The Western NSW region spans a vast area, from Lightning Ridge in the north to West Wyalong in the south, Lithgow in the east, and Broken Hill in the west. Regional Training Services in this area are dedicated to recognising and celebrating excellence in vocational education and training (VET).

Key Objectives for 2025

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

• Managing regional nominations, interviews, shortlisting, and feedback

• Encouraging industry participation and support

• Recognising talent across the Western NSW region as a whole

• 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:

Agriculture, Mining, and Health Services are some of the major industries within the Western NSW area.

Popular apprenticeships include:

• Cert III Electrotechnology Electrician

• Cert III Carpentry

• Cert III Engineering – Fabrication Trade

• Cert III Light vehicle Mechanical Technology

• Cert III Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Popular traineeships include:

• Cert III Early Childhood Education and Care

• Cert III Carpentry

• Cert III Engineering – Fabrication Trade

• Cert III Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

• Cert II Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Notable Alumni

2024 State Winners

• Vocational Student of the Year Winner (NSW, Australian Runner-up) - Samantha Zannes

2024 State Finalists

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Annalise Brouwer

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Annalise Hansen

• VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Max Rabbett

2023

• Apprentice of the Year Winner (NSW) - Caroline Morris

2022

• VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Winner (NSW) - Clint Giddings

2021

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - James White

• Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Jessica Drady

• Vocational Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Rhiannan McDonald

2020

• VET in Schools Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Emily Vardanega

• Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Reece Oldfield

2024 Western NSW Region Training Awards Winners

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Elizabeth Scholes-Walker
Qualification: Certificate IV in Business
Trained by: Australian Training Plus
Employed by: Joblink Plus

Apprentice of the Year

Annalise Brouwer
Qualification: Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Newcrest Mining Ltd

School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Brooklyn Cole
Qualification: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
School: Denison College of Secondary Education, Kelso High Campus
Trained by: TAFE NSW
Employed by: Bathurst Little Learning Centre

Trainee of the Year

Hannah Harland
Qualification: Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained by: Sureway Skills Training Pty Ltd
Employed by: Gilgandra Preschool Inc

VET in Schools Student of the Year

Annalise Hansen
Qualification: Certificate II in Kitchen Operations
School: MacKillop College
Trained by: Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst

VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

Max Rabbett
Field of Study: Business, Hospitality and Retail
Employed by: Sureway Skills Training Pty Ltd

Vocational Student of the Year

Samantha Zannes
Qualification: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained by: ECTARC
Employed by: Jenny's Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre - Bathurst

Postcodes Covered by this Region

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Contact details

For more information about the Western NSW Regional Training Awards, please contact:
Kaye Stevenson
E: kaye.stevenson@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0407 320 452

Leanne McKenzie
E: Leanne.Mckenzie2@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0457 544 370