NSW Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education Minister, Steve Whan is urging all eligible individuals and organisations to apply for the prestigious 2024 NSW Training Awards.

Applications for the annual awards close on Sunday 17 March 2024 for individuals, and Sunday 31 March 2024 for organisations. They are the first step for successful candidates to be recognised at a national level.

Organised by Training Services NSW, the awards acknowledge exceptional achievements across categories that highlight NSW’s foremost vocational learners, trainers, employers, and training providers.

Last year women dominated the awards with female entrants taking out every individual student awards.

This included 2023 Apprentice of the Year, Caroline Morris, who was the first woman in more than 20 years to complete a fitter machinist apprenticeship at her Crookwell workplace.

The Vocational Education and Training (VET) industry plays a crucial role in driving NSW’s economy, supporting priority sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and engineering.

Nominees first compete at a regional level with the winners then being eligible to complete in the NSW State Training Awards ceremony in Sydney on Friday 13 September 2024.

Categories include Apprentice and Trainee of the Year, VET in Schools Student of the Year and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.

NSW winners then go on to represent the State at the Australian Training Awards in November.

For detailed information about the application process, criteria, and important dates, please visit the NSW Training Awards website.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

"The NSW Training Awards are more than just accolades; they are a driving force in fostering a culture of excellence within the VET sector.

“By acknowledging and celebrating outstanding contributions, these awards play a significant role in the continuous improvement and advancement of vocational education and training standards.

“I encourage everyone to throw their hat in the ring. With NSW’s incredible workforce, we can surely dominate the national stage at the end of the year."