Individual Awards Winners

2025 NSW Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Kathryn Beale

Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

Trained by: NECA Training

Employed by: NECA Electrical Apprenticeships

Hosted by: Star Electrical Pty Ltd

Kathryn Beale is the perfect example of an apprenticeship success story; a champion for women in trades, a skilled sparky, and an invaluable team member. As a mature-age apprentice in the trades, Kathryn has honed her skills and found a passion for working on the tools. She now has a world of opportunities at her feet, and a network of supportive colleagues behind her every step of the way.

Kathryn has been recognised not only for her technical skills and strong work ethic, but also for her commitment to fostering diversity and mentorship in the workplace. An essential member of the team, Kathryn is active in her workplace’s mentoring program, and a tireless advocate for women in trades. She has made it her mission to take on leadership roles to promote inclusivity in the workplace. Her tenacity shines through in all she does, and she’s using her own experiences to support the next generation of apprentices coming through the ranks. She is an invaluable asset to the team, and a role model for what is possible through VET.

2025 NSW Trainee of the Year

Winner: Imogen Young-Maloney

Qualification: Certificate III in Business

Trained by: Australian College of Commerce & Management

Employed by: Wagga Wagga City Council

Imogen Young-Maloney used her traineeship to explore the world of human resources, and her studies have given her the chance to develop a range of versatile skills that have solidified her as a superstar in her workplace. She has broadened her understanding of how vast the business sector truly is. She is passionate about making a positive impact on people while supporting the organisational functions within a business, and her approach has directly contributed to Wagga Wagga City Council’s workforce development and the promotion of VET across the region.

Throughout her traineeship, Imogen has been able to practice her time management, flex her design and branding skills, and build strategies for effective communication and collaboration. She has stepped up to organise community events and engage with local youth at career expos as well. Imogen’s journey has transformed her into a confident individual eager to seize new opportunities. She is excited to continue her studies and is making a positive impact in her community while advocating for the importance of VET and the doors it can open for others.

2025 NSW School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Winner: Amali Rollinson

Qualification: Certificate III in Hairdressing

Trained by: The Hair Academy Australia

Employed by: Blush Hair and Beauty Bar Bathurst

School: MacKillop College

Amali Rollinson has loved the art of hairstyling since she was young. From an early age, she was busy experimenting with her family's hair and styling up her dolls. Unsurprisingly, as soon as she was old enough to work Amali began her career as a Salon Assistant at Blush Hair and Beauty Bar in Bathurst.

Being a year younger than her peers, Amali gave herself a head start by completing a school-based apprenticeship so she could finish Year 12 with a qualification as well as her HSC. Beyond simply improving her hairdressing skills, Amali was also able to gain new levels of maturity and independence. She is a real ambassador for VET, and she uses her strong communication skills to share insights into school-based apprenticeships and traineeships and encourage other young people to consider their options. Amali can attest to the benefits of her training pathway, and it’s thanks to the supportive mentorship and guidance that she has been able to thrive while pursuing her passion.

2025 NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Winner: James Barry

Qualification: Certificate III in Guiding

Trained by: TAFE NSW

Employed by: Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley

James Barry, known to many as "Poncho", is a tourism professional with decades of experience in sharing stories, culture, and history with visitors from around the world. James completed a Certificate III in Guiding while balancing a very full work schedule at both Hunter Valley Small Group Tours & Transfers and Balloon Aloft; serving on the Board of the Kiray Putjung Aboriginal Corporation; working as an archaeologist for Hunter Transmission Lines; and serving as a retained firefighter with NSW Fire & Rescue.

James' dedication to serving the community and mentoring the next generation is core to his work, and he’s already planning his next big step- setting up his own Indigenous tourism business that celebrates the rich culture and history of Wonnarua Country.

James is continuing his VET journey with further qualifications so he can support the growth of future tourism professionals, ensuring they gain essential skills for success.

2025 NSW Vocational Student of the Year

Winner: Rebecca Hambrook

Qualification: Certificate IV in Community Services

Trained by: TAFE NSW

Employed by: Weigelli Centre Aboriginal Corporation

Rebecca Hambrook believes in the importance of recovery and lived-experience support for First Nations and rural communities. Her career journey has been heavily influenced by her personal experiences, and she’s used VET to support others on their own pathways to success. In choosing to undertake a Certificate IV in Community Services, Rebecca took a crucial step in her personal and professional life; becoming a support worker. Having overcome addiction, incarceration, and trauma, Rebecca chose the community services industry to use experiences to help others facing similar challenges.

The flexibility of online learning allowed her to balance her studies while rebuilding her life. Midway through her course, she secured a role as a support worker at a residential rehabilitation centre, where she was able to apply her knowledge of mental health, trauma, and community services daily.

Now pursuing a Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs, Rebecca has her sights set on case work or outreach roles. Her commitment to education and helping others has meant that Rebecca has found her calling and is thriving.

2025 NSW VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

Winner: Penny Mackay

Field of Study: Hospitality and Business

Employed by: Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga

Penny MacKay began her career journey as an apprentice chef, where she experienced first-hand the transformative power of vocational education and training. After spending many years thriving in an industry she loved, Penny felt a pull to do more to make a difference in the lives of young people in her region. It was a big step for Penny to pursue a Bachelor of Education in Food Technology, but she took on the challenge so she could give back to her industry, her region, and the young people in her community.

Now she’s truly living her dreams as VET Coordinator; her hospitality program has gone from a small group to over 55 students, and her business classes are consistently growing. Penny is committed to providing innovative learning experiences to her students, and she has been able to create linkages across VET classes and industries to provide students with the real-world experiences they need.

As VET Coordinator, Penny oversees 173 students and builds collaborations with industry partners to deliver robust training in fast-evolving industries. Her commitment to personalised education ensures that every student feels valued and empowered to pursue their goals, and she’s helping to increase the teaching staffs’ capacity in her school as well. With even more plans to expand VET opportunities, Penny is showing just how innovative and crucial VET is for a community.

2025 NSW VET in Schools Student of the Year

Winner: Darby Hubber

Qualification: Certificate II in Agriculture

Trained by: Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst

School: St Raphaels Catholic School Cowra

Darby Hubber is setting herself up for a big future after high school; with qualifications in both Agriculture and Cookery, she’s ready for anything that comes her way. Darby’s experiences in Primary Industries have deepened her understanding of agricultural practices, while time spent in Hospitality has refined her customer service and teamwork abilities. Balancing school, work, and extracurricular activities meant that Darby has heroic time management skills and unmatched organisational abilities.

Darby has already been recognised for her dedication and initiative, she’s received the Ken Duffy Scholarship in 2023, the Indigenous Education Award in 2025, and was invited to become a mentor for the Young Women in STEM Academy. A highlight of Darby’s educational journey was participating in the school's annual Japan experience, which allowed her to broaden her cultural perspectives. On top of her amazing academic achievements, Darby is also a Dance Step teacher and an assistant in a local hair salon. She is constantly putting her strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills to good use.

Organisation Awards Winners

2025 NSW Industry Collaboration Award

Winner: Casino Food Company Ltd and TAFE NSW

Collaboration title: Skills for the Future: TAFE NSW & The Casino Food Company Partnership

The Casino Food Company and TAFE NSW have forged a cutting edge, innovative partnership to drive workforce development, inclusion, and regional growth in Northern Rivers, NSW. Their shared commitment to integrity, quality, and service supports career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, international workers, and diverse communities. This collaboration enhances local employment, promotes social inclusion and strengthens economic resilience by upskilling the workforce.

Operationally, the initiative has delivered a 12.9% reduction in lost work time, improved safety performance, and greater efficiency—clear evidence of how vocational education can produce long-term value. This collaboration is establishing a benchmark for industry and education partnerships that nurture role models, build a stronger workforce, and deliver lasting impacts beyond the workplace.

2025 NSW Large Employer of the Year

Winner: Australian Rail Track Corporation

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is a vital link in the nation’s transport supply chain – operating and maintaining the national rail network to help connect Australia’s regions, cities and ports.

As the largest rail network manager in Australia, ARTC helps to enable the safe and efficient transit of freight and passenger trains across the country, managing more than 9,600km of rail track across five states (South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia), and the lands of more than 50 First Nations.

To maintain and operate their vast network, the ARTC team is spread across six offices (Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle and Wagga Wagga), 28 Provisioning Centres in both regional and urban areas, and 3 Network Control Centres (Mile End SA, Junee NSW, Broadmeadow NSW).

2025 NSW Small Employer of the Year

Winner: Muswellbrook Preschool Kindergarten Inc

Training is at the heart of everything that Muswellbrook Preschool Kindergarten does. Since 1965, they have proudly served the community as a not-for-profit preschool, nurturing over 200 families each week through purposeful play, discovery, and connection.

The team of 59 educators and staff thrive in a culture of respect, integrity, and growth—supported through dedicated training, mentoring, and wellbeing initiatives. Muswellbrook Preschool Kindergarten provides formal qualifications through RTOs, supports diverse life journeys into education, and offers structured internal programs to promote learning and leadership development. With a commitment to pathways, including School-based Traineeships, they have created dynamic opportunities for emerging educators, with an emphasis on appropriate resourcing and dedicated mentoring time—led by passionate leaders — to strengthen outcomes across the board. Boasting an ‘Exceeding’ NQS rating and a heartfelt focus on staff care, Muswellbrook Preschool Kindergarten has built a legacy of lifelong learning and personal growth, with all team members being truly valued.

2025 NSW Large Training Provider of the Year

Winner: TAFE NSW

TAFE NSW is woven into the fabric of life in New South Wales; helping individuals build skills, discover passions, and pursue meaningful careers. With over 400,000 enrolments across 150+ learning locations, TAFE NSW delivers flexible, personalised vocational education and training that reflects the diversity of its students and the communities it serves.

As the state’s public VET provider, TAFE NSW plays a central role in meeting critical skills priorities – partnering with government, industry, and higher education to build a future-ready workforce across 85 industry sectors. Flagship initiatives like the Institutes of Applied Technology, Manufacturing Centres of Excellence, and a growing suite of microskills respond rapidly to emerging needs in areas including construction, digital technology, and renewable energy. Whether supporting a student in remote NSW, a young person re-engaging with learning, or a professional seeking to upskill or reskill, TAFE NSW delivers life-changing education and training that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.

2025 NSW Small Training Provider of the Year

Winner: CWBTS

City-Wide Building & Training Services (CWBTS) is a nationally recognised leader in vocational education and training (VET), specialising in construction and building apprenticeships. They deliver innovative, workplace-based training programs that are aligned with industry needs and designed to develop practical, job-ready skills. With a commitment to excellence, CWBTS integrates cutting-edge technologies—including AI Wallets, virtual classrooms, and interactive video content—to boost engagement, reduce resubmissions, and enhance learning outcomes.

Their SITE Method ensures every apprentice receives structured, targeted, and impactful support, while their strong partnerships with employers and industry bodies drive curriculum relevance and workforce alignment. CWBTS are proud to champion diversity through their Women in Construction and First Nations initiatives, and their completion and employer satisfaction rates significantly exceed national benchmarks. At CWBTS, they don’t just deliver qualifications—they create futures, setting a new standard in quality, innovation, and impact within the VET sector.