Illawarra & South East NSW Region
The NSW Training Awards are celebrated throughout the state by 9 regional programs. View other regions.
2025 Illawarra & South East NSW digital program available here
The Illawarra and South East NSW Regional Training Services is dedicated to recognising and promoting excellence in vocational education and training across the region, with a focus on apprenticeships and traineeships. The region spans from Helensburgh in the north to Eden in the south, and extending to Cooma/Monaro, Queanbeyan, Yass, Goulburn, and the Southern Highlands.
Key Objectives for 2025
Supporting excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET) through the Training Awards
Managing regional nominations, interviews, shortlisting, and feedback
Facilitating community participation in, and local sponsorship of, the Regional Training Awards
Supporting the economic landscape of the region through encouraging and recognising excellence in a wide range of work, community, and life skills
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rory Archer | Early Childhood Education and Care | Shoalhaven Community Preschool | Wave Learning | - |
| Jordan Steele | Library and Information Services | Wollongong City Council | TAFE NSW | - |
| Lane Williams | Screen and Media | HILL TO AIR | The Australian Academy of Media | Ulladulla High School |
Apprentice of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruce Harkness | Bricklaying and Blocklaying | J & S Harkness Bricklayers | - | TAFE NSW |
| Jalah Morris | Commerical Cookery | Eschalot Restaurant | - | Quality College of Australia |
| Thomas Smart | Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology | Zeal Futures | Freightliner & Mercedes Benz Trucks Illawarra | TAFE NSW |
School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO | Host Employer | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emily McLeod | Early Childhood Education and Care | Cobblers Hill Community Preschool | ECTARC | - | St Mary Star of the Sea College |
| Harrison Rosta | Sport, Aquatics and Recreation | Creating Chances | Australian Training Company | - | Kanahooka High School |
| Leyla Wilson | Business | 1300apprentice | Australian College of Commerce & Management | ANZ - Goulburn | Mulwaree High School |
Trainee of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tori Bass | Early Childhood Education and Care | Explorers Learning Academy | ECTARC |
| Tamika Dykstra | Early Childhood Education and Care | ECTARC | ECTARC |
| Elouisa Monaghan | Early Childhood Education and Care | Tasman Park Children’s Centre | ECTARC |
VET in Schools Student of the Year
| Name | Industry | RTO | Employer | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molly Blunt | Agriculture | Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong | - | Chevalier College |
| Beau Mullins | Hospitality | Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited | - | Carroll College Broulee |
| Talia Walters | Construction | NSW Department of Education | Edmiston Jones | Dapto High School |
VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Larissa Balson | Early Childhood Education and Care | ECTARC |
| Tanya Campbell | Community Services | Wesley Vocational Institute |
| Renee O’Reilly | Hospitality | Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited |
Vocational Student of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christina Desmond | Quality Auditing | Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong | TAFE NSW |
| Indy-Rai Herrett | Community Services | Sureway Employment and Training | Sureway Skills Training |
| Donna Sweatman | Early Childhood Education and Care | Goodstart Early Learning | ECTARC |
Key Industries in the Region
Popular apprenticeships include:
Certificate III in Carpentry
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical)
Certificate III in Plumbing
Popular traineeships include:
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Certificate III in Business
Certificate III in Retail
Notable Alumni
2024 State Winners
VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Winner – Michael Pfeffer
Apprentice of the Year Winner – Rachael Pearson
2024 State Finalists
Trainee of the Year Finalist – Brooke Fletcher
2023
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) – Jayden Simms
Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) – Tahliah Duck
Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) – Thomas Eyre
2022
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Winner (NSW) – Jade Barrington
Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) – Daniel Arroyo
Vocational Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) – Mathew MacGregor
School-based Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) – Teagan Nicholson
2021
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year (People’s Choice NSW) - Maddison Peisley
Apprentice of the Year Finalist & Woman in Non-Traditional Trade (NSW) - Tay Kruizinga
Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Alexia Lara
VET in Schools Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Claire Petitt
VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Robyn Edwards
Vocational Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - William Gascoigne
2020
School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Winner (NSW) - Cassandra O’Carroll
Apprentice of the Year Winner (NSW) - Joshua Nickl
Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Shayd Flegg
Postcodes Covered by this Region
Contact details
For more information about the Illawarra & South East NSW Regional Training Awards, please contact:
Talarah Bull
E: Talarah.Bull@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0448 317 347