The Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region is dedicated to fostering vocational excellence by actively promoting apprenticeships and traineeships. Spanning a diverse and expansive area, the region stretches from Upper MacDonald in the north to Erskine Park in the south, reaching as far west as Mount Victoria and encompassing the Inner West suburbs to the east. This commitment to skill development aims to empower individuals and strengthen the local workforce.

In 2025, for the first time, the Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Training Awards will be combining with the Central & Northern Sydney Training Awards and the Southern & South Western Sydney Training Awards to crown winners from all three regions in one Metro Sydney Training Awards event.

Key Activities Include

• Encouraging employers, both large and small, to offer apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities

• Promoting vocational education to school leavers, highlighting various apprenticeships and traineeships

• Recognising the achievements of local students, apprentices, trainees, and training providers through the Regional Training Awards

• Showcasing the talent within the region and providing winners the chance to progress to the NSW State Awards

• These efforts help build a skilled workforce and highlight the importance of VET in the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region.

Key Industries in the Region

Popular apprenticeships include:

• Cert III Electrotechnology Electrician

• Cert III Carpentry

• Cert III Plumbing

• Cert III Light vehicle Mechanical Technology

• Cert III Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Popular traineeships include:

• Cert III Early Childhood Education and Care

• Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care

• Cert III Supply Chain Operations

• Cert IV Real Estate Practice

• Cert III Retail

2024 Western Sydney and Blue Mountains Training Awards Winners

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Tataya Curry-Jones
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Trained by: Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta
Employed by: Kimberwalli
School: St John Paul II Catholic College

Apprentice of the Year

Samer Rawas
Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Endeavour Energy

School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Xavier Shepherd
Qualification: Certificate III in Retail
School: St Columba's Catholic College
Trained by: McDonald's Australia Ltd
Employed by: McDonald's

Trainee of the Year

Isabella Bruce
Qualification: Certificate III in Information Technology
Trained by: Australian College of Commerce & Management
Employed by: MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees
Hosted by: Jaybro Group

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Sharnie Clinch
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
School: St John Paul II Catholic College
Trained by: NSW Health RTO

VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

Alice Clarke
Field of Study: Digital Literacy
Employed by: BSI Learning

Vocational Student of the Year

Kenneth George
Qualification: Certificate IV in Cyber Security
Trained by: TAFE NSW

Notable Alumni

2024 State Finalists

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Samer Rawas

2023

• VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Geraldine Hodkinson

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Mia Lewis

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Montayah Astruc

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Raychel White
  

2022

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Ammaleah Astruc

• VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Luke Smith

2021

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Ethan Zammit

• Apprentice of the Year Winner (NSW) - Troy Harris

2020

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Daniel Bortoli
  

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Ricky Rangra

Postcodes Covered by this Region

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Contact details

For more information about the Western Sydney & Blue Mountains NSW Regional Training Awards, please contact:

Noeleen Alchin
E: noeleen.alchin@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0436 913 009