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
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