- Certificate III in Carpentry
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
- Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
New England Region
The NSW Training Awards are celebrated throughout the state by 9 regional programs. View other regions.
2025 New England digital program available here
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.
2025 New England Winners
| Name | Industry | RTO | Employer | Host Employer | School | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year | Chayse Shepherd | Conservation and Ecosystem Management | Kiama Community College | Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council | - | Peel High School |
| Apprentice of the Year | Shaani Monson | Mobile Plant Technology | TAFE NSW | Zeal Futures | Maules Creek Coal Pty Ltd | - |
| School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year | Thea Sheridan | Health Services Assistance | TAFE NSW | Hunter New England Health District | - | Calrossy Anglican School |
| Trainee of the Year | David Rippin | Community Services | Australian Training Plus | Sora Community Services | - | - |
| VET in Schools Student of the Year | Bateson Pittman | Agriculture | NSW Department of Education | - | - | Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School |
| VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year | Patricia Fulloon | Business - Leadership and Management | - | BSI Learning | - | - |
| Vocational Student of the Year |
Esther Vusamu | Individual Support | TAFE NSW | - | - | - |
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
2025 Regional Finalists
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shayla Hall | Early Childhood Education and Care | Birrelee MACS | Australian Training Plus | - |
| Chayse Shepherd | Conservation and Ecosystem Management | Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council | Kiama Community College | Peel High School |
| Tijari-Ann Tighe | Business | Joblink Plus | Australian Training Plus | - |
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traivs Chaffey | Heavy Commerical Vehicle Mechanical Technology | Double R | - | TAFE NSW |
| Shaani Monson | Mobile Plant Technology | Zeal Futures | Maules Creek Coal Pty Ltd | TAFE NSW |
| Shane Woodward | Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology | Glen Artney Truck Repairs | - | TAFE NSW |
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emilie Hill | Health Services Assistance | Hunter New England Health District | TAFE NSW | Oxley High School |
| Thea Sheridan | Health Services Assistance | Hunter New England Health District | TAFE NSW | Calrossy Anglican School |
| Lilly Walker | Health Services Assistance | Hunter New England Health District | TAFE NSW | McCarthy Catholic College |
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Bilsborough | Early Childhood Education and Care | Gwydir Shire Council | International Child Care College |
| Evelyn Bower | Human Resource Management | Tamworth Regional Council | TAFE NSW |
| David Rippin | Community Services | Sora Community Services | Australian Training Plus |
| Name | Industry | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Benjamin | Financial Services | Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited | McCarthy Catholic College |
| Ellie Jones | Health Services Assistance | TAFE NSW | Carinya Christian School |
| Bateson Pittman | Agriculture | NSW Department of Education | Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School |
| Name | Industry | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Patricia Fulloon | Business - Leadership and Management | BSI Learning |
| Mitch Green | Training and Compliance | LessPlex Training Pty Ltd |
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristy Hicks | Early Childhood Education and Care | Tooraweenah Preschool | Sureway Skills Training Pty Ltd |
| Esther Vusamu | Individual Support | Moree Care | TAFE NSW |
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.
Apprenticeships
Traineeships
- Certificate II in Meat Processing (Abattoirs)
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice
- Certificate II in Agriculture
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Notable Alumni
2024 State Winner
- Gabriella Ward - VET in Schools Student of the Year
2024 State Finalists
- Hank Flett - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
- Jayden Townsent - Trainee of the Year
- Philippa Schoupp - School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
- Simone Williams - VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
2023 State Winners
- Aaliyah Morley - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
- Elizabeth King - VET in Schools Student of the Year
- Molly Smith - School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
2023 State Finalist
- Matthew Nott - Apprentice of the Year
2022 State Winner
- Lachlan Butler - Apprentice of the Year
2022 State Finalists
- Shaun Tobin - Trainee of the Year
- Sophie Hobden - VET in Schools Student of the Year
- Tara Vickery - School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
2021 State Winners
- Benjamin Lye - Apprentice of the Year
- Jack Ackling - Trainee of the Year
2020 State Finalists
- Georgia Foley - Apprentice of the Year
- Terri-Lee Murray - VET in Schools Student of the Year
Postcodes Covered by this Region
Contact details
For more information about the New England Regional Training Awards, please contact:
RLO Lead:
Matt Frew
E: matt.frew3@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0427 155 658
Support:
Georgia Johnson
E: georgia.Johnson24@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0499 816 323