3 July 2026
2026 finalists for the NT Training Awards have been announced today.
Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, said it is her priority to get students into meaningful employment and for schools to take advantage of trade training opportunities through industry development.
The 2026 NT Training Awards will be held on Saturday 19 September.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today announced the finalists for the 2026 NT Training Awards.
In its 71st year, the awards recognise outstanding achievers in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector from local businesses and training organisations, to trainers, trainees, apprentices and students.
The awards are an important opportunity to celebrate businesses, organisations and individuals who are contributing to rebuilding the Territory's economy through the priority industries of defence, mining, tourism, gas and agriculture.
As part of the CLP Government's rebuilding the economy strategy here, the Government has a priority to grow the skilled workforce through developing and coordinating VET pathways to support Territorians to be job ready.
Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, who will soon be announcing the Department of Education and Training's Skills plan, said it is her priority to get students into meaningful employment.
"As a former tradie and small business owner, I know there are other pathways than higher education pathways, and I have been positioning Schools to take advantage of, and benefit from trade training opportunities that will arise from the development in the Beetaloo," Minister Hersey said.
"Our Schools are positioned to benefit from industry development, and that's why I'm doing the work now, so our students don't miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime.
"We're getting VET coordinators into schools, careers counsellors, and bringing back trade training expos to encourage Territory students to join the field and stay here in the Territory.
"From the discussions I have had with industry, they are extremely keen to train students and grow their Territory workforce rather than bring workers in from interstate, and that is what we want as a government."
Neill Carberry, CEO of NC Electrical & Air Conditioning, the 2025 Small Employer of the Year Winner and 2026 finalist, said developing local people into skilled, confident tradespeople is at the heart of everything they do.
"Apprenticeships aren't just about learning a trade - they're about building careers, growing future leaders, and strengthening the Territory's workforce.
"Seeing our apprentices grow in confidence while contributing to major projects across the Territory is one of our greatest achievements.
"We're committed to investing in our people and helping ensure the Territory has the skilled workforce it needs for the future."
The 2026 NT Training Awards will be held on Saturday 19 September, the full list of finalists can be found here here.
