- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Certificate III in Carpentry
- Certificate III in Plumbing
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- Certificate III Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Western Sydney & Blue Mountains 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
The Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region stretches from Balmain and Leichhardt, through the vibrant heart of Parramatta, across to the Blue Mountains, and up to the Hawkesbury and Wisemans Ferry. It’s a region defined by diversity, innovation, and opportunity . Our commitment to skill development aims to empower individuals and strengthen the local workforce. We are proud to be home to one of the most culturally rich communities in the state, with the highest number of First Nations students and strong representation from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Through vocational education and training (VET), we work alongside learners, employers, training providers, and community partners to build skills, foster inclusion, and create meaningful career pathways .
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.
2025 Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Winners
| Name | Industry | RTO | Employer | School | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year | Katarina Ferkula-Cohen | Business | Western Sydney University The College | Western Sydney University | - |
| Apprentice of the Year | Lochlan Leonard | Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) | TAFE NSW | Chop Butchery - Richmond | - |
| School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year | Teagan Paviour-Smith | Animal Care | TAFE NSW | German Shepherd & Cavoodleworld | Pennant Hills High School |
| Trainee of the Year | Erin Lowry | Racing (Stablehand) | Team Thoroughbred NSW Training Academy | Godolphin | - |
| VET in Schools Student of the Year | Summer King | Business | Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese | - | Catherine McAuley Westmead |
| VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year | Sky Van den Berge | Primary Industries | - | Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese | - |
| Vocational Student of the Year |
Andrew Hudson | Early Childhood Education and Care | METS Training Services | Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre - Blackheath Out of School Hours | - |
2025 Regional Finalists
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katarina Ferkula-Cohen | Business | Western Sydney University | - | Western Sydney University The College |
| Jackson Sibir | Supply Chain Operations | MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees | Jaybro | Australian College of Commerce & Management |
| Tracey Saunders | Applied Digital Technologies | Sydney Water | - | TAFE NSW |
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher Grasso | Electrotechnology Electrician | Endeavour Energy | TAFE NSW |
| Lochlan Leonard | Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) | Chop Butchery - RIchmond | TAFE NSW |
| Tori Shirky | Electrotechnology Electrician | Endeavour Energy | TAFE NSW |
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyla Jenkins | Electrotechnology Electrician | DDP Electrical Services | TAFE NSW | CathWest Innovation College |
| Teagan Paviour-Smith | Animal Care | Gernam Shepherd & Cavoodleworld | TAFE NSW | Pennant Hills High School |
| Chelsea Sproh | Sport Coaching | Creating Chances | NSW Department of Education | Jamison High School |
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alana Kennedy | Leadership and Management | Gamuda Engineering Pty Ltd | - | Health & Safety Advisory Service |
| Erin Lowry | Racing (Stablehand) | Godolphin | - | Team Thoroughbred NSW Training Academy |
| Samantha Oliver | Business | ARCway Careers | Gerard Malouf & Partners | ARC Training |
| Name | Industry | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Baysari | Hospitality | Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese | Catherine McAuley Westmead |
| Summer King | Business | Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese | Catherine McAuley Westmead |
| Jessica Thompson | Business | Catholic School Parramatta Diocese | CathWest Innovation College |
| Name | Industry | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Hrvatin | Construction | Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese |
| Christopher Rojo | Live Production and Technical Services | Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese |
| Sky Van den Berge | Primary Industries | Catholic Schools Parrmatta Diocese |
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Dodwell | Leadership and Management | Corrective Services NSW | BSI Learning |
| Andrew Hudson | Early Childhood Education and Care | Blackhealth Area Neighbourhood Centre - Blackheath Out of School Hours | METS Training Services |
| Pooja Singh | Early Childhood Education and Care | Little Oz Kidz Family Day Care | International Child Care College |
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
- Providing day-to-day support for all VET stakeholders across the region to build a skilled and responsive workforce and highlight the importance of VET in the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region.
Key Industries in the Region
Apprnticeships
Traineeships
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations
- Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice
- Certificate III in Retail
Notable Alumni
2024 State Finalist
- Samer Rawas - Apprentice of the Year
2023 State FInalists
- Geraldine Hodkinson - VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
- Mia Lewis - Trainee of the Year
- Montayah Astruc - VET in Schools Student of the Year
- Raychel White - Apprentice of the Year
2023 State Finalist
- Ammaleah Astruc - Trainee of the Year
- Luke Smith - VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
2021 State Winners
- Ethan Zammit - VET in Schools Student of the Year
- Troy Harris - Apprentice of the Year
2020 State Finalist
- Daniel Bortoli - Apprentice of the Year
- Ricky Rangra - Trainee of the Year
Postcodes Covered by this Region
Contact details
For more information about the Western Sydney & Blue Mountains NSW Regional Training Awards, please contact:
Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) Lead:
Danielle Abraham
E: Danielle.Abraham@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0429 034 865
RLO Support:
Leon Esho
E: Leon.Esho5@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0457 094 053