The state’s peak program for the recognition of Vocational Education and Training (VET) success - the South Australian Training Awards - returns in 2021 to celebrate its 25th year.

Postponed last year due to COVID-19, the 2021 South Australian Training Awards is now open for applications from individuals and organisations, with winners to be named at a silver jubilee recognition event during National Skills Week in August.

Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said the program - presented by the Training and Skills Commission - would provide a terrific opportunity for the state to celebrate the resilience of South Australia’s VET sector and its achievements across the past quarter century.

“South Australian students, trainers, training providers, schools and employers have risen to the challenges posed by COVID-19, demonstrating the strength and success of the state’s training system and the wider South Australian community,” he says.

“The year-long South Australian Training Awards program will showcase the increasing opportunities available to trainees and apprentices in our state and the diversity of careers available to South Australia’s current and future workforce.”

In 2021, there will be 12 awards presented - six for individuals and six for organisations - as well as the Voters’ Choice Award, presented to the public’s favourite individual finalist.

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

Organisation Awards

·                Industry Collaboration

·                Small Employer of the Year

·                Medium Employer of the Year

·                Large Employer of the Year

·                Training Provider of the Year

·                VET Innovation for Schools

“Last year, in light of the impact of the global outbreak of COVID-19 on the South Australian community, the Commission made the difficult decision to postpone the 25th year celebrations of the South Australian Training Awards until 2021,” says Michael Boyce OAM, Chair of the Training and Skills Commission.

“We look forward to the year ahead and to the unearthing of even more VET talent in our state through individual and organisational applicants to the 2021 South Australian Training Awards program.”

Information sessions about the application process for individuals and organisations will be held in Adelaide on 23 March, and applications close at 5pm on 3 May.

For more information about applying, go to the website. 

Image by Mike Linderer from Pixabay