- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Certificate III in Carpentry
- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
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).
2025 Western NSW Winners
| Name | Industry | RTO | Employer | Host Employer | School | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year | Breanna Pilon | Early Childhood Education and Care | Australian Early Childhood College | Skillset | Dubbo Regional Council – Rainbow Cottage Child Care Centre | - |
| Apprentice of the Year | Daniel Stephens | ESI - Distribution Overhead | Essential Energy | Essential Energy | - | - |
| School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year | Amali Rollinson | Hairdressing | The Hair Academy Australia | Blush Hair and Beauty Bar Bathurst | - | Mackillop College |
| Trainee of the Year | Olivia Barsley | Automotive Sales | TAFE NSW | Hutcheon and Pearce | - | - |
| VET in Schools Student of the Year | Darby Hubber | Agriculture | Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst | - | - | St Raphaels Catholic School Cowra |
| VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year | Aunty Beth Wright PSM | Aboriginal Languages and Studies | TAFE NSW | - | - | - |
| Vocational Student of the Year |
Rebecca Hambrook | Community Services | TAFE NSW | Weigelli Centre Aboriginal Corporation | - | - |
2025 Regional Finalists
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olivia Barsley | Automotive Sale | Hutcheon and Pearce | TAFE NSW |
| Amanda Jackson | Early Childhood Education and Care | The Willows Early Learning Centre | ECTARC |
| Jessica Turnbull | Business | Gilgandra Preschool | Sureway Skills Training |
| Nme | Industry | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darby Hubber | Agriculture | Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst | St Raphaels Catholic School Cowra |
| Name | Industry | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Judy Doulman | Leadership and Management | Sureway Skills Training |
| Allyna Neville | Business and Retails | OCTEC Limited |
| Aunty Beth Wright PSM | Aboriginal Languages and Studies | TAFE NSW |
| 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 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
Key Industries for the Region
Agriculture, Mining, and Health Services are some of the major industries within the Western NSW area.
Apprenticeships
Traineeships
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Notable Alumni
2024 State Winner, Australian Runner Up
- Samantha Zannes - Vocational Student of the Year
2024 State Finalists
- Annalise Brouwer - Apprentice of the Year
- Annalise Hansen - VET in Schools Student of the Year
- Max Rabbett - VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
2023 State Winner
- Caroline Morris - Apprentice of the Year
2022 State Winner
- Clint Giddings - VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
2021 State Finalists
- James White - Trainee of the Year
- Jessica Drady - Apprentice of the Year
- Rhiannan McDonald - Vocational Student of the Year
2020 State Finalists
- Emily Vardenega - VET in Schools Student of the Year
- Reece Oldfield - Trainee of the Year
Postcodes Covered by this Region
Contact details
For more information about the Western NSW Regional Training Awards, please contact:
RLO Lead:
Kirstie Towle
E: Kirstie.Towle1@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0467 828 284
Support:
Sophie Barrett
E: Sophie.Barrett@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0460 022 801
Support:
Lara Cotter
E: Lara.Cotter1@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0474 931 060