The Riverina-Murray region, covering a vast area of southern NSW, is committed to delivering a high-quality event that celebrates the achievements of all our finalists. We are dedicated to promoting Vocational Education and Training (VET) across the region and recognising the hard work and success of our local VET community.

2025 Riverina Winners

Key Objectives for 2025

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

• Managing regional nominations, interviews, shortlisting, and feedback

• Promoting the value of VET across the Riverina-Murray region

• Encouraging industry support for School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

• Working with schools to foster support for School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

• Engaging with VET stakeholders to advocate for VET opportunities

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

2025 Finalists

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Apprentice of the Year

School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Trainee of the Year

VET in Schools Student of the Year

VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

Vocational Student of the Year

Key Industries in the Region

There is a wide range of industries within the Riverina region; manufacturing/engineering, building and construction, automotive, electrotechnology, community services and childcare.

Popular apprenticeships include:

• Cert II Electrotechnology Electrician

• Cert II Carpentry

• Cert III Engineering – Fabrication Trade

• Cert III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

• Cert III Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Popular traineeships include:

• Cert II Hospitality

• Cert III Supply Chain Operations

• Cert III Surface Extraction Operations

• Cert III Meat Processing (Food Services)

• Cert III Early Childhood Education and Care

Notable Alumni

Through ongoing efforts, we aim to highlight the region’s exceptional talent, and the vital role VET plays in driving local success.

2024 State Finalists

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Katie Carusi

• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Libby Olrick

2023

• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Caitlin Joliffe

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Jade Tapfield

2022

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) Oswald Herrmann

2021

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Charis Inoc

• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Hannah Walker

• VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Kim Roberts

2020

• Trainee of the Year Winner (NSW) - Emily Jones

• Vocational Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Stuart Nichols

Tahlia Gilbert – 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year (Riverina)

Wiradjuri woman Tahlia Gilbert finished her schooling at Narrandera High School by receiving the Outstanding all-rounder student Award (Secondary) at the 19th annual Nanga Mai Awards in Sydney.

Tahlia was her school's first Indigenous female school captain and cherished the responsibility.

"I did Acknowledgements of Country at so many events this year; and at my local dance studio I've just started an Aboriginal contemporary dance group," she said.

Tahlia was named the 2024 Riverina Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for her work at Narrandera Hospital Tahlia will complete her school-based traineeship in Health Services – Health Services Assistance Certificate III in December 2024 and hopes to embark on a full-time nursing career.

Jade Tapfield – 2023 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year (Riverina Winner, NSW Finalist)

Having successfully completed her school-based traineeship undertaking Certificate III in Allied Health Services Assistance (AIN), Jade has progressed her nursing career into Aboriginal health, currently studying Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Primary Health Care Practice.

Through her ongoing VET studies, Jade has been able to pursue her dream of working in rural and remote communities and helping large First Nations populated towns access the healthcare and support they need.

Jade is heavily involved in her community and actively promotes the VET pathway, to First Nations students.

Jade hopes to inspire her community and the upcoming generations and to be a voice for her people.

Oswald (Ossie) Herrmann - 2022 Apprentice of the Year (Riverina Winner, NSW Finalist)

Completing a Certificate III of Engineering – Mechanical Trade, Oswald realised the scope of opportunity that a career in engineering could provide. Oswald used his background with metalwork and the one-on-one training with his educator at Educational Living to excel as an apprentice.

A natural leader and team player, Oswald drew on his experience as a senior AFL player to inspire comradery and teamwork in his younger colleagues, encouraging communication as a way of improving safety and productivity.

Now into his career as a qualified engineer with a wealth of opportunity awaiting him, Oswald is now inspiring students into VET through the Educational Pathways Program.

As he develops in his career, Ossie is keen to mentor others. He secured employment at the same business where he started out as an apprentice and is excited about the opportunity to offer advice to those following in his footsteps. Ossie has been building his leadership and management skills and learning how to mentor the apprentices around him.

Emily Willis (nee Jones) - 2020 Trainee of the Year (NSW and Riverina Winner)

Emily took out the 2020 NSW Trainee of the Year Award after completing a Certificate IV in Library and Information Services. Emily states that ‘receiving the award gave her the confidence to take the leap and apply for her current position as the Tourism and Communications Coordinator at Greater Hume Council.

Emily worked from the Holbrook Visitor Information Centre and the Submarine Museum throughout the traineeship and enjoyed meeting a wide demographic of people and helping them plan their best holiday itinerary whilst showcasing how amazing the area is providing insight into the town history.

Emily is passionate about vocational education and training and decided to further her education, and completed a Diploma of Digital Marketing and Communication, to assist her to achieve her long-term goal to become a Promotions and Tourism Officer and a freelance content curator. Today, Emily’s current title with Greater Hume Shire is Executive Assistant - Tourism and Communications Officer.

Michael Edwards – 2018 Apprentice of the Year (Australia, NSW, and Riverina Winner)

After 15 years working as a motor mechanic, Michael’s employer, Snowy Hydro offered him the opportunity to take on a second trade as a mature aged apprentice.

He completed a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, taking out the TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga Campus apprentice of the year in 2017. In the final ‘Capstone’ exam for his apprenticeship, Michael achieved the unprecedented result of 100 per cent in his practical exam and 93 per cent for the knowledge exam. It was the highest mark achieved at Wagga since the nationally written and validation assessment began.

Snowy Hydro holds Michael in high esteem as he displays exemplary commitment as an employee with dual qualifications while juggling a young family. 

Michael spent the next few years being an Australian Training Awards Ambassador representing Industry and the NSW Training Awards, whilst still working with Snowy Hydro as the Apprentice Liaison Officer - People & Wellness. Today, Michael continues progressing his career with Snowy Hydro as the Organisation Development Officer based out of Khancoban.

Postcodes covered by this region

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Contact details

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

Emagen Stokes
E: emagen.stokes2@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0477 343 338

Caitlin Solway
E: caitlin.solway2@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0460 022 460