The New England region, located in the north of New South Wales, includes the Northern Tablelands and the North West Slopes. New England Regional Training Services are committed to promoting excellence in vocational education and training (VET), supporting apprenticeships, traineeships, and vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries.

Through initiatives such as the Regional Training Awards, we celebrate the achievements of local students, apprentices, trainees, and training providers. Our efforts help raise awareness of the value of VET, encouraging industry involvement and fostering a skilled workforce in the New England region.

Key Objectives for 2025

• Supporting excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET) through the Training Awards

• Managing regional nominations, interviews, shortlisting, and feedback

• Supporting businesses and training organisations to showcase individuals who have excelled in their fields and industries
  

• Supporting and guiding Regional Winners who are progressing to the State Awards

• Providing day-to-day support for all VET learners, trainers, teachers, and training organisations across the region 

Key Industries in the Region

Agriculture, Mining, Healthcare, Transport, Manufacturing, Education and Training, Tourism and Renewable Energy Zones are all major industries in the New England region.

Popular apprenticeships include:

• Cert II Electrotechnology Electrician

• Cert III Capentry

• Ceret III Ebgerneering – Fabrication Trade

• Cert III Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

• Cert III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Popular traineeships include:

• Cert II Meat Processing (Abattoirs)

• Cert IV Real Estate Practice

• Ceret III Early Childhood Education and Care

• Cert III Business

• Cert IV Civil Construction

• Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care

2024 New England Training Awards Winners

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Hank Flett
Qualification: Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Trained by: Tocal College
Employed by: Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council

Apprentice of the Year

Mitchell Nairn
Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Australian Rail Track Corporation Ltd

School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Philippa Schoupp
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
School: Warialda High School
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Hunter New England Local Health District

Trainee of the Year

Jayden Townsend
Qualification: Certificate IV in Community Services
Trained by: Australian Training Plus
Employed by: Tamworth Family Support Service Ltd

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Gabriella Ward
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
School: Peel High School
Trained by: TAFE NSW

VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

Simone Williams
Field of Study: Health and Nursing
Employed by: TAFE NSW

Vocational Student of the Year

Pauline Bush
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Trained by: ARC Training
Employed by: Healthcare Australia

Notable Alumni

2024 State Winners

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Gabriella Ward

2024 State Finalists

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Hank Flett
  

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Jayden Townsend

• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Philippa Schoupp

• VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Simone Williams

2023

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Aaliyah Morley

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Elizabeth King

• School-based Apprentice/Trainee Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Molly Smith

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Matthew Nott
  

2022

• Apprentice of the Year Winner (NSW) - Lachlan Butler

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Shaun Tobin

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Sophie Hobden
  

• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Tara Vickery

2021

• Apprentice of the Year People’s Choice (NSW) - Benjamin Lye

• Trainee of the Year People’s Choice (NSW) - Jack Ackling
  

2020

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Georgia Foley

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Terri-Lee Murray

Postcodes Covered by this Region

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Contact details

For more information about the New England Regional Training Awards, please contact:

Bede Maher
E: bede.maher@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0428 469 761

Georgia Johnson
E: georgia.Johnson24@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0499 816 323