Western Australia's finalists have excelled at the 2025 Australian Training Awards, securing two of the nation's most coveted accolades.
Representatives from the State won the Vocational Student of the Year and Small Training Provider of the Year when winners were announced to a packed audience in Darwin.
After a 13-year medical journey, Western Australian Arabella Poole rebuilt her life through vocational education and training (VET), completing a Certificate IV in Fitness at North Metropolitan TAFE, securing work as a fitness instructor, and now training as a clinical pilates teacher.
Taylorweir Hairdresser and Barber Training was named Small Training Provider of the Year for its innovative and student-focused approach to VET, supporting almost 50 per cent of WA's hairdressing and barbering apprentices.
The VET sector came together at the Darwin Convention Centre to recognise apprentices, trainees, VET students, teachers, practitioners, employers, and training providers for the 31st year of Australia's premier training awards.
The WA winners and finalists will join fellow finalists from across Australia to become ambassadors and role models for the national VET sector.
WA 2025 Australian Training Award recipients and winners:
Vocational Student of the Year (Winner) - Arabella Poole
This award recognises outstanding achievement by a vocational student in a course of study leading to a nationally recognised qualification.
Inspired by her occupational therapist, Arabella turned a trial into triumph when she followed a vocational pathway in fitness. Now a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Arabella is rebuilding her core strength in a new career. Her vocational journey marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Small Training Provider of the Year (Gold) - Taylorweir Hairdresser and Barber Training
The Small Training Provider of the Year Award recognises small, registered training organisations (RTOs) with fewer than 500 students that offer a range of training products and services and that demonstrate excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of vocational education and training.
Taylorweir Hairdressing and Barber Training has been shaping careers and styling success in Western Australia for 29 years. Blending innovation with student-focused education, the long-established RTO delivers nationally recognised programs with passion and personalised support. Award-winning and industry-recognised, Taylorweir is empowering the next generation of hair professionals with rewarding careers and proving itself a cut above the rest.
For more information on the 2025 Australian Training Awards and the winners, visit the Australian Training Awards website .
Quotes As put by Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles:
"I congratulate the winners and finalists of the 2025 Australian Training Awards. They're great ambassadors for Australia's world-leading vocational education and training sector.
"VET is the engine room delivering the skilled workforce our communities need and rely on every day in sectors as diverse as nursing, construction, manufacturing, aged care, and clean energy.
"The Albanese Government is committed to strengthening the VET sector, including through our contribution of $12.6 billion over five years under the National Skills Agreement, and working with the states and territories to deliver Free TAFE, which recently marked more than 725,000 enrolments nationally."
Quotes As put by Western Australian Minister for Skills and TAFE Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Celebrating Western Australia's top training talent highlights the strength of our training pathways and the vital need for continued investment in skills development.
"That's why the Cook Government will continue to support our TAFE sector through record investment to provide modern training facilities and fee-free and low-fee courses.
"Our winners are outstanding ambassadors, demonstrating how highquality vocational education equips people to succeed.
"Arabella Poole's recognition as Australian Vocational Student of the Year shows the importance of promoting VET pathways to Western Australians as a firstclass option that opens doors to rewarding careers."
ENDS
