Illawarra & South East NSW Region
The NSW Training Awards are celebrated throughout the state by 9 regional programs. View other regions.
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
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
2024 Illawarra & South East NSW Training Awards Winners
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Ivan Morris
Qualification: Certificate IV in Mental Health
Trained by: Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW
Employed by: Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service
Apprentice of the Year
Rachael Pearson
Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Zeal Futures
Hosted by: South 32
School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
Xavier Jeremijenko
Qualification: Certificate II in Construction Pathways
School: Keira High School
Trained by: Public Schools NSW, Wagga Wagga
Employed by: Havenwood Tiny Homes
Trainee of the Year
Brooke Fletcher
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Snowy Hydro Ltd
VET in Schools Student of the Year
Sienna Withers
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
School: Moss Vale High School
Trained by: NSW Health RTO
VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
Michael Pfeffer
Field of Study: Hospitality
Employed by: Public Schools NSW, Wagga Wagga
Vocational Student of the Year
Chloe Short
Qualification: Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: CS Animal Services
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