Individual Awards Winners

2026 NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Winner: Joanne Campbell

Qualification: Certificate IV in Housing

Training Provider: CHIA NSW

Employer: Homes North Community Housing

Joanne Campbell combined her Certificate IV in Housing with frontline work through a cadetship with CHIA NSW and Homes North Community Housing. A proud Aboriginal woman born and raised in Guyra, Joanne has deep connections to her community, Country, family and kinship.

Motivated by personal hardships, including losing everything in a house fire, Joanne is passionate about supporting others facing housing challenges. As a caseworker on the Tingha Pathways Project, she provides guidance and access to safe, affordable housing, drawing on her lived experience, empathy, and strong community connections. Joanne prioritises building trust, respect, and compassion in her work and credits her mentor and colleagues with helping develop her confidence and leadership skills.

Committed to making a positive difference, she inspires her family and community through hope, perseverance, practical knowledge, and compassionate service.

2026 NSW Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Nikita Wells

Qualification: Certificate III in Hairdressing

Training Provider: TAFE NSW

Employer: Cooper & Co Hairdressing

Nikita Wells completed her Certificate III in Hairdressing with Cooper & Co, building her skills and confidence in a fast-paced salon environment. Balancing structured study with hands-on experience, she has developed a strong technical ability, professionalism, and a passion for delivering exceptional client experiences.

Driven by creativity and the opportunity to help clients feel confident, Nikita embraces every chance to learn and grow. Her apprenticeship has strengthened her communication, time management and teamwork skills, preparing her for a successful career in the industry.

Selected as a WorldSkills Australia NSW Ambassador, Nikita proudly represents vocational education and promotes apprenticeships to young people. She values the combination of practical training and formal learning, recognising the important role both have played in her development. Through her dedication, resilience and positive attitude, Nikita is committed to continually improving her craft while contributing to a supportive and inspiring salon culture.

2026 NSW School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Winner: Annie-Maree Martin

Qualification: Certificate III in Agriculture

Training Provider: Australian Training Company

Employer: Australian Training Company

Host Employer: Tinker Valley Farm

School: Ulladulla High School

Eager to commence a Certificate III in Agriculture but unable to find a local training provider, Annie-Maree showcased exceptional initiative during a chance conversation with Australian Training Company at a careers event. Her determination led to a school-based traineeship and an opportunity to spend a month in the Northern Territory completing the practical component of her studies.

Having sold fresh produce to local cafés with her brothers from the age of 12, Annie-Maree has always been passionate about agriculture and the farming industry. That passion has set her on a clear career path, with employment opportunities already emerging before she finishes school.

A proud Aboriginal woman, Annie-Maree stays connected to her culture through school and community events. As School Captain at Ulladulla High School, she encourages other young Aboriginal students to consider vocational education as a pathway to a rewarding career, demonstrating leadership both at school and within her community.

2026 NSW Trainee of the Year

Winner: Trinity Preston

Qualification: Certificate III in Business

Training Provider: Australian College of Commerce & Management

Employer: Orange City Council

Trinity Preston completed a Certificate III in Business, describing her traineeship as one of the best career decisions she has made after discovering she learns best through practical, hands-on experience. Seeking a meaningful career, she quickly developed skills in digital literacy, record keeping, policy writing and complex administration.

Throughout her traineeship, Trinity received multiple nominations for assessment excellence and was recognised with a Staff Excellence Award for her commitment, initiative and positive contribution to her workplace. She is known for her proactive approach, working collaboratively with colleagues to improve processes, solve problems and deliver positive outcomes.

A strong advocate for vocational education and training, Trinity values the real-world skills and opportunities her traineeship has provided. Ambitious and dedicated, she is committed to continuing her professional growth, taking on new challenges and making a lasting contribution to her workplace and community.

2026 NSW VET in Schools Student of the Year

Winner: Charlie Degnan

Qualification: Certificate III in Agriculture

Training Provider: NSW Department of Education

School: Yanco Agricultural High School

Charlie Degnan is completing his Certificate III in Agriculture at Yanco Agricultural High School, where he has excelled as the top all-round student. Despite not growing up on a farm, Charlie has passionately gained practical experience in livestock management through weekend and holiday placements on friends’ farms. He demonstrates strong leadership skills as Year 12 school captain, setting an example through reliability, initiative, and teamwork.

Charlie’s expertise in cattle herd health and his commitment to volunteering on the school farm, reflects his passion for agriculture and willingness to learn. He actively encourages his peers to explore vocational education and is passionate about showing that a successful career in agriculture is achievable regardless of a person's background.

With aspirations to further his career in agriculture and explore options in agri-finance, Charlie is committed to continuing his learning and making a positive contribution to the future of the industry.

2026 NSW VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year

Winner: Rouaa Altinawi

Field of Study: Real Estate

Employer: Entry Education

Passionate about helping others succeed, Rouaa Altinawi is a dedicated real estate trainer who combines industry experience with a genuine commitment to student success. After beginning her career in real estate at 18 while completing her vocational training, Rouaa discovered her true passion was not only working in the industry but empowering others through education.

Having migrated to Australia as a teenager, Rouaa's determination and resilience have shaped both her personal and professional journey. Her own experiences have inspired a strong commitment to mentoring, volunteering and coaching, where she encourages others to build confidence and achieve their goals.

Since becoming a real estate trainer, Rouaa has introduced competency check calls to better support students, ensuring they remain engaged and on track throughout their training. Through regular industry events, ongoing professional development and a supportive approach to learning, she continues to empower the next generation of real estate professionals.

2026 NSW Vocational Student of the Year

Winner: Kiara Watts

Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support

Training Provider: Coffs Coast Community College

Employer: Pillars of Care

Kiara Watts completed her Certificate III in Individual Support at Coffs Coast Community College, transforming her passion for helping others into a rewarding career in the care sector. Beginning her journey through Mission Australia’s Transition to Work program, Kiara discovered a learning pathway that built her confidence and inspired her to continue her education through further study.

Determination and resilience have been central to Kiara’s success, helping her develop the practical skills, empathy and professionalism needed to provide high-quality, person-centred care. Now employed in individual support, Kiara makes a positive difference in the lives of those she supports while continuing to embrace lifelong learning.

Beyond her career, Kiara has achieved important personal milestones, creating greater independence and stability for herself and making her family proud. Her journey demonstrates how vocational education can provide purpose, opportunity and the confidence to build a meaningful future.

Organisation Awards Winners

2026 NSW Industry Collaboration Award

Winner: Apollo Fabrication Group & Educational Living

Collaboration title: Steel Fabrication Training Opportunities Program

The Steel Fabrication Training Opportunities Program is building careers, strengthening workforce capability and supporting growth and resilience in regional NSW manufacturing.

Delivered onsite at Apollo Fabrication Group’s facility in Young, NSW, the program brings together Apollo’s expertise in large-scale structural steel production with Educational Living’s 35+ years’ experience delivering nationally recognised engineering and manufacturing training.

Together, they have created a strategic workforce development initiative designed for the realities of regional, advanced manufacturing, delivered in-region, embedded in production and aligned to project workflows.

With 40% of Apollo’s workforce participation, and training embedded in the workplace culture, the program is creating pathways from entry-level training to trade, post-trade and leadership roles.

It is helping Apollo respond to regional recruitment challenges, develop the next generation of master steel craftspeople and compete in a demanding national market, demonstrating how genuine industry collaboration can strengthen a business, a sector and a regional economy.

2026 NSW Small Employer of the Year

Winner: Daimler Trucks Wagga & Daimler Trucks Albury

The TriStar Group was established in 2020 with Daimler Trucks Wagga and Daimler Trucks Albury. The organisation has a clear goal to build a trusted business by developing its people, supporting its customers, and continuously improving operations. This commitment is personal for Managing Director David Warren, who began his professional career in the industry as an apprentice and experienced first-hand the impact and benefits of training pathways. That experience shaped his belief that people succeed when they are given the right training, guidance and opportunities.

At the heart of the company’s culture is a simple mantra: they care, and they make it happen. Across its operations, TriStar Group invests in mentoring, hands-on development, online training for all staff, and structured Daimler Truck Technical training pathways. The organisation helps its team understand their pathways and progress with confidence. It believes in growing its people by supporting them to build capability, develop new skills, and become future leaders. Its focus remains on its people in an industry where technology is evolving and delivering outcomes for customers, the industry, regional business, and communities.

2026 NSW Large Employer of the Year

Winner: Ausgrid

Ausgrid is the largest electricity distributor on Australia's east coast, delivering safe and reliable power to over 4 million customers across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter regions. With a workforce of more than 3,000 employees, Ausgrid plays a critical role in maintaining and evolving energy infrastructure to support homes, businesses and communities.

A key driver of this capability is the Bright Spark Apprentice Program, which provides high-quality, on-the-job training supported by a strong development framework. Apprentices benefit from dedicated Apprentice Development Officers, Development Days and tailored Trade Skill weeks, alongside structured rotations and hands-on field experience. Innovative initiatives, and further enhancements of practical skills building confidence and strong safety behaviours while supporting apprentices to succeed both technically and personally.

Ausgrid’s commitment to safety, innovation and training ensures its people are well equipped to meet future energy challenges, while fostering a skilled workforce that underpins long-term operational success.

2026 NSW Small Training Provider of the Year

Winner: SCA Hair & Beauty Academy Pty Ltd

SCA Hair & Beauty Academy is a privately owned RTO based in the Illawarra, delivering training in the personal services and creative industries, including beauty therapy, hairdressing, barbering, nail technology, make-up, and screen and media. Operating for over 20 years, the Academy offers skill sets and nationally recognised qualifications from Certificate II through to Diploma level, including apprenticeships and traineeships, SbAT, and EVET programs.

Committed to practical, industry-relevant training, SCA equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for successful careers. Flexible training options at SCA ensure that all students can pursue their individual goals and needs.

Through public training clinics, industry partnerships, and community collaborations, students gain valuable hands-on experience, building work-ready skills, confidence, and professional networks.

SCA works closely with employers, schools and community organisations to create meaningful pathways into employment and further training.

2026 NSW Large Training Provider of the Year

Winner: Zeal Futures Learning

Zeal Futures Learning is a not-for-profit, social enterprise RTO that has been building skills, careers, and stronger communities for more than 45 years. Delivering training across trades, business, leadership, foundation skills, and community education, they support more than 900 learners across 3 campus locations, as well as online delivery across NSW.

Their innovative programs, including industry co-designed apprenticeship pathways, trade training, and specialist support for disadvantaged learners, are helping address critical regional skills shortages. Through the Zeal Futures Secondary School, they provide opportunities for young people to re-engage with learning and create pathways to further training and employment.

Zeal Futures Learning achieves learner outcomes that exceed sector benchmarks while supporting First Nations learners, people with disability, job seekers, and young people facing barriers to education. Through industry partnership, workforce innovation and a commitment to quality and inclusion, they are helping shape the future workforce of regional NSW.

2026 NSW Disability Inclusion in the VET Sector

Winner: aEX Institute (BSI Learning)

aEX Institute, formerly BSI Learning and Afford have built a long-term partnership focused on disability inclusion and vocational equity. Drawing on Afford’s deep client support experience and aEX Institute’s accredited training capability, the partnership delivers tailored programs that blend foundation skills, work readiness and nationally recognised qualifications for people with disability. Training is designed around real work environments, with small groups, high-support trainers and close collaboration between support workers, supervisors and trainers so learners can practise skills on the job and see immediate relevance.

The partnership has supported participants to step into new responsibilities, transition into open or supported employment, and pursue further study with greater confidence. By aligning training with each person’s goals and workplace context, aEX Institute and Afford are demonstrating what best-practice VET inclusion can look like, practical, person-centred, and focused on meaningful, sustained participation in work and community.