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

Check your region by postcode.

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

Category:

  • Skills
  • VET

Topics:

  • VET

Business Unit:

  • Training Services
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