VET Teacher / Trainer of the Year

VET Teacher / Trainer of the Year

Employer: Alliance College

Over his 25-year career as a chef, pastry chef, and educator, Anthony has remained committed to innovation, sustainability through upcycling, and promoting respect in industry and education settings. Mentors such as Cheong Liew OAM, Bethany Finn, John Gabel, and Simon Bryant inspire his approach to cuisine and education.

Anthony transitioned into vocational education and training at Meridian Vocational College, and helped establish the training kitchen, café, and catering operations.

Since 2022 he has worked at Alliance College, most recently as lead for the Certificate III in Patisserie 2024 domestic pilot program. In consultation with respected chefs, Anthony designs learning and assessment resources from the ground up.

Driven by a passion for inclusive, curiosity-led learning, he launched Ed-Spectrum, a digital culinary newsletter promoting VET through storytelling and research. He develops training that embraces ethical AI and digital strategies to address the evolving needs of learners in a dynamic VET environment.

Employer: CHM Alliance

CHM Alliance Starting her career as a stockperson and as a vocational graduate herself, Maisa Lacasandile brings experience and credibility to her role as a trainer and assessor.

An exceptional trainer, Maisa delivers hands-on, workplace-based training in the pork production industry – building skilled and confident agricultural workers.

Maisa has played a key role in boosting workforce capability by developing staff training for SunPork’s patented Maternity Ring system – a birthing and nursing pen for sows and a major animal welfare innovation.

Recognising the needs of SunPork’s culturally diverse workforce and drawing on her own experiences, Maisa developed a bespoke industry glossary to support trainees who are English language learners, improving communication and training outcomes.

Through personalised, on-site coaching and strong industry collaboration, Maisa ensures training is practical, relevant and immediately applied. Her work is improving workforce capability, supporting innovation and contributing to a more sustainable and welfare-focused agricultural industry.