Individual Categories

The Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award (Direct Entry)

The Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award recognises an individual or employer who has made an outstanding contribution to the VET and skills sector for over 15 years and has contributed a new innovation, knowledge or practices to the sector.

Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award (State/Territory Entry)

The Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award is presented to a student who is undertaking a Certificate II or above qualification as a part-time Australian School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship. The Award recognises the student’s commitment to their formal studies at school, and in the workplace.

Vocational Student of the Year Award (State/Territory Entry)

The Vocational Student of the Year Award recognises outstanding achievement by a vocational student in a course of study leading to a nationally recognised qualification. State or territory training award winners of this category are automatically finalists for the Australian Training Awards and will compete at the national level.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award (State/Territory Entry)

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award recognises the achievement of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who displays a strong understanding and knowledge of the vocational education and training system and demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning for themselves and their community.

Trainee of the Year Award (State/Territory Entry)

The Trainee of the Year Award is presented to an individual who is undertaking a traineeship and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.

Apprentice of the Year Award (State/Territory Entry)

The Apprentice of the Year Award is presented to an Australian Apprentice who has been outstanding in all aspects of their trade.

VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award (State/Territory Entry)

The VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award recognises innovation and excellence by a vocational education and training (VET) teacher/trainer providing nationally recognised training to students at a registered training organisation (RTO), or in partnership with an RTO.

Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice Award (Direct Entry)

The Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Practice Award recognises innovation and excellence by an individual involved in improving LLN skills in an educational, community or workplace context.

Applications can be made by relevant individuals or organisations (eg colleagues, professional bodies, students, employers, industry or community representatives); or through self-nomination.

Business Categories

Small Employer of the Year Award (State/Territory Entry)

The Small Employer of the Year 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.

Nationally recognised training refers to training that is based on a national training package or accredited course which results in a person receiving a formal qualification or Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation. This includes Australian Apprenticeships.

Large Employer of the Year Award (State/Territory Entry)

The Large Employer of the Year Award recognises large businesses and enterprises with 100 or more full-time equivalent employees that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to their employees.

Nationally recognised training refers to training that is based on a national training package or accredited course which results in a person receiving a formal qualification or Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation. This includes Australian Apprenticeships.

Australian Apprenticeships Employer Award (Direct Entry)

The Australian Apprenticeships Employer Award recognises those employers who have made innovative improvements in training which provide beneficial outcomes for their apprentices and/or trainees in Australia and to their local community.

Industry Collaboration Award (State/Territory Entry)

The Industry Collaboration Award recognises an exemplary skills development collaboration between at least one employer/industry body and at least one organisation delivering nationally recognised training. 

Innovation in VET Award (Direct Entry)

The Innovation in VET Award recognises and celebrates innovation initiatives in the vocational education and training (VET) and skills sector.

Registered Training Organisation Categories

Small Training Provider of the Year Award (State/Territory Entry)

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.

Large Training Provider of the Year Award (State/Territory Entry)

The Large Training Provider of the Year Award recognises large registered training organisations (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 vocational education and training.

School Pathways to VET Award (Direct Entry)

The School Pathways to VET Award recognises eligible organisations including schools, registered training organisations (RTO), group training organisations, industry bodies and employers that have collaboratively delivered one (or more) excellent vocational education and training (VET) programs to secondary school students.