North Coast Regional Training Services spans from Taree in the south to Tweed Heads in the north. The Regional Training Services team supports local finalists, training providers, government representatives, and departmental staff, and creates opportunities for networking.

Regional award winners may have the chance to represent the North Coast at the NSW State Awards, with the potential to progress to the National 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

• Supporting businesses and training organisations to showcase individuals who have excelled in their fields and industries
  

• Supporting and guiding Regional Winners who are progressing to the State Awards

• 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 Carpentry

• Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

• Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

• Certificate III in Plumbing

• Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead

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 Travel

Notable Alumni

2024 State Finalists

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Katie Johnson

2023

• VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Winner (NSW) - Colin Taranto

• Vocational Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Tracie Wood

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Ciara Smith

2022

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Charlie Grimshaw

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Deleila Roberts

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Jonathon O’Connor

• Vocational Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Sara Morgan

2021

• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Winner (NSW) – Chelsea McInnes

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Bejay Dennis

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Laura Walker
  

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Tamazyn Ledden

2020

• Vocational Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Jon Frost

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Gary Wimbus

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Jordon Peterson

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Monique Burns

• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Theodore Scholl

2024 North Coast & Mid North Coast Training Awards Winners

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Amali Hay
Qualification: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained by: International Child Care College
Employed by: Open Arms Early Education Centre Pty Ltd

Apprentice of the Year

Joshua Manning
Qualification: Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Evans Head Auto

School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Evie-Mae Quennell
Qualification: Certificate II in Aeroskills
School: Bellingen High School
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Bell Textron Australia

Trainee of the Year

Emily Sutherland
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Trained by: SportsReady Education Pty Ltd
Employed by: AFL SportsReady
Hosted by: Australian Football League

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Katie Johnson
Qualification: Certificate II in Agriculture
School: The Rivers Secondary College, Lismore High Campus
Trained by: Public Schools NSW, Tamworth

VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

Jacqueline Boaden
Field of Study: Community Services - Individual Support
Employed by: NVCollege

Vocational Student of the Year

Kesalini Tongia
Qualification: Certificate IV in Housing
Trained by: CHIA NSW
Employed by: Mission Australia

Postcodes Covered by this Region

Check your region by postcode.

Contact details

For more information about the North Coast & Mid North Coast Regional Training Awards, please contact:

Tina Foster
E: Tina.Foster@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0477 350 183