Regional NSW talent dominated the individual categories at the 2026 NSW Training Awards, with skilled learners, teachers and organisations recognised for excellence in vocational education and training.
The 71st NSW Training Awards were held at Sydney Town Hall on 25 August, celebrating outstanding achievements across the state’s VET sector.
Armidale’s Nikita Wells was named Apprentice of the Year for her work in hairdressing, while Orange City Council trainee Trinity Preston took out Trainee of the Year after completing a Certificate III in Business.
Charlie Degnan, who moved from Sydney’s Sutherland Shire to board at Yanco Agricultural High School, was named VET in Schools Student of the Year for his studies in agriculture.
Other individual winners included:
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year: Joanne Campbell
- School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year: Annie-Maree Martin
- VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year: Rouua Altinawi
- Vocational Student of the Year: Kiara Watts
The results highlighted the strong representation of regional NSW across vocational education and training, with winners coming from New England, Western NSW, the Riverina, Illawarra and South East NSW, and the North Coast and Mid North Coast.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said regional communities were playing an important role in developing skilled workers across industries including agriculture, construction, community services and local government.
The NSW Government has also pointed to its $3.46 billion investment in skills, training and TAFE NSW in the 2026–27 Budget as part of efforts to strengthen vocational pathways and address workforce shortages.
Eligible individual winners will now progress towards the 2026 Australian Training Awards. The VET in Schools Student of the Year category does not continue to the national level, while organisation winners must undergo an additional national shortlisting process.
The Australian Training Awards program will run in November, with national winners announced during the awards program from 17 to 20 November 2026.
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