Western NSW Region

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

2025 Western NSW digital program available here

The Western NSW region spans a vast area, from Lightning Ridge in the north to West Wyalong in the south, Lithgow in the east, and Broken Hill in the west. Regional Training Services in this area are dedicated to recognising and celebrating excellence in vocational education and training (VET).


Key Objectives for 2025

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

  • Managing regional nominations, interviews, shortlisting, and feedback

  • Encouraging industry participation and support

  • Recognising talent across the Western NSW region as a whole

  • 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 


2025 Finalists

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Name Industry Employer Host Employer RTO
Katie Hook Mental Health My Supports - SET2LEARN
Breanna Pilon Early Childhood Education and Care Skillset Dubbo Regional Council – Rainbow Cottage Child Care Centre Australian Early Childhood College
Diane Wade Early Childhood Education and Care Nature’s Academy Early Learning - TAFE NSW

Apprentice of the Year

Name Industry Employer RTO
Harrison Buckland Carpentry GN & LJ Good Builder TAFE NSW
Ryan Mackenzie Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Trimech Pty Ltd TAFE NSW
Daniel Stephens ESI - Distribution Overhead Essential Energy Essential Energy

School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Name Industry Employer RTO School
Callum Hutchinson Sport, Aquatics & Recreation Creating Chances Australian Training Company Narromine High School
Samantha Naden Individual Support Gilgandra Shire Council Sureway Skills Training Gilgandra High School
Amali Rollinson Hairdressing Blush Hair and Beauty Bar Bathurst The Hair Academy Australia Mackillop College

Trainee of the Year

Name Industry Employer RTO
Olivia Barsley Automotive Sales Hutcheon and Pearce TAFE NSW
Amanda Jackson Early Childhood Education & Care The Willows Early Learning Centre ECTARC
Jessica Turnbull Business Gilgandra Preschool Sureway Skills Training

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Name Industry RTO School
Darby Hubber Agriculture Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst St Raphaels Catholic School Cowra

VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

Name Industry Employer
Judy Doulman Leadership and Management Sureway Skills Training
Allyna Neville Business and Retail OCTEC Limited
Aunty Beth Wright PSM Aboriginal Languages and Studies TAFE NSW

Vocational Student of the Year

Name Industry Employer RTO
Rebecca Hambrook Community Services Weigelli Centre Aboriginal Corporation TAFE NSW
Ashlee Jenkin Early Childhood Education and Care Gilgandra Preschool Sureway Skills Training


Key Industries for the Region:

Agriculture, Mining, and Health Services are some of the major industries within the Western NSW area.

Popular apprenticeships include:

  • Cert III Electrotechnology Electrician

  • Cert III Carpentry

  • Cert III Engineering – Fabrication Trade

  • Cert III Light vehicle Mechanical Technology

  • Cert III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Popular traineeships include:

  • Cert III Early Childhood Education and Care

  • Cert III Carpentry

  • Cert III Engineering – Fabrication Trade

  • Cert III Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

  • Cert II Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology


Notable Alumni

2024 State Winners

  • Vocational Student of the Year Winner (NSW, Australian Runner-up) - Samantha Zannes

2024 State Finalists

  • Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Annalise Brouwer

  • VET in Schools Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Annalise Hansen

  • VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Max Rabbett

2023

  • Apprentice of the Year Winner (NSW) - Caroline Morris

2022

  • VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Winner (NSW) - Clint Giddings

2021

  • Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - James White

  • Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Jessica Drady

  • Vocational Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Rhiannan McDonald

2020

  • VET in Schools Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Emily Vardanega

  • Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Reece Oldfield


Postcodes Covered by this Region

Check your region by postcode.


Contact details

For more information about the Western NSW Regional Training Awards, please contact:
Tamara Griffiths
E: tamara.griffiths3@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0474 931 069

Sophie Barrett
E: sophie.barrett@det.nsw.edu.au

Category:

  • Skills
  • VET

Topics:

  • VET

Business Unit:

  • Training Services
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