New England Region
The NSW Training Awards are celebrated throughout the state by 9 regional programs. View other regions.
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
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