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Small Employer of the Year

2026 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 2026 South Australian Training Awards – truly innovative organisations!

Proudly sponsored by

South Australian Skills Commission

Longko Salon

Longko Salon is a successful South Australian hairdressing business built on a strong commitment to training, creativity and career development. With a culture of continuous learning, the salon provides structured pathways from traineeships and apprenticeships through to advanced technical and leadership development.

Training is embedded into daily salon operations, combining hands-on experience, mentoring from experienced stylists and external education through industry-leading organisations. More than 85 per cent of employees are actively engaged in training, supported by partnerships with industry organisations and specialist academies.

The quality and impact of the training model is demonstrated by outcomes such as an adult apprentice who completed training with Longko and went on to establish her own salon overseas.

Through strong industry engagement, innovative programs and a focus on inclusion, Longko Salon is building confident, highly skilled professionals and contributing to the future of the hair and beauty industry.

Sortini Carpentry & Maintenance

As a small, hands-on team, Sortini Carpentry & Maintenance delivers high-quality carpentry and building services across residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.

Training at Sortini is embedded in daily operations, with apprentices working directly alongside an experienced builder and gaining exposure across the full construction process.

Apprentices who are undertaking a Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery qualification, develop broad, transferable skills by participating in all stages of work – from structural framing through to finishing carpentry and project coordination.

This immersive, mentorship-driven approach builds confidence, capability and leadership, with apprentices progressively taking on greater opportunities across real projects.

Training outcomes are evident in strong career progression, with apprentices contributing to award-winning developments and moving into leadership roles within the business. Through personalised mentoring and real-world experience, Sortini is developing highly capable tradespeople for South Australia’s construction industry.

2026 Finalists