Six regional winners in individual award categories
Lewis Italiano recognised as WA Apprentice of the Year for his outstanding achievements in cabinetmaking
Cadie Doyle awarded the WA School-based Apprentice of the Year for her achievements in engineering
Two regional students recognised for achievements in early childhood education and care training
Department of Justice awarded WA Large Employer of the Year for its commitment to building a future-focused workforce
Regional talent shone brightly at last night's Western Australian Training Awards, with finalists taking out six of the eight individual awards on offer.
Now in its 31st year, the annual WA Training Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals in skills training and the contributions employers and training providers make to developing the State's future workforce.
Vocational training pathways set people up for success in skill-based careers, giving them hands-on experience in real industries, making them a first-choice tertiary education pathway.
Held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, last night's presentation ceremony showcased the success of 43 finalists, comprising 32 individuals and 11 organisations from throughout WA.
Newly qualified South West cabinetmaker Lewis Italiano was named WA Apprentice of the Year in recognition of his tremendous achievements in his trade.
In 2023, Lewis won the gold medal in cabinetmaking at the national WorldSkills Competition.
He then represented Australia in France in 2024 as a 'Skillaroo', bringing home a Medallion for Excellence for his cabinetmaking skills.
Lewis's achievements have also been recognised by South Regional TAFE and most recently by Master Builders Australia WA.
Lewis is passionate about growing his skillset and aims to undertake a new apprenticeship in carpentry, providing him with even greater career opportunities in building and construction.
South Hedland local and aspiring engineer, Cadie Doyle, was awarded the WA School-based Apprentice of the Year.
Cadie is well on her way to 'making it' in her career. Through undertaking a school-based vocational training pathway, she will soon graduate Year 12 with a nationally recognised certificate qualification in engineering and direct industry experience working with BHP Rail.
Cadie is keen to pursue further vocational training in engineering as part of her plans to build a career in the industry.
Training in early childhood education and care was recognised across two categories, with Kalgoorlie childcare educator Anelie Libalib recognised as the WA International Student of the Year and Elisajane Thompson from Toodyay named the WA Trainee of the Year.
Anelie and Elisajane are undertaking a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care through Central Regional TAFE, while employed at local childcare centres, helping to boost the capacity of essential care services in the regions.
Lewis, Cadie, and Elisajane are among the six individual WA Training Award winners who will represent WA at the Australian Training Awards in Darwin in December 2025.
In the organisation categories, the Department of Justice was recognised as the WA Large Employer of the Year for its commitment to building a future-focused workforce through investing in staff training and fostering career advancement.
The 2025 WA Training Awards were made possible thanks to the continuing support from awards partner the State Training Board, principal sponsor MEGT, and category sponsors, the Training Accreditation Council, Apprenticeship Support Australia powered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, Construction Training Fund, Maxima and BUSY At Work.
To learn more about the WA Training Awards visit www.wa.gov.au/organisation/wa-training-awards/western-australian-training-awards
As stated by Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Training Western Australians and equipping them with the skills they need to take advantage of jobs available in their local communities is central to meeting our State's workforce needs and delivering our Made in WA agenda.
"Vocational training pathways offer Western Australians high-quality, industry-relevant training, which gives them the skills they need to be 'job-ready' for what they will encounter in the workplace.
"Our State's TAFE Colleges are world-class and play a crucial role in providing Western Australians with vocational training in their local communities.
"It is fantastic to see so many regional WA TAFE College students recognised as finalists, demonstrating just how instrumental affordable vocational training opportunities are to helping regional Western Australians skill for their local workforce.
"Our individual training award winners are incredible ambassadors for WA's vocational training sector and exemplify the lifechanging impacts of skills training.
"Congratulations to the 2025 WA Training Award winners."
INDIVIDUAL WINNERS
WA Trainer of the Year
Chanelle Williams - Cable Beach
Lecturer - North Regional TAFE in Certificate III and Diploma qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care
Chanelle has played a pivotal role in leading the early childcare education and care team at North Regional TAFE developing and improving the program for students in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. She played a key role in developing an early childhood skillset pilot program aimed at attracting local residents into the early childhood education and care sector. Chanelle collaborated with the Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation in Derby to tailor training for local educators and as a result there has been a significant increase in Aboriginal student participation. She goes above and beyond to adapt training delivery to meet the needs of diverse learners, particularly those facing barriers to participation.
WA International Student of the Year
Anelie Libalib - South Kalgoorlie
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained at: Central Regional TAFE
Employed at: Goldfields Child Care Centre
Having grown up in a small town in the Philippines, Anelie says she has always understood the importance of early education. As a teacher in her home country, she was keen to further her studies in early childhood education and care following her move to Australia. Training inspired Anelie to deepen her understanding of how to nurture children during their foundational years where she could make a meaningful impact. She is currently studying for her diploma, while working as an assistant educator, which enables her to apply her new skills in real-time.
WA Cultural Diversity Training Award
Amina Umer - Brabham
Certificate III in Adult Migrant English Program
Trained at: North Metropolitan TAFE
Amina arrived in Australia in 2021 from Ethiopia with a life goal of building a better future for herself and family. She enrolled in a Certificate III in Adult Migrant English Program to improve her English and communication skills, so she could undertake further VET courses to work in aged care or nursing. Amina says training has not only improved her skills, but it has also given her hope and direction. She has more belief in herself and is excited about her future.
WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Laurenzia Divilli - Broome
Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
Trained at: North Regional TAFE
Laurenzia completed a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy at North Regional TAFE Broome, gaining practical and theoretical skills in skincare, makeup, waxing, nail care, and salon operations. Motivated to represent Indigenous women in the beauty industry, and demonstrate career paths for others, she embraced her training to challenge herself and promote self-care. In addition to her salon talents, she has also earned qualifications in leadership and business and currently works in administration, where she is expanding her professional experience. Laurenzia is exploring how to fulfil her future goals, which include managing a salon or launching her own beauty business.
WA Vocational Student of the Year
Arabella Poole - South Perth
Certificate IV in Fitness
Trained at: North Metropolitan TAFE
Arabella completed a Certificate IV in Fitness at North Metropolitan TAFE in 2024, gaining skills in anatomy, client assessment and program delivery. Her journey into fitness followed a 13-year battle with medical issues, which disrupted her initial education. Inspired by an occupational therapist, who recommended enrolling at TAFE, she turned to vocational training to rebuild her life. Now she is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Feel Your Best Fitness and Massage and is training in clinical Pilates. Arabella is passionate about inclusive, person-centred care. Her lived experience fuels her mission to create safe, empowering spaces for all through physical movement and connection.
WA Trainee of the Year
Elisajane Thompson - Toodyay
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained at: Central Regional TAFE
Employed at: Toodyay Early Learning Centre
Elisajane was heading for a career as a State-level ballerina when fate took a turn and she tore her ACL, resulting in a knee reconstruction and an end to a career on the stage. Elisajane was forced to reconsider other career paths and she chose early childhood education and care. Her greatest concerns, though, were her learning disabilities. Although worried about disclosing them at her initial interview, she was so glad she did, as the support she received ensured she had everything she needed to succeed. She is passionate about making a positive impact on children's lives, but her ultimate goal is to complete a teaching qualification, which would not have been possible without her traineeship.
WA School-based Apprentice of the Year
Cadie Doyle - South Hedland
Certificate II in Engineering
Trained at: North Regional TAFE
Employed at: Category 5 Labour Management
Host employer: BHP Rail
Cadie's interest in engineering was first sparked in year 9 when she took a metalwork class. She immediately enjoyed working with metal, especially welding, and enjoyed the satisfaction of completing a project. Now in a school-based apprenticeship working at BHP Rail, she loves the hands-on experience in MIG and stick welding, grinding, and maintaining safe workspaces. Cadie says the experience has given her confidence and helped her to develop teamwork and leadership skills. She enjoys the variety of tasks and the opportunity to build strong relationships with her team. Passionate about engineering, Cadie is motivated to continue learning and develope a rewarding career in the industry.
WA Apprentice of the Year
Lewis Italiano - Wokalup
Certificate III in Cabinetmaking and Timber Technology
Trained at: South Regional TAFE
Employed at: Milton Studios
Although Lewis has only recently completed his apprenticeship in cabinetmaking, his career pathway has already afforded him a huge and diverse range of experiences. Most notably, Lewis has succeeded at WorldSkills competitions, taking out the gold medal on the national stage, and representing Australia in his skill at international level where he was recognised with a Medallion for Excellence. His commitment to excellence has led him to complete countless hours of voluntary extra training pushing himself to be the best at his craft. Growing up in the small town of Wokalup, Lewis enjoyed woodwork at school and found his ambitions shifting from the family farm to a career working in timber. His passion has since taken him to France and Japan and he now plans to further extend his skills with a qualification in carpentry.
WA Small Employer of the Year
Consolidated Group of Companies
Founded in 2013, Consolidated Group of Companies (CGC) has evolved from an equipment hire business into a dynamic group of companies, including Indigenous-owned EK Contracting and Consolidated Transport. With a strong focus on innovation, safety and training, CGC supports Western Australia's mining, civil, and transport sectors. The leadership team brings diverse life experiences, united by a mission to simplify challenges and create meaningful, skill-building employment. CGC is committed to empowering individuals through steady work and career development, making a lasting impact across industries while fostering inclusive growth and opportunity.
WA Large Employer of the Year
Department of Justice
With over 10,000 employees, the Department of Justice is committed to building a capable, future-focused workforce through continuous learning and development. The Department prioritises safety, rehabilitation and education across its Corrective Services branch, which manages prisons, detention centres, and community corrections. In 2023/24, it supported over 7,000 adult prisoners and 1,500 youth under supervision. Facilities span metropolitan and regional areas, offering diverse training and rehabilitation programs. With over $2.5 million invested in staff training, the Department fosters growth, wellbeing and career advancement for both employees and those in its care.
WA Industry Collaboration Award
Capacity Building to Strengthen the Aboriginal Allied Health Workforce
Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services
Insight Training
North Regional TAFE
The Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) is a private RTO which delivers high-quality VET training in the Kimberley region, an area of approximately 423,000 square kilometres. In 2023, KAMS launched a pilot allied health program to upskill family support workers with a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance. Partnering with Insight Training and North Regional TAFE, the program offers face-to-face training blocks in Broome, and language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills support. With flexible delivery and strong student support, the initiative empowers Aboriginal communities by enhancing local healthcare capacity through culturally-responsive, community-controlled education.
WA Small Training Provider of the Year
Taylorweir Hairdresser and Barber Training
Taylorweir Hairdresser and Barber Training (Taylorweir) is Western Australia's longest-established private RTO in hairdressing and barbering. Renowned for innovative, student-focused education, Taylorweir delivers nationally accredited programs with personalised support and industry-driven training. With small class sizes and a passionate team, it fosters a vibrant learning community and produces highly skilled professionals. Training 46 per cent of WA's hairdressing and barbering apprentices, former alumni often entrust their apprentices to Taylorweir for training or return as mentors themselves. Award-winning and industry-recognised, and with 29 years of excellence in its field, Taylorweir continues to lead the way in shaping careers in hairdressing and barbering.
WA Large Training Provider of the Year 2025
LTT Group Pty Ltd
Established in Perth in 2005, LTT Group (LTT) is a private RTO specialising in laboratory operations and phlebotomy training. It delivers tailored training for workplaces and centre-based courses for individuals. LTT's mission is to provide real learning, commercial value and expert industry guidance. Programs are developed in close consultation with industry to ensure graduates gain relevant, practical skills for employment. Whether updating skills for a current role or starting a new career, students are equipped to become valuable assets to employers. LTT focuses on hands-on, industry-aligned training to meet workforce needs across metropolitan and regional areas.
