The best of the best from Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector has been revealed, with the announcement of the 75 finalists for this year's Australian Training Awards.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles has congratulated all nominees, who are leading the way in skills-based careers and making outstanding contributions to the VET sector.
On Friday 5 December this year, finalists will travel to Darwin for the Awards, hosted by the Minister.
The finalists are competing for 16 national awards across categories for individuals, businesses and registered training organisations (RTOs)
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 Student 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 Albanese Government is committed to building a strong and innovative VET sector that equips Australians for jobs across all types of vocations, helping to grow a resilient and strong economy and backing local communities to get the skilled workforce they need
The Government is supporting VET through a number of significant initiatives, including the landmark $30 billion National Skills Agreement with states and territories, and the continued rollout of Free TAFE which is being made permanent after the delivery of the Free TAFE Act 2025.
Since January 2023, there have been more than 685,000 enrolments in Free TAFE, while there have been more than 190,000 course completions.
For more than three decades, the Australian Training Awards have recognised the achievements of apprentices, trainees, students, employers, educators and training providers, developing an outstanding VET honour roll.
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 which inspires Australians to achieve their goals by sharing their stories and demonstrating the many opportunities available through a VET pathway.
To view the full list of 2025 finalists and purchase tickets to the awards, visit the Australian Training Awards website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"These Awards are celebrating the best of Australia's vocational education and training sector - and remind Australians that there's never been a better time to pursue new skills and qualifications through initiatives like our Government's Free TAFE program.
"As a nation we reap the benefits from the dedication and commitment of VET students, teachers and trainers.
"It's fitting that every year we celebrate their achievements through these awards - and with it encourage other Australians to follow in their footsteps to become electricians, nurses, carpenters, carers, educators and so many other roles that are critical to our communities.
"We want to celebrate Australia's vibrant vocational education and training sector across all corners of our country. I am looking forward to announcing the winners in Darwin in early December."
Full list of the ATA Award 2025 Nominees
Apprentice of the Year Award
Finalist
Evangelene Rushforth - Northern Territory
Kathryn Beale - New South Wales
Jessica Bichsel - Queensland
Amber Leyshan - Victoria
Lewis Italiano - Western Australia
Bethany Jones - South Australia
Holly Frankcombe - Tasmania
Stewart McLeod - Australian Capital Territory
Trainee of the Year Award
Finalist
Jade McGowan - Northern Territory
Imogen Young-Maloney - New South Wales
Kayla Gagai - Queensland
Rebecca Gibson - Victoria
Elisajane Thompson - Western Australia
Lili O'Connor - South Australia
Tiarna Bricknell - Tasmania
Jiwon Kwack - Australian Capital Territory
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award
Finalist
Nicholas Yarran - Northern Territory
James Barry - New South Wales
Dion Sands - Queensland
Shirley Darcy - Victoria
Laurenzia Divilli - Western Australia
Callan McKenzie - South Australia
Braydon Gower - Tasmania
Jaharn Mundy-Drazevich - Australian Capital Territory
Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award
Finalist
Zeth King - Northern Territory
Amali Rollinson - New South Wales
Hamish Genrich - Queensland
Stavriana Taliadoros - Victoria
Cadie Doyle - Western Australia
Mikayla Dawson-Sincock - South Australia
Joshua Fielding - Tasmania
Kaydence Storm - Australian Capital Territory
Vocational Student of the Year Award
Finalist
Jacqueline Florance - Northern Territory
Rebecca Hambrook - New South Wales
Cameron Flack - Queensland
Akwal Magek - Victoria
Arabella Poole - Western Australia
Stephanie Griffiths - South Australia
Mikayla Towns - Tasmania
Shane Vincent - Australian Capital Territory
VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award
Finalist
George Chingwangwe - Northern Territory
Penelope Mackay - New South Wales
Andrew Abbas - Queensland
Tarmi A'Vard - Victoria
Chanelle Williams - Western Australia
Anthony Julianto - South Australia
Steve Wiggers - Tasmania
Laura Henry - Australian Capital Territory
Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice Award
Finalist
Georgina Cole - New South Wales
Stella Quintero - Tasmania
Business
Australian Apprenticeships Employer Award
Finalist
HYDAC and AI Group Training - Victoria
NC Electrical & Air Conditioning Pty Ltd - Northern Territory
Riviera Australia - Queensland
Small Employer of the Year Award
Finalist
Bowhill Engineering - South Australia
Murroona Gardens - Queensland
Muswellbrook Preschool Kindergarten - New South Wales
Large Employer of the Year Award
Finalist
BHP Olympic Dam - South Australia
TasNetworks - Tasmania
V/Line Corporation - Victoria
Industry Collaboration Award
Finalist
Civil Job Ready Program - Tasmania
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Early Engagement Social Procurement Program - Victoria
Wodens Monaro Highway Civil Taster Program - Australian Capital Territory
Innovation in VET Award
Finalist
Bradford Institute and Allambi Care, Youth Work Careers Initiative - New South Wales
TrEd College - New South Wales
Westbourne College - New South Wales
