"I was so excited but extremely honoured and grateful for the nomination. Once I made it to the regional interview I thought about the best way to tell my story and was happy that my passion for my work was seen by the judges. Once I went through to the NSW interviews, I was so nervous but that was more about finding my way around Sydney. The excitement was at an all time high when I found out I was a NSW finalist. The NSW awards night was incredible and an experience I will never, ever forget."

Achievements and Highlights

• Australian and NSW Winner
• Being in the Educational Pathways Program ambassador and having the ability to speak about Vocational Edcuation and Training
• MC at Hunter & Central Coast Regional Training Awards in 2025
• Completed Diploma in ECEC and beginning university in 2025

"Being nominated for the NSW Training Awards was an incredibly positive and rewarding experience. It was both exciting and humbling to be recognised for my hard work and dedication. Throughout the process, I had the opportunity to meet so many inspiring and talented people from across the state, all passionate about their industries and personal growth. The experience not only boosted my confidence but also reminded me of the value of continuous learning and the power of community within vocational education and training. I’m truly grateful for the connections I made and the encouragement I received along the way."

Achievements and Highlights:

• NSW Winner
• Has transitioned into casual K-6 teaching using experince as an early childhood teacher
• Mentors and supports the next generation of educators in her region
• Educational Pathways VET Ambassador (2024 - ongoing)

"Being nominated for the NSW Training Awards as a teacher trainer was both a confirming and inspiring experience. It validated the journeys and learning that my students and I share throughout our time together. There are so many small yet meaningful moments that we experience as teacher trainers — each one shaping who we are as educators and reminding us of the impact of vocational learning."

Achievements and Highlights:

• Hunter & Centarl Coast Region Winner
• VET Coordinator and Head Teacher
• Embarking on post-graduate studies
• Consulted on Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act Review
• Educational Pathways VET Ambassador (2024 - ongoing)

"Being nominated for a NSW Training Award was an honour. When completing the application, I had to remind myself that I truly deserved the nomination and not let imposter syndrome take over. I also learned how to tell my own story through the successes and experiences of my students — their journeys really reflect the impact of my work."

Achievements and Highlights:

• Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Region Winner
• VET Coordinator and Careers & Trainsition Adviser
• Support many students with their own nominations for the NSW Training Awards
• Consulted on Appricetship and Traineeship Act Review
• Educational Pathways VET Ambassador (2023 - ongoing)

"Since becoming a NSW Training Awards Finalist, I am proud to be working for NSW Ambulance. I have had several opportunities to present to media about my workplace and have promoted my volunteer work with St John Ambulance widely. Since the NSW Training Awards I have been able to increase my skills with additional professional development training, and I have become a VET Ambassador, which allows me to speak to the wider community, to school teachers, students and parents and influence mindsets on education beyond school and uni."

Achievements and Highlights:

• Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Winner
• Workng with NSW Ambulance
• Volunteer with StJohn Ambulance
• Educational Pathways VET Ambassador (2023 - ongoing)

"The NSW Training Awards have unlocked numerous exciting new opportunities. Being surrounded by like-minded ambassadors has truly been an amazing experience. The NSW Training Awards have ignited my journey towards a fulfilling career path, dedicated to supporting others on a similar journey."

Achievements and Highlights:

• Western NSW Region Winner
• HVTX Indigenous Apprentice/Trainee of the Year 2022
• Education Pathways VET Ambassador (2022-2024)
• Continuing work in NSW public service sector

"Thanks to the VET course I chose to complete at school, I have been able to fast track my career within the carpentry industry by giving myself the opportunity to turn a 4-year apprenticeship into 3 years and 6 months by already having the knowledge of what is learned during the first 6 months at TAFE.

From becoming the 2022 VET in Schools Student of the Year for the Illawarra and South East NSW Region, I have been able to network with many different major Australian businesses and score some great opportunities for work later in life. From this award I am now a NSW Training Awards Ambassador and have to opportunity to go around to different schools and tell the students my story, the passions I have and how they can also get the same opportunities as me."

Achievements and Highlights:

• Illawarra & South East NSW Region Winner
• Education Pathways VET Ambassador (2023-2024)
• Completed VET Construction Pathways and transitiong into a full-time apprenticeship in 2023

"The Training Awards program provided me with the realisation that the positive impact we have on our students goes far beyond just employment outcomes. Dedicated VET teachers develop students’ self-esteem, model constructive workplace relationships, provide support and assurance that failure is part of the improvement cycle. This guidance does lead to greater employment outcomes, but more importantly has a significant positive impact on their life decisions and successes.

Being recognised by the Training Awards has opened the doors to many opportunities for me to share my story across all parts of NSW. I have been able to impact students and future VET teachers on the benefits of VET pathways through these VET endorsement opportunities."

Achievements and Highlights:

• NSW Winner
• VET Construction Teacher and Careers Adviser at Blayney High School
• VET Curriculum Project Officer at NSW Department of Education
• Educational Pathways VET Ambassador (2022 - 2024)

"Winning the award has given me self-confidence and courage, which has made such a positive difference in my professional and personal life. I have networked with so many peers who also share similar passions and goals to mine which is so exciting. I have considered these peers of mine to be life-long friends because they continue to support my journey in VET."

Achievements and Highlights:

• NSW Winner
• Training Coordinator for Central Cost RTO
• Trainisitioned into Community, Wellness and Education Manager in Not-for-Profit sector

"Since becoming a NSW Training Awards Ambassador, my career has flourished. I have gone on to work in different industries and fields. My proudest achievements by far are being recognised as a finalist and when I secured work with Service NSW, which is a credit to the transferable skills I learned during my School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship".

"This experience has given me a chance to meet new friends who have become a family of encouragement and support".

Achievements & Highlights:

• NSW People's Choice Winner
• Volunteer with Rural Fire Service
• Engaged as VET Ambassador (2019-2023)
• Transitioned into work within QLD public sector

"After being announced as the Winner for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander of the Year in 2018, I have pushed myself to learn a brand-new skillset through VET. I have learned great communication skills and winning the Award has given me the opportunity to study a Certificate in Business Operations and Manufacturing. I have also been offered the opportunity to become a VET Ambassador, promoting VET Pathways to my peers and my community."

Achievements and Highlights:

• NSW Winner
• Continued study with a Ceritificate in Business Operations & Manufacturing
• Trainee of the Year - 2023 Apprentice Employment Network Awards
• Enagaged as Educational Pathways VET Ambassador (2022-2024)