Delivered by Bankstown Regional Training Services Southern and Southwestern Sydney is renowned for its cultural diversity, rich history, and vibrant communities. The region features a dynamic blend of suburban areas, industrial hubs, and picturesque landscapes.

Rapid growth is underway, with population and infrastructure development expected to continue significantly, driven by increasing demand for housing and local amenities. The region is also home to some of the States biggest new developments including Nancy Bird Airport, the new city of Bradfield and multiple Sydney Metro projects.

Southern and Southwestern Sydney (Bankstown) Training Services plays a crucial role in supporting Vocational Education and Training (VET), offering practical skills that meet the diverse needs of local industries. This enables individuals to develop the skills required for local jobs, fostering both personal career growth and regional prosperity.

Southern and Southwestern Sydney (Bankstown) Regional Training Services is dedicated to recognising and celebrating excellence in VET.

In 2025, for the first time, the Southern & South Western Sydney Training Awards will be combining with the Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Training Awards and the Central & Northern Sydney Training Awards to crown winners from all three regions in one Metro Sydney Training Awards event.

Key Objectives for 2025

• Offering guidance and support to students navigating VET, helping them progress into meaningful and sustainable employment within the region

• Ensuring that all training opportunities are accessible to all members of the community, promoting access and equity

• Aligning training programs with the evolving demands of local industries to meet regional employment needs

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

• Managing regional nominations, interviews, shortlisting, and feedback

• Encouraging industry participation and support

• Connecting local businesses, training providers, and government representatives

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

Key Industries for the Region

• Construction

• Infrastructure Development

• Health and Community Services

• Manufacturing

• Transport and Logistics including warehousing

2024 Southern and South Western Sydney Region Training Awards Winners

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Corina Button
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Sydney Water

Apprentice of the Year

Shane Button
Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Trained by: NECA Training
Employed by: NECA Electrical Apprenticeships
Hosted by: Fredon Industries Pty Ltd

School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Caitlin Schneider
Qualification: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
School: St Aloysius College Cronulla
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Ramsay Health Care Australia Pty Ltd

Trainee of the Year

Joshua Sullivan
Qualification: Certificate III in Horticulture
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: 1300apprentice
Hosted by: Flower Power Garden Centre

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Coen Furtner
Qualification: Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services
School: Picton High School
Trained by: Public Schools NSW, Ultimo

VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

George Frangioudakis
Field of Study: Automotive and Construction
Employed by: Sydney Catholic Schools

Vocational Student of the Year

Felicity Pettiford
Qualification: Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
Trained by: Master Builders Association of NSW
Employed by: Sydney Builder Chick

Notable Alumni

2024 State Finalists

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Corina Button

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Joshua Sullivan
  

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Shane Button

2023

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Benjamin Allen

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Caitlyn Knox
  

• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Fatusama Fuamatu

• Vocational Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Nicholas Luttrell

2022

• Vocational Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Casey Fox
  

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Stella Cox

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Juliane Latu

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Liam Barber

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Taylor Vandijk
  

2021

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Adam Hansen

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Lachlan Skillcorn

2019

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Kelsey Commons

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist & Women in Non-Traditional Trades Winner (NSW) - Karyn Downs

• VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Jennifer Gleeson

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Simon Chan
  

Postcodes Covered by this Region

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Contact details

For more information about the Southern and South Western Sydney Regional Training Awards, please contact:

Julie Underwood
E: Julie.Underwood@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0412 191 524