The NSW Training Awards recognise the very best in Vocational Education and Training (VET) in NSW. The NSW Training Awards also feed into the Australian Training Awards.

For individuals

The NSW Training Awards celebrate outstanding VET learners, teachers and trainers. These awards open doors to new opportunities in the VET sector, helping you connect with like-minded professionals and grow your skills and career.

For organisations

The NSW Training Awards highlight organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to training and workforce excellence. Finalist organisations benefit from valuable networking opportunities and statewide recognition for their achievements.

Yes, as of 2026 all individuals can self-nominate for the NSW Training Awards. All nominations require an Endorser to be eligible.

Individuals can only apply for one category. If you submit nominations for more than one category, we will be in touch to clarify which award you will move forward as an nominee in.

Organisations can apply for more than one award, provided that the eligibility criteria of those awards are met. Please note that multiple nominations from the same organisation for the same award category will not be accepted.

There is no limit to the number of apprentices, trainees, students or trainers you can be an Endorser for. Please note that the role of Endorser is very significant; any incomplete endorsements will render an nomination ineligible.

All nominations must be submitted using the online platform before the closing date.

trainingawardsnsw.awardsplatform.com

Nominations will not be accepted via any other electronic or hardcopy format, this includes paper, USBs, CDs, DVDs, faxes, emails, or links to external websites or other media platforms.

Please refer to our Key Dates and Events page.

No, the NSW Training Awards do not charge a nomination fee. Finalists receive tickets to attend their Regional Training Awards presentation.

For details on entering the NSW Training Awards, please refer to the below links:

• How to enter
• Eligibility and selection criteria
• Conditions of entry
• Submission tips

Yes, you can use your existing login details if you have used this online platform before. Enter your username and password to access the nomination form.

Individual award categories

You can only be nominated once for a training contract*, this means that if you have been nominated for your apprenticeship, traineeship or vocational course once you cannot be nominated for it again.

If you have progressed to the next level in your training, you can be nominated again.

Examples:

• You were nominated for the NSW Trainee of the Year as you did a traineeship in Certificate III in Business Services (Business Administration). You have since completed this traineeship and progressed to a Certificate IV in Business Services (Legal Services). In this case, you would be eligible for the NSW Trainee of the Year as it is a different training contract.
• You were previously nominated for NSW School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year while in Year 12. You have now continued your apprenticeship and are due to complete in March. You are eligible for nomination in the NSW Apprentice of the Year category as this is a different category from your original nomination.
• You were nominated for NSW VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year last year. You cannot apply again this year. You may be eligible to apply next year, as there must be a one-year gap between applications.

Note: A valid nomination/application is one that is marked as ‘complete’ or ‘submitted’ on the online application system. If you lodge an application and your Endorser does not complete their endorsement, your application is not considered ‘complete’.

Organisation award categories

Organisations can apply again each year, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

* Note: A valid nomination is one that is marked as ‘complete’ or ‘submitted’ on the online nomination system. If you lodge a nomination and your Endorser does not complete their endorsement, your nomination is not considered ‘complete’.

Competency Based Completion (CBC), sometimes called early completion, occurs when a learner achieves the required skills in their trade or vocation faster than expected.

It recognises that you have excelled in your training and met all competencies ahead of schedule.

You can be nominated using either your Competency Based Completion (CBC) date or your expected completion date, as long as one of these dates falls within the eligibility period for the year you are applying.

• Vocational Student of the Year Award: use the end or completion date of your training/qualification provided by your training provider.
• Apprentices or Trainees using a CBC date: you must submit a Competency Based Completion Form before entering the NSW Training Awards.

IIf you wish to discuss CBC further, please contact us

Yes, you can still apply, but you must use your previous employer or training provider as your Endorser. 

If your new employer was not involved in your training contract, we cannot accept endorsement from them.  

If you transferred to your new employer before completing your training contract, you can list them as your Endorser. 

If you are eligible for more than one individual award category, you can only apply for one award at a time, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for that award.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award places a particular emphasis on lifelong learning and connection to country, community, and culture.

Note: You cannot enter multiple categories. For example, if you are eligible for both Trainee of the Year and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, you must choose one.

'Group Training’ is an employment and training arrangement where a Group Training Organisation (GTO) acts as the employer to apprentices and/or trainees and hires them out to other businesses (known as ‘Host Employers’) throughout the duration of their formal training.

If you are applying and are unsure whether you are employed by a GTO, please speak to your employer or contact Training Services on 13 28 11.

Information regarding supporting documentation can be found at How to enter.

Yes. You must attach a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 supporting documents. Each attached file must be under 5MB.

Information regarding supporting documentation can be found at How to enter.

You may edit your application until the application's closing date, even if you have already clicked submit on your application. Once applications close, you are no longer able to access and edit your application.

Once applications close, all applications for individual award categories are distributed to the relevant Regional Training Services office for assessment.

You will be advised of the outcome of your application by your Regional Training Services office. You will receive one of the following outcomes:

• Your application was not eligible for the NSW Training Awards
• Your application has not progressed to the interview stage for the Regional Training Awards
• Your application has progressed to the interview stage for the Regional Training Awards, and you will be invited to attend an interview at your local Training Services office.

Learn more about the awards process.

Regional interview phase

After the applications close, your application will be assessed, and you will receive email communication from your local Training Services office.  

You should expect to receive information about the outcome of your application a month after applications close. 

Regional finalist phase

If you proceed to Regional Interviews, you will be notified of the outcome in approximately 4 weeks after your interview. Outcomes will be one of the following: 

• You have not progressed as a Regional Finalist.  
• You have progressed as a Regional Finalist and will be invited to attend the Regional Training Awards for your region where the category winners will be announced. 

State interview phase

Winners at all Regional Training Awards will be invited to attend interviews to progress to the state phase of the NSW Training Awards. You will receive communications from the NSW Training Awards State Team to arrange your interview date and time.  

Approximately 2 weeks after your interview, you will be notified of the outcome via email. Outcomes are one of the following options: 

• You have not progressed as a State Finalist. 
• You have progressed as a State Finalist and will be invited to attend the NSW Training Awards in Sydney where category winners will be announced. 

Absolutely. You have achieved something special and deserve to celebrate.

State Finalists and Winners can request copies of NSW Training Awards logos for their specific award to use as needed.

We ask that you please share any promotional material with us.

Of course. Please contact us with your name, currenty contact details and your award category.

Please note that feedback regarding the judging and selection process can be requested up to 30 September each year.

Feedback will be provided by the chair of your selection panel. We always aim to accommodate feedback requests in a timely manner but variables including panel member availability may impact this.

Please note that feedback will be provided to you verbally only.