This award recognises collaboration driving exemplary skills development between at least one employer and/or industry body and at least one organisation delivering nationally recognised vocational education and training.
Meet the finalists in the Industry Collaboration category for the 2026 South Australian Training Awards – some truly amazing organisations!
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The Defence Industry Pathways Program SA (DIPPSA) addresses skills demand across South Australia’s growing defence industry. Bringing together PEER and the Australian Submarine Agency, in partnership with the Department of State Development, TAFE SA and more than 40 industry partners, the program creates direct pathways into defence careers through integrated training, employment and industry experience.
Trainees complete a Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways while undertaking structured workplace placements across the defence supply chain. This combination of training and practical experience develops technical capability, industry knowledge and job readiness.
DIPPSA provides valuable opportunities for school leavers, career changers and under-represented groups, including women seeking to enter the defence sector. The program is delivering strong results, with an 84 per cent retention rate, 83 per cent completion rate and 73 per cent of graduates transitioning directly into defence roles. By aligning training with industry demand, DIPPSA is helping build a skilled, diverse and future-ready workforce for South Australia.
The Heavy Industry Multi Skills (HIMS) Program is an industry-led workforce development initiative delivered by Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North in partnership with TAFE SA, employment service providers and major employers across the mining, construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Designed to address regional workforce shortages while creating opportunities for disadvantaged jobseekers, the program combines accredited training, mentoring, industry immersion and employment pathways. Industry partners play an active role in co-designing the program, ensuring participants develop the technical skills, workplace behaviours and job readiness employers need.
A key feature is its simulated workplace environment, where participants experience real industry expectations and practices before entering the workforce. Since its establishment in 2019, HIMS has supported more than 120 participants, achieved over 100 successful completions and delivered 80 per cent employment outcomes in Port Pirie and beyond.
By connecting training directly to industry demand, HIMS is strengthening workforce capability, supporting social inclusion and building economic resilience across regional South Australia.
The Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub is creating new pathways into one of Australia’s most significant forestry and timber regions through the Timber and Wood Product Operations Traineeship.
In partnership with Group Training Employment, LITA Training and four major timber processors, the program combines paid employment, nationally recognised training and real workplace experience for school-based trainees.
Featuring a multi-employer model, where trainees rotate across four timber mills, providing exposure to different products, technologies, teams and production environments.
The collaboration has achieved outstanding results, including a 100 per cent completion rate for the first cohort, with all trainees successfully completing their Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations and progressing into employment, further training and ongoing industry pathways.
By aligning training directly with industry needs and sharing responsibility across partners, the collaboration is creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers for the future of the timber industry.