Australian Training Awards recognise best in VET
Passion, excellence and extraordinary achievements in vocational education and training have been showcased and celebrated at the 30th annual Australian Training Awards in Hobart.
Winners from across the country shared their inspiring stories of achievement, resilience and dedication at a gala event attended by over 700 guests.
The 2023 Australian Training Awards recognised apprentices, trainees, VET students, teachers, practitioners, employers and training providers.
Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor praised the winners and the 75 finalists for their dedication and innovation and wished them well on future endeavours.
Amy Hunt – the worthy winner of Apprentice of the Year – is the only woman and youngest cable jointer at her worksite and was drawn to the fast-changing environment of the power industry.
The Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award went to Mary Faraone, a respected leader in the vocational education and training sector, both nationally and internationally.
Taking out the top student awards this year were:
- Trainee of the Year – Bridie Searle
- Vocational Student of the Year – Jessica Addo
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Emma Brown
- Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino
TAFE Queensland was named Large Training Provider of the Year and the Institute of Skills and Training Australia in the Northern Territory was awarded Small Training Provider of the Year.
The pivotal contribution of VET employers was also recognised with Beaufort and Skipton Health Service in Victoria taking out the Small Employer of the Year Award, while Queensland based All Purpose Transport was named Large Employer of the Year.
For information on the 2023 Australian Training Awards and all the winners, visit www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor
“Thanks to Fee-Free TAFE and our landmark National Skills Agreement, there has never been a better time to be part of the VET sector, whether you are a student, mentor, or teacher.”
“The awards highlight the best of the best, from electrotechnology and project management to business studies and community services.
“If we are going to solve one of the country’s most severe skills shortages, we need to provide opportunities to people who have traditionally been denied them. That’s why it’s particularly inspiring to see a woman in a non-traditional role win the Apprentice of the Year award.
“I’m equally inspired to see that of the five national student awards, three were won by First Nations students.
“Whether you are starting, changing or boosting your career, never before has the VET sector offered such great opportunities – opportunities to make a real difference in both local communities and the wider Australian economy.”