET Sector Award (which does not continue to national level), will participate in a national shortlisting process with the Australian Training Awards. If selected as a finalist, the organisation will represent NSW at the Australian Training Awards in November/December 2026. Details regarding the presentation, date and location, will be announced in the Key Dates and Events section of the NSW Training Awards website.
21. All finalists are required to attend the state awards presentation, as presence for the announcement of the winner is mandatory.
22. Feedback regarding judging can be requested within the period up to 30 September 2026.
23. All decisions and recommendations of the judging panels are binding and final, any requested feedback will be provided verbally.
24. By submitting a nomination to the NSW Training Awards, all parties accept that provision of your personal information may be used by external organisations for the purpose of determining your eligibility within the awards process.
25. All nominees for the NSW Training Awards agree that the provision of their personal information may be used by external organisations for the purpose of determining their eligibility.
26. All nominees for the NSW Training Awards agree that all or part of any non-confidential material or details from their nominations, photographs, and recordings can and may be used online, in any broadcast and print media. This may include a range of publicity and promotional materials related to VET and skills, the NSW Training Awards, or the Australian Training Awards.
27. The NSW Government reserves the right to use all, or part of any material generated (photographs, film footage, nomination submissions or any detail) for the purpose of the NSW Training Awards or for publication online, in print or other broadcast media, for publicity, promotional materials or campaigns related to the NSW Government.
28. Finalists and Winners of the 2026 NSW Training Awards may be required to participate in media interviews, promotional events and activities.

The information provided by you on this nomination and attachments will be used by the NSW Department of Education for the purpose of administration, judging and general communication in regard to the NSW Training Awards. Provision of this information is essential to determine your eligibility for consideration for an Award.

Information will be stored securely. If you do not provide all or any of the required information, your nomination may be deemed ineligible for the NSW Training Awards. If it is past the nomination closing date and time, you may, at the discretion of the NSW Training Awards, correct or amend your personal details by contacting the NSW Training Awards team via email: nsw.trainingawards@det.nsw.edu.au.