This award recognises an outstanding student’s achievement in a course of study leading to a nationally vocational qualification.
Meet the finalists in the Vocational Student of the Year category for the 2025 South Australian Training Awards – what a committed group of individuals!
Proudly sponsored by Apprentice Employment Network SA.
‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’
Jackson’s initial step came from his inquisitive nature – he wanted to know how things work.
He pulled objects apart, looked inside, tried to put everything back so it would work; these hands-on experiments sparked a passionate interest in the Automotive Industry.
Jackson’s journey is inspirational: from VET in Schools, to an apprenticeship, to qualified technician, to Team Leader, to Field Coordinator, to apprentice trainer and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Volunteering with The Smith Family Charity, Jackson shares his experiences in schools across South Australian and promotes the benefits vocational education and training (VET) brings.
Everyone’s first step is different, and some need a little guidance, support, or mentoring to start their journey. Knowing that a single moment in his life has the potential to shape and change another person’s future is why Jackson loves helping others.
A caring and empathetic person, Julie-Anne loves their mental health worker role with Skylight Mental Health.
Changing careers from science to mental health occurred because Julie-Anne wanted to use their own lived experience of mental health distress and recovery to help others go from surviving to thriving, as Julie-Anne had.
They chose a Certificate IV in Mental Health to deepen their mental health support work knowledge and grow their career. They are inspired by lived-experience professionals that champion the lived-experience movement and advocate for systems change based on human rights.
They love working in teams, including two‑to‑one support for participants with complex needs and small teams for activity groups with multiple participants.
Julie-Anne is a passionate advocate for mental health care for the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities to which they belong. Contributing to mental health policy and systems transformation is Julie-Anne’s goal.
Karen’s career in maritime operations, which started in 1998 at Ports Corp as a general office assistant, led to her becoming a certified Vessel Traffic Services Operator in 2011.
Her dedication and interest in innovation contributed to her employer receiving international accreditation in 2024.
Committed to continuous learning and with a diverse study path reflecting roles she has held, she recently achieved a Certificate IV in Information Technology (Systems Administration Support), enhancing her ability to streamline systems and improve operational outcomes.
In 2023, she launched her own consultancy, partnering with JCJ Consulting to support the delivery of accredited VTS training services for AMC Search, both nationally and internationally.
Karen’s focus on mentoring and development reveals her clear desire to help others succeed in the industry.
Her journey has been based on strong personal and community values, professional growth, and a deep commitment to making an impact – within her industry and beyond.
A dedicated frontline support worker, Stephanie recently attained a Certificate IV in Mental Health; she also holds Child, Youth and Family Intervention, and Youth Work qualifications. Her education pathway is purposeful and deeply personal.
Having left school in Year 10 after a disrupted education, she found her path through vocational training. Inspired by her own lived experience and the challenges many young people face, she was driven to become the kind of support she once needed – someone who listens, encourages, and creates space for others to find their footing.
Today she works across SA Health and the Department for Child Protection, supporting vulnerable individuals and families. Her training helped her develop trauma-informed, person-centred practice and confidence to step into roles where she can make a difference.
Stephanie hopes to build on her training – through social work or the NDIS – and contribute to inclusive, person-centred care for those with complex needs.