VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year

2026 South Australian Training Award Winner

Congratulations Maisa Lacasandile

Employer: 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.

About the VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year award

This award recognises innovation and excellence by a trainer or teacher providing nationally accredited training to students at a registered training organisation (RTO), or in partnership with an RTO.

The 2026 VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year category is presented by the South Australian Skills Commission.