Regional NSW swept the individual categories at the 2026 NSW Training Awards with a Sydney student who relocated to the country to study agriculture securing the VET in Schools Student of the Year award.
Skilled learners, teachers and organisations were all celebrated at the 71st NSW Training Awards for achieving excellence in vocational education and training (VET).
Armidale's Nikita Wells took out the Apprentice of the Year category for being a cut above the rest while honing her craft as a hairdresser. She was honoured for her strong technical ability, professionalism and a passion for delivering exceptional client experiences.
In the Trainee of the Year category, Orange City Council's Trinity Preston received the top gong for her commitment, initiative and positive contribution to the workplace. Pivoting away from her university studies to complete her Certificate III in Business through the Minns Labor Government's Fresh Start program for local government apprentices and trainees, Trinity was also recognised for her advocacy for VET.
Growing up by the sea in Sydney's Sutherland Shire did not stop Charlie Degnan from winning the VET in Schools Student of the Year category for his work in agriculture.
Charlie moved to the Murrumbidgee in southern NSW to board at Yanco Agricultural High School so he could pursue his dream to work in the ag-finance industry. The school captain has already developed expertise in cattle herd health and gained a real-world understanding of primary agricultural production.
The results underscore the growing importance of vocational education and training in addressing workforce shortages across key industries including agriculture, housing, construction, care services and local government, particularly in regional NSW.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
"I am incredibly proud to see the outstanding talent emerging from our regional and rural communities at this year's NSW Training Awards.
"These skilled learners and trainers demonstrate the incredible talent being nurtured through vocational education and training across NSW, no matter where they live.
"It's no coincidence that regional NSW dominated this year's awards. From agriculture and construction to community services, local government and the trades, regional communities are helping deliver the skilled workers our economy depends on.
"For too long there was a view that success only came through a university degree. The Minns Labor Government is backing skills, training and TAFE with a record $3.46 billion investment in the 2026-27 Budget because we know there are many pathways to a rewarding career, and VET is opening doors to secure jobs while helping tackle skills shortages in the industries that keep NSW moving.
"Congratulations to all the winners and finalists as they prepare to represent NSW on the national stage."
Apprentice of the Year, Nikita Wells, said:
"Hair has the power to completely change how a person feels about themselves and being able to play a part in that transformation is incredibly rewarding. This career allows me to express creativity while also making a meaningful impact on others.
"This pathway was the right choice for me as it provided the opportunity to learn in a practical environment while working toward a nationally recognised qualification.
"Learning on the job has strengthened my technical skills, communication, professionalism and time management."
Trainee of the Year, Trinity Preston, said:
"Pivoting to the VET pathway and the Orange City Council traineeship was the best career decision I have ever made because it provided the crucial integration of study and immediate, hands-on application that I needed to thrive.
"The traineeship has fundamentally changed and impacted me by transforming my approach to work and my professional confidence.
"I gained a versatile and job-ready skillset that included high-level digital literacy, record keeping protocols, writing policies and procedures and complex administrative practices using corporate systems."
VET in Schools Student of the Year, Charlie Degnan, said:
"Not growing up on a farm was a challenge and it felt like a block to entering the industry. But with the skills I have learnt from the course, I feel capable to pursue my dream career.
"I wanted to enter the agricultural financial industry and knew I needed hands-on experience to give me a real-world understanding of primary agricultural production.
"After studying the course, I have gained a passion for practical work and farm operations, which I believe is a necessity to thrive in this field.
"Connecting with industry professionals and experts has helped me understand the dynamics of the industry and construct what I want, not only for my agricultural career but also for the industry itself."
The NSW Training Awards winners are:
- Apprentice of the Year: Nikita Wells, Certificate III in Hairdressing, TAFE NSW, Cooper & Co Hairdressing, New England
- Trainee of the Year: Trinity Preston, Certificate III in Business, Australian College of Commerce & Management, Orange City Council, Western NSW
- VET in Schools Student of the Year: Charlie Degnan, Certificate III in Agriculture, Yanco Agricultural High School, Riverina
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year: Joanne Campbell, Certificate IV in Housing, CHIA NSW, Homes North Community Housing, New England
- School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year: Annie-Maree Martin, Certificate III in Agriculture, Australian Training Company, Tinker Valley Farm, Ulladulla High School, Illawarra & South East NSW
- VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year: Rouua Altinawi, Entry Education, Illawarra & South East NSW
- Vocational Student of the Year: Kiara Watts, Certificate III in Individual Support, Coffs Coast Community College, Pillars of Care, North Coast & Mid North Coast
Six individual and five organisational winners will go on to represent NSW in their categories at the 2026 Australian Training Awards in November.
Presented by the NSW Department of Education's Training Services, the NSW Training Awards recognise the vital role of VET in building the skilled workforce NSW needs to support economic growth and stronger communities.
For more information on the NSW Training Awards, visit: https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/nsw-training-awards.
