- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Certificate III in Carpentry
- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
- Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Hunter & Central Coast Region
The NSW Training Awards are celebrated throughout the state by 9 regional programs. View other regions.
2025 Hunter & Central Coast digital program available here
The Hunter & Central Coast region encompasses Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Lower and Upper Hunter, Central Coast, and Port Stephens. The region is dedicated to promoting excellence in vocational education and training (VET) through various initiatives, including the prestigious NSW Training Awards.
2025 Hunter & Central Coast Winners
| Name | Industry | RTO | Employer | Host Employer | School | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year | James Barry | Guiding | TAFE NSW | Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley | - | - |
| Apprentice of the Year | Isla Johnston | Engineering - Mechanical Trade | Zeal Futures Learning | HunterNet Career Connections | GOSS Engineering | - |
| School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year | Lily Rance | Health Services Assistance | TAFE NSW | Hunter New England Local Health District | - | Erina High School |
| Trainee of the Year | Lauren McKewen | Early Childhood Education and Care | International Child Care College | The Cottage Preschool and Early Learning Centre | - | - |
| VET in Schools Student of the Year | Esteban Cervera | Cookery | NSW Department of Education | - | - | Brisbane Water Secondary College - Woy Woy Campus |
| VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year | Zae Greenwood | Hospitality | - | Statewide Business Training | - | - |
| Vocational Student of the Year | Cathy Burke | Housing | CHIA NSW | Pacific Link Housing | - | - |
2025 Regional Finalists
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Barry | Guiding | Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley | TAFE NSW | - |
| Georgia Sams | Health Services Assistance | Hunter New England Local Health District | TAFE NSW | Kurri Kurri High School |
| Annie Schonig-Jenkinson | Business Services | Hunter New England Local Health District | TAFE NSW | Maitland High School |
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jorjia Hogg | Sports Turf Management | Belmont Golf and Bowls | - | TAFE NSW |
| Isla Johnston | Engineering - Mechanical Trade | HunterNet Career Connections | GOSS Engineering | Zeal Futures Learning |
| Maxwell jones | Civil Construction Plant Operations | Daracon Group | _ | CWBTS |
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivee Allan | Health Services Assistance | Hunter New England Local Health District | - | TAFE NSW | St Joseph's High School, Aberdeen |
| Lily Rance | Health Services Assistance | Hunter New England Local Health District | - | TAFE NSW | Erina High School |
| Kenadee Windon | Electrotechnology (Career Start) | HunterNet Career Connections | Star Electrical Co Pty Ltd | Hunter Trade College | Hunter Trade College |
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logan Chapman | Pathology Collection | NSW Health Pathology | TAFE NSW |
| Sasha Lyell | Surface Extraction Operations | Programmed Skilled Workforce | Programmed Skilled Workforce |
| Lauren McKewen | Early Childhood Education and Care | The Cottage Preschool and Early Learning Centre | International Child Care College |
| Name | Industry | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esteban Cervera | Cookery | NSW Department of Education | Brisbane Water Secondary College - Woy Woy Campus |
| Emily Harris | Hospitality | NSW Department of Education | Brisbane Water Secondary College - Woy Woy Campus |
| Isaac Nisbet | Engineering | Hunter Trade College | Hunter Trade College |
| Name | industry | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Zae Greenwood | Hospitality | Statewide Business Training |
| Joel Syme | Hospitality | BSI Learning |
| Monique Wadwell | Community Services | Essential Skills Training and Recruitment |
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathy Burke | Housing | Pacific Link Housing | CHIA NSW |
| Daniel Olsen | Water Management | Academy Green Learning | Academy Green Learning |
| Remily Roberts | Early Childhood Education and Car | Garawa Preschool - The Entrance Public School | International Child Care College |
Key Objectives for 2025
Supporting excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET) through the Training Awards
Managing regional nominations, interviews, shortlisting, and feedback
Offering professional development opportunities to help nominees prepare for the State Awards
Annually reviewing the Regional Training Awards event and implementing feedback for continuous improvement
Providing day-to-day support for all VET learners, trainers, teachers, and training organisations across the region
Key Industries in the Region
Apprenticeship
Traineeships
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- Certificate III in Individual Support
- Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice
- Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations
Notable Alumni
2024 State and National Winners
- Lachlan Carey - NSW and Australian Trainee of the Year
- Dascha Harrison - NSW School-Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year and Australian Runner Up
- Jacinta Ferris - NSW Woman in Non-Traditional Trade
2024 State Finalists
- Jacinta Ferris - Apprentice of the Year
- Lori-Ann Brown - Vocational Student of the Year
2023 State Winners
- Celina Pellett - Woman in Non-Traditional Trade
2023 State Finalists
- Celina Pellett - Trainee of the Year
- Justin Curley - Apprentice of the Year
2022 State Winners
- Mellanie Sutton - Trainee of the Year
- Tahli Gleeson - School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
2022 State Finalists
- Lucinda Shilcock - Apprentice of the Year
2021 State Winner
- Erin Jacob - VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
2020 State Winner
- Peyton Bennett - VET in School Student of the Year
2020 State Finalist
- Madison Candy - Apprentice of the Year
- Raymond Steadman - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island of the Year
- Samar Yousef - School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
Postcodes Covered by this Region
Contact details
For more information about the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Training Awards, please contact:
RLO Lead:
Jenna Doherty
E: jenna.doherty2@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0423 037 920
Support:
Amber Edmonds
E: Amber.Edmonds3@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0477 746 806