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 and 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 | - | - |
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
2025 Finalists
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
| 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 |
Apprentice of the Year
| 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 |
School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO | Host Employer | 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 | Hunter Trade College | Star Electrical Co Pty Ltd | Hunter Trade College |
Trainee of the Year
| 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 |
VET in Schools Student of the Year
| 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 |
VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Zae Greenwood | Hospitality | Statewide Business Training |
| Joel Syme | Hospitality | BSI Learning |
| Monique Wadwell | Community Services | Essential Skills Training and Recruitment |
Vocational Student of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathy Burke | Housing | Pacific Link Housing | CHIA NSW |
| Daniel Olsen | Waste Management | Academy Green Learning | Academy Green Learning |
| Emily Roberts | Early Childhood Education and Care | Garawa Preschool - The Entrance Public School | International Child Care College |
Key Industries in the Region
Popular apprenticeships include:
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
Popular traineeships include:
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
NSW and Australian Trainee of the Year - Lachlan Carey
NSW School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year and Australian Runner Up - Dascha Harrison
Woman in Non-Traditional Trade – Jacinta Ferris
2024 State Finalists
Apprentice of the Year Finalist - Jacinta Ferris Winner
Vocational Student of the Year Finalist – Lori-Ann Brown
2023
Trainee of the Year Finalist & Woman in Non-Traditional Trade (NSW) – Celina Pellett
Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) – Justin Curley
2022
Trainee of the Year Winner (NSW) - Mellanie Sutton
School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Winner (NSW) - Tahli Gleeson
Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Lucinda Shilcock
2021
VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Winner (NSW) - Erin Jacob
2020
VET in Schools Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Peyton Bennett
Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Madison Candy
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Raymond Steadman
School-based Apprentice/Trainee of thre Year Finalist (NSW) - Samar Yousef
The Hunter and Central Coast region is committed to recognising and celebrating the outstanding contributions of local VET students, apprentices, trainees, and employers.
Postcodes Covered by this Region
Contact details
For more information about the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Training Awards, please contact:
Craig Slavek
E: craig.slavek1@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0457 127 757
Amber Edmonds
E: Amber.Edmonds3@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0477 746 806