Small Employer of the Year

2025 Finalists

This award recognises a small enterprise that has achieved excellence in providing nationally recognised training to its employees.

Nationally recognised training refers to training based on a national training package or accredited course that results in a person receiving a formal qualification or Statement of Attainment issued by an RTO. This includes Australian apprenticeships and traineeships.

Meet the finalists in the Small Employer of the Year category for the 2025 South Australian Training Awards – truly innovative organisations!

Proudly sponsored by the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association of Australia Limited (AMCA).

Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association of Australia Limited (AMCA)

Barunga Village

Barunga Village is a not-for-profit, community-based aged care provider that has proudly served Port Broughton and the Yorke Peninsula for more than 65 years. It delivers residential care, home care, and retirement living, enabling older Australians to live well with dignity and connection.

At the centre of its services is a commitment to workforce excellence. Barunga invests in high-quality training, mentoring, and professional development to build a skilled, confident, and future-ready team. To address workforce shortages and the growing complexity of aged care, it conducts annual training needs analyses, aligning learning with both career goals and organisational priorities.

Direct care workers are supported to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), with costs fully covered and study time rostered. An on-site Study Hub, monthly training, clinical supervision, mentoring, buddy shifts, and toolbox talks embed continuous learning. This culture of growth ensures inclusive, person-centred care for every resident and client.

Bowhill Engineering

Proudly South Australian and family-owned since the 1970s, Bowhill Engineering specialises in the fabrication of large and complex steel structures, delivering major infrastructure projects across South Australia and nationally, including iconic bridges, buildings, and heavy industry developments.

A people-first organisation, Bowhill collaborates with registered training organisations to co-design programs tailored to its operations and regional context. These bespoke pathways integrate technical engineering skills with leadership development and workplace culture initiatives, ensuring training remains relevant, modern, and aligned with industry and employee needs.

Training combines on-the-job and off-the-job learning with internal coaching, targeting skills to meet team and project demands. From school-based apprenticeships to a custom Three-Tier Leadership Model, Bowhill fosters inclusive, future-focused development embedded in business strategy. Senior tradespeople mentor junior staff, supported by a dedicated Apprentice Leadership team. With a bold vision and investments in robotics and advanced manufacturing, Bowhill Engineering continues to shape the future of steel while transforming regional careers.

Mid North Solutions

Founded on reliability, craftsmanship, and innovation, Mid North Solutions is a leading plumbing service provider delivering high-quality solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial clients across South Australia’s Mid North.

Partnering with registered training organisations, Mid North Solutions develops tailored programs aligned with the skills required for day-to-day operations, supporting employees while maintaining exceptional service standards. On-the-job training—including shadowing senior plumbers, coaching, and toolbox talks—reinforces off-the-job learning, linking theory and practice.

After completing a Certificate III in Plumbing, employees can access short courses in first aid, working at heights, and confined space entry, as well as customer service and leadership programs to progress into senior or supervisory roles. Digital platforms, such as video tutorials, allow staff to learn at their own pace between jobs, reinforcing formal training. From apprentices to experienced tradespeople, Mid North Solutions fosters continuous learning, building stronger teams and a better business.

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2025 Finalists