The search is on for the brightest stars in Western Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector through the WA Training Awards 2023. Applications are now open for the prestigious awards, which recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, employers and training organisations across the State. The awards celebrate excellence in the training sector, showcasing best practice and acknowledging the State’s best achievers across 13 categories. This year there are eight individual and five organisation categories:
Individual categories
- WA Apprentice of the Year;
- WA Trainee of the Year;
- WA Vocational Student of the Year;
- WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year;
- WA School-based Apprentice of the Year;
- WA Trainer of the Year;
- WA Cultural Diversity Training Award; and
- WA International Student of the Year. Organisation categories
- WA Small Employer of the Year;
- WA Large Employer of the Year;
- WA Industry Collaboration Award;
- WA Small Training Provider of the Year; and
- WA Large Training Provider of the Year.
Organisation categories
- WA Small Employer of the Year;
- WA Large Employer of the Year;
- WA Industry Collaboration Award;
- WA Small Training Provider of the Year; and
- WA Large Training Provider of the Year.
As well as being recognised as the best in the State, individual award winners will receive $3,000 to further their training or kick-start their career. Organisation winners will be recognised as industry leaders. Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony in September and may go on to represent WA at the Australian Training Awards in Hobart in November.
Last year WA triumphed at the peak national awards, with three Western Australian finalists named as winners, including Trainee of the Year Brittany-Leigh Wragg. Brittany-Leigh was one of the first students to study a Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways, gaining real-life experience and paving her way in a male-dominated industry, with support from South Metropolitan TAFE and Programmed Training Services. Wayne Ryder, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Management WA, was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for being a role model for others and his work to promote health and wellbeing for at-risk Aboriginal people.
To apply or for more information, including application guides and templates, visit www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/watrainingawards. Applications close 28 April, 2023, and support with the application process is available by contacting watrainingawards@dtwd.wa.gov.au or calling 08 6551 5155.
“The Western Australian training system is one of the best in the world, with vocational pathways leading directly to jobs." says Training Minister Simone McGurk. “Now in their 29th year, the WA Training Awards celebrate incredible efforts in the VET sector, putting a spotlight on the State’s highest achievers and brightest stars. I encourage all apprentices, trainees, employers and training organisations to celebrate their success and apply for this year’s awards.”