Nominations are now open for South Australia’s leading vocational education and training (VET) awards.

The awards recognise the achievements of the state’s best VET students, including apprentices and trainees, trainers, training providers, schools and employers. 

Winners will be announced at a Gala dinner in September.

There are 13 award categories in 2023 – six for individuals and seven for organisations; as well as the Voters’ Choice Award presented to the public’s favourite individual finalist.

The awards have been expanded this year to introduce a new state-based award, the Excellence in Diversity Award. 

This new award category provides organisations delivering accredited and non-accredited training the opportunity to demonstrate their outstanding commitment to supporting students and / or employees in overcoming significant barriers or disadvantage to participate in VET. 

Education Minister Blair Boyer says the awards are an important opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, training organisations, VET students, and employers. 

“If you know of anybody who has achieved fantastic things in their studies or in making our skills system excellent, I encourage you to nominate them for an award. 

“More than ever before, our TAFE and vocational training sector is critical to giving South Australians the skills they need for the jobs they want.

“Events such as the South Australian Training Awards highlights VET as an equal pathway that leads to high quality, secure jobs – while building our state's future.”

Individual Awards include:

•   Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.

•   Apprentice of the Year.

•   School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year.

•   Trainee of the Year.

•   Vocational Student of the Year.

•   VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year.

•   Organisation Awards.

•   Industry Collaboration.

•   Small Employer of the Year.

•   Large Employer of the Year.

•   Small Training Provider of the Year.

•   Large Training Provider of the Year.

•   VET Innovation for Schools (state-based award).

•   Excellence in Diversity (new state-based award).

Nominations close on 26 May, with judging to take place throughout June and July. 

Winners will be announced on 21 September at the 2023 South Australian Training Awards Celebration Event Gala Dinner, before the national 2023 Australian Training Awards Presentation in Hobart on 17 November.

For more information about applying, visit the website.