New South Wales has scooped the Innovation in Vocational Education and Training (VET) category at the 2025 Australian Training Awards (ATAs) held in Darwin last night.
Westbourne College, in Ultimo, and Bradford Institute and Allambi Care, in Charlestown, took out gold and silver respectively for their cutting-edge initiatives in the VET and skills sector.
Excellence in VET was on display at the 31st year of Australia's premier training awards, with New South Wales also winning the VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year. Wagga Wagga teacher Penelope Mackay won for her inspiring achievement as VET coordinator at Kildare Catholic College.
The VET sector came together for a gala night at the Darwin Convention Centre to recognise apprentices, trainees, VET students, teachers, practitioners, employers and training providers from around Australia for the awards.
The New South Wales winners and finalists will join fellow finalists from across Australia to become ambassadors and role models for the national VET sector.
New South Wales 2025 Australian Training Award recipients and winners:
Innovation in VET Award (Gold) - Westbourne College, Ultimo
The Innovation in VET Award recognises and celebrates innovation initiatives in the VET and skills sector. Westbourne College delivers culturally responsive vocational education in areas such as project management and construction support. The college's innovative training model blends flexible online delivery with face-to-face learning, cultural mentoring, and workplace integration. As a proudly Aboriginal-owned registered training organisation (RTO), the college is building Australia's future workforce - one learner at a time.
Innovation in VET Award (Silver) - Bradford Institute and Allambi Care, Charlestown
The Innovation in VET Award recognises and celebrates innovation initiatives in the VET and skills sector. The Bradford Institute and Allambi Care have been building careers in youth work for more than a decade. The organisations deliver a diploma level induction program for youth workers on-site at Allambi's residential care facilities, with remarkable results. This innovative workplace learning model is transforming lives.
VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award (Winner) - Penelope Mackay
This award recognises innovation and excellence by a VET teacher/trainer providing nationally recognised training to students at a RTO or in partnership with an RTO. Starting out as an apprentice chef, Penny saw the positive impact of VET in an industry she loved. Feeling compelled to pay it forward, she is now making a difference in the lives of young people in her region. As a dedicated VET Coordinator, Penny is truly living her dream.
Small Employer of the Year Award (Silver) - Muswellbrook Preschool Kindergarten
This award recognises small businesses with 99 or fewer full-time equivalent employees that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to their employees. Muswellbrook Preschool Kindergarten believes staff investment is vital to the provision of exceptional early childhood education. As a result, the not-for profit preschool has established strong partnerships with RTOs to ensure its team of educators can complete formal qualifications, while supporting their educational journey with continuous learning, mentoring, and wellbeing initiatives.
Large Training Provider of the Year Award (Silver) - TAFE NSW
This category recognises large RTOs with 500 or more students that offer a range of training products and services and that demonstrate excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of VET. TAFE NSW is woven into the fabric of life in NSW, helping individuals build skills, discover passions, and pursue meaningful careers. With over 400,000 enrolments across more than 150 learning locations, TAFE NSW delivers flexible, personalised VET that reflects the diversity of its students and the communities it serves.
School Pathways to VET Award (Silver) - Bradfield Senior College, St Leonards
