The Hunter and Central Coast region encompasses Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Lower and Upper Hunter, Central Coast, and Port Stephens. The region is dedicated to promoting excellence in vocational education and training (VET) through various initiatives, including the prestigious NSW Training Awards.

Key Objectives for 2025

• Supporting excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET) through the Training Awards

• Managing regional nominations, interviews, shortlisting, and feedback

• Offering professional development opportunities to help nominees prepare for the State Awards
  

• Annually reviewing the Regional Training Awards event and implementing feedback for continuous improvement

• Providing day-to-day support for all VET learners, trainers, teachers, and training organisations across the region

Key Industries in the Region

Popular apprenticeships include:

• Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

• Certificate III in Carpentry
  

• Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade

• Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade

• Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Popular traineeships include:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

• Certificate III in Individual Support

• Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice
  

• Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations

2024 Hunter and Central Coast Training Awards Winners

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Warrali Griffiths
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Trained by: Australian College of Commerce & Management
Employed by: Revenue NSW
School: Maitland High School

Apprentice of the Year

Jacinta Ferris
Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: AGL Macquarie

School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Dascha Harrison
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
School: Newcastle High School
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Hunter New England Local Health District

Trainee of the Year

Lachlan Carey
Qualification: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained by: Atkinson Training & Development
Employed by: A Magical Time Childrens Centre

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Seth Newton
Qualification: Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology
School: Hunter Trade College
Trained by: Hunter Trade College Ltd

VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

Jenny Gurr
Field of Study: Hospitality
Employed by: Association of Independent Schools NSW

Vocational Student of the Year

Lori-Anne Brown
Qualification: Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Trained by: TAFE NSW

Notable Alumni

2024 State and National Winners

• NSW and Australian Trainee of the Year - Lachlan Carey

• NSW School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year and Australian Runner Up - Dascha Harrison

• Woman in Non-Traditional Trade – Jacinta Ferris

2024 State Finalists

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist - Jacinta Ferris Winner

• Vocational Student of the Year Finalist – Lori-Ann Brown

2023

• Trainee of the Year Finalist & Woman in Non-Traditional Trade (NSW) – Celina Pellett

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) – Justin Curley

2022

• Trainee of the Year Winner (NSW) - Mellanie Sutton

• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Winner (NSW) - Tahli Gleeson

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Lucinda Shilcock

2021

• VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Winner (NSW) - Erin Jacob

2020

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Peyton Bennett

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Madison Candy

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Raymond Steadman

• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of thre Year Finalist (NSW) - Samar Yousef

The Hunter and Central Coast region is committed to recognising and celebrating the outstanding contributions of local VET students, apprentices, trainees, and employers.

Postcodes Covered by this Region

Check your region by postcode.

Contact details

For more information about the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Training Awards, please contact:

Craig Slavek
E: craig.slavek1@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0457 127 757