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, apprentices and trainees, trainers, training providers, schools and employers. Winners will be announced at a Gala presentation in September.

The awards program has been expanded this year with the introduction of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognises an individual’s outstanding leadership and contribution to the South Australian VET and skills sector for more than 15 years. 

The new award highlights the enormous contribution that many make to the sector, above the everyday, with a long-lasting impact.

Individual Awards 

• 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
• Lifetime Achievement Award

Organisational 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 
• Excellence in Diversity 
• VET Innovation for Schools

The program also includes a Voters’ Choice Award that is presented to the public’s favourite individual finalist.

Nominations close on 24 May, with judging to take place throughout June and July. 

Winners will be announced on 25 September at the 2024 South Australian Training Awards Gala presentation, before the national 2024 Australian Training Awards Presentation in Canberra on 6 December.

More information about nominating for the award can be found on the website. 

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

“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 vocational training as an equal pathway that leads to high-quality, secure jobs – while building our state's future. 

“Our investments in the wider skills sector will help us to meet the demands of the exciting period of growth ahead of us and it’s important that along that journey, we recognise the outstanding talents of those in the sector.”

SA Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker encourages people to get involved in the awards program by nominating, encouraging others to nominate or spreading the word. 

“You may know someone who’s an outstanding teacher, trainer, or long-serving member of the VET sector; you may be aware of a business committed to building and developing its people through training; or you may be one of our state’s outstanding training providers delivering high quality training and shaping our future workforce. 

“You might be a passionate apprentice or trainee who’s making a positive impact in your industry or someone who has overcome challenges and is now thriving because of your training. Now is the time to share your story."