The Australian Training Awards are the peak, national awards for excellence and best practice in vocational education and training (VET) and the Albanese Government congratulates the 75 finalists for the 2024 Australian Training Awards.
On December 6 this year finalists will head to the National Convention Centre in Canberra where the winners will be crowned.
For 30 years, the awards have recognised the achievements of apprentices, trainees, students, employers, educators and training providers.
The finalists are competing for 16 national awards, across categories for individuals, businesses and registered training organisations.
Awards for individuals include:
- Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector
- Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
- Vocational Student of the Year
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year
- Trainee of the Year
- Apprentice of the Year
- VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year
- Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice.
The business awards recognise small and large employers of the year, employers of Australian Apprentices, industry collaborations and innovation initiatives in VET. Registered training organisations compete for Small Training Provider of the Year Award, Large Training Provider of the Year Award, and schools and their partners are recognised in the School Pathways to VET Award.
Finalists are invited to become national ambassadors for the VET sector, joining past finalists in the ranks of the Australian VET Alumni. As alumni, finalists will be part of a network who inspire others to achieve their goals by sharing their stories, demonstrating the opportunities that VET provides and have the chance to contribute to policy discussions at a national level.
The Albanese Government knows VET equips Australians for the jobs they choose, with the skills they need for fulfilling and meaningful lives.
As a nation we reap the benefits of the dedication and commitment of VET students, teachers and trainers. It is fitting that every year we celebrate their achievements through these awards.
The Government is supporting VET with significant initiatives, including investing $30 billion over 5 years with states and territories through the National Skills Agreement and continuing our commitment to Fee-Free TAFE through legislation.
So far there has been more than 508,000 enrolments in Fee-Free TAFE since it commenced in January 2023, with many more to come
Visit the Australian Training Awards website to see the list of finalists for this year, and for tickets to the awards.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"The Australian Training Awards celebrate the achievements of the vocational education and training sector. I would like to welcome the newest members of the Australian VET Alumni who by sharing their inspiring stories are encouraging other Australians to follow in their footsteps to become electricians, nurses, carpenters. carers and educators.
"I congratulate all 2024 Australian Training Award finalists. They are beacons for the opportunities that are available through VET. It is a great privilege that I get to recognise the hard work and dedication of these individuals, businesses and training providers working and delivering quality VET across all states and territories.
"A vibrant vocational education and training sector is vital to developing the skills we need now and into the future. We know that 9 out of 10 new jobs require a post-school qualification. Half of these qualifications will come through VET. The fantastic stories behind these finalists serve as inspiration for others to embark on great VET careers."
Full list of the ATA Award 2024 Nominees
Individual
Apprentice of the Year Award
Finalist
Leanne Kell - Australian Capital Territory
Rachael Pearson - New South Wales
Asinate Bradbury - Northern Territory
Harry Roberts - Queensland
Bianca Taylor - South Australia
Benjamin Barker - Tasmania
Matthew Tyquin - Victoria
Ellie Wotherspoon - Western Australia
Trainee of the Year Award
Finalist
Ariah Holmes - Australian Capital Territory
Lachlan Carey - New South Wales
Storm Cloud - Northern Territory
Tessa Wallace OLY - Queensland
Lisa Brazzalotto - South Australia
Imogen Tyers - Tasmania
Emma Holgate - Victoria
Almira Dall - Western Australia
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award
Finalist
Rebecca Grace Martin - Australian Capital Territory
Baylun Williams-Pinkie - New South Wales
Vanessa Williams - Northern Territory
Rhonda Woolla - Queensland
Stephanie Hernandez - South Australia
Harley Mansell - Tasmania
Taylor Hampton - Victoria
Albert Bevan - Western Australia
Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award
Finalist
Lawson Connor - Australian Capital Territory
Dascha Harrison - New South Wales
Zane Edwards - Northern Territory
Chelsea Bostock - Queensland
Lara Wilson - South Australia
Aleira Chalker - Tasmania
Alicia Farr - Victoria
Ffion Henderson - Western Australia
Vocational Student of the Year Award
Finalist
Alyssa Tracey - Australian Capital Territory
Samantha Zannes - New South Wales
Courtney Stewart - Northern Territory
Atong Koot - Queensland
Zander Lee - South Australia
Andrew Bartlett - Tasmania
Carly Brown - Victoria
Thanh Thuy (Miley) Nguyen - Western Australia
VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award
Finalist
Nadine Morton - Australian Capital Territory
Michael Pfeffer - New South Wales
Maureen Simon - Northern Territory
Rebecca Hoffensetz - Queensland
Dee Slade - South Australia
Renee Hinds - Tasmania
Dr Adam Bignold - Victoria
Lisa Piller - Western Australia
Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice Award
Finalist
Gemma Beall - New South Wales
Miriam Davies - Queensland
Sue James - South Australia
Business
Australian Apprenticeships Employer Award
Finalist
Essential Energy - New South Wales
Incat Tasmania - Tasmania
Cummins Asia Pacific - Victoria
Small Employer of the Year Award
Finalist
Surf Life Saving Northern Territory - Northern Territory
Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation (GMYPPBC) - Queensland
Howrah Plumbing - Tasmania
Large Employer of the Year Award
Finalist
Riviera Australia - Queensland
Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) - Victoria
WesTrac - Western Australia
Industry Collaboration Award
Finalist
IAHA NT Aboriginal Health Academy - Northern Territory
Palm Island Digital Service Centre - Queensland
Mobile Skills Lab - Aged Care Collaboration - Victoria
Innovation in VET Award
Finalist
Response Employment and Training - Northern Territory
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Education Centre (ANMEC) - South Australia
Airservices Australia - Victoria
