Southern & South Western Sydney Region
The NSW Training Awards are celebrated throughout the state by 9 regional programs. View other regions.
2025 Metro Sydney Training Awards digital program available here
Delivered by Bankstown Regional Training Services Southern and Southwestern Sydney is renowned for its cultural diversity, rich history, and vibrant communities. The region features a dynamic blend of suburban areas, industrial hubs, and picturesque landscapes.
Rapid growth is underway, with population and infrastructure development expected to continue significantly, driven by increasing demand for housing and local amenities. The region is also home to some of the States biggest new developments including Nancy Bird Airport, the new city of Bradfield and multiple Sydney Metro projects.
Southern and Southwestern Sydney (Bankstown) Training Services plays a crucial role in supporting Vocational Education and Training (VET), offering practical skills that meet the diverse needs of local industries. This enables individuals to develop the skills required for local jobs, fostering both personal career growth and regional prosperity.
Southern and Southwestern Sydney (Bankstown) Regional Training Services is dedicated to recognising and celebrating excellence in VET.
In 2025, for the first time, the Southern & South Western Sydney Training Awards will be combining with the Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Training Awards and the Central & Northern Sydney Training Awards to crown winners from all three regions in one Metro Sydney Training Awards event.
2025 Southern and South Western Sydney Winners
| Name | Industry | RTO | Employer | Host Employer | School | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year | Susan Bonham | Health Administration | NSW Health RTO | Sydney Local Health District | - | - |
| Apprentice of the Year | Kathryn Beale | Electrotechnology Electrician | NECA Training | NECA Electrical Apprenticeships | Star Electrical Pty Ltd | - |
| School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year | Taine Wihare | Carpentry | Sydney Catholic Schools | Micon Projects NSW | - | De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah |
| Trainee of the Year | Stephanie Xing | Library and Information Services | TAFE NSW | Sutherland Shire Council | - | - |
| VET in Schools Student of the Year | Aziz Eryasar | Health Services Assistance | NSW Health RTO | - | - | Cecil Hills High School |
| VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year | Alex Colvin | Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology | - | Motor Traders Association of NSW | - | - |
| Vocational Student of the Year |
Natasha Fayad | Patisserie | Le Culinaire Hospitality Institute | - | - | - |
2025 Regional Finalists
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susan Bonham | Health Administration | Sydney Local Health District | - | NSW Health RTO | - |
| Iris Smith | Allied Health Assistance | South Eastern Sydney Local Health District | - | TAFE NSW | St Patrick's College Sutherland |
| Madeline Wilson | Events | My Gateway | Wollondilly Shire Council | TAFE NSW | - |
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | rto |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathryn Beale | Electrotechnology Eletrician | NECA Electrical Apprenticeships | Star Electrical Pty Ltd | NECA Training |
| Phoebe Lawrie | Electrotechnology Electrician | My Gateway | Stowe Australia | TAFE NSW |
| Grace Rose | Electrotechnology Electrician | ACIA Electrical Services Pty Ltd | - | TAFE NSW |
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceira Roche | Early Childhood Education and Care | Engadine Gumnut Early Education and Care | KKTC | St John Bosco College Engadine |
| Taine Wihare | Carpentry | Nicon Projects NSW | Sydney Catholic Schools | De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah |
| Christopher Xegas | Individual Support | Carrington Care | UOW College Australia | Campbelltown Performing Arts High School |
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emma Buttigieg | Business | My Gateway | - | Australian College of Commerce & Management |
| Rebecca Pizarro | Information Technology | Zeal Futures | Inner West Council | TAFE NSW |
| Stephanie Zing | Library and Information Services | Sutherland Shire Council | - | TAFE NSW |
| Name | Industry | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aziz Eryasar | Health Services Assistance | NSW Health RTO | Cecil Hills High School |
| Takiya Gould | Business | Association of Independent Schools of NSW | Danebank Anglician School for Girls |
| Maddison Heslehurst | Salon Assistant | Sydney Catholic Schools | Southern Cross Catholic College |
| Name | Industry | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Amanda Clarke | Hospitality | Sydney Catholic Schools |
| Alex Colvin | Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology | Motor Traders Association of NSW |
| Erin McMullan | Aquatics | Ampd Academy |
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bart Brunton | Entrepreneurship and New Business | - | TAFE NSW |
| Natasha Fayad | Patisserie | - | Le Culinaire Hospitality Institute |
| Monica Noussair | Early Childhood Education and Care | SAGE Early Learning Centre | H&H Accredited Training |
Key Objectives for 2025
Offering guidance and support to students navigating VET, helping them progress into meaningful and sustainable employment within the region
Ensuring that all training opportunities are accessible to all members of the community, promoting access and equity
Aligning training programs with the evolving demands of local industries to meet regional employment needs
Supporting excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET) through the Training Awards
Managing regional nominations, interviews, shortlisting, and feedback
Encouraging industry participation and support
Connecting local businesses, training providers, and government representatives
Providing day-to-day support for all VET learners, trainers, teachers, and training organisations across the region 
Notable Alumni
2024 State Finalists
- Corina Button - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
- Joshua Sullivan - Trainee of the Year
- Shane Button - Apprentice of the Year
2023 State Finalists
- Benjamin Allen - Trainee of the Year
- Caitlun Kox - Apprentice of the Year
- Fatusama Fuamatu - School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
- Nicholas Luttrell - Vocational Student of the Year
2022 State Winners
- Casey Fox - Vocational Student of the Year
- Stella Cox - VET in Schools Student of the Year
2022 State Finaliststs
- Juliane Latu - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
- Liam Barber - Apprentice of the Year
- Taylor Vandijk - Trainee of the Year
2021 State Winner
- Adam Hansen - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
2021 State Finalist
- Lachlan Skillcorn - Apprentice of the Year
2019 State Winners
- Kelsey Commons - VET in Schools Student of the Year
- Karyn Downs - Woman in Non-Traditional Trades
2019 State FInalists
- Karyn Downs - Apprentice of the Year
- Jennifer Gleeson - VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
- Simon Chan - Trainee of the Year
Postcodes Covered by this Region
Contact details
For more information about the Southern and South Western Sydney Regional Training Awards, please contact:
RLO Lead:
Teressa Roberts
E: Teressa.Roberts@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0499 850 986
Support:
Tina Lopez
E: Christina.Lopez@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0474 955 880
Support:
Dylyn Blackledge
E: Dylyn.Blackledge@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0499 829 081