Nominations are now open for the 2026 South Australian Training Awards, marking 30 years of recognising vocational education and training (VET) excellence in South Australia.
The Awards showcase the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations across the state, whose talent and commitment drive the sector, from the largest employers to the youngest trainees.
The year-round Awards program inspires those seeking to join the workforce in high demand industry sectors, highlighting the crucial part VET plays in preparing emerging talent for the jobs of the future.
Award winners will be announced at the South Australian Training Awards Gala Presentation on 11 September 2026 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Eligible state winners will then go on to represent South Australia on the national stage at the 2026 Australian Training Awards, to be held in November 2026.
The Awards span a diverse range of categories celebrating both individual excellence and organisational contribution.
Individual Awards
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
- Apprentice of the Year
- School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
- Trainee of the Year Vocational Student of the Year
- VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Organisational Awards
- Industry Collaboration
- Small Employer of the Year
- Large Employer of the Year
- Small Training Provider of the Year
- Large Training Provider of the Year
- Adult Community Education Provider of the Year
- VET Innovation for Schools
"For the past 30 years, the South Australian Training Awards have shone a light on the everyday heroes of our VET system.
The Awards bring to centre stage all that is great about our sector - the ingenuity, the collaboration and the commitment to quality and excellence that epitomise VET students, and the training providers and employers who support them.
Now more than ever, young people don’t need to go to university to have a great career. VET is the backbone of providing a future skilled workforce, and the Awards are a celebration of what can be achieved when collaboration and leadership meet talent and resolve.
I encourage you to get involved in this year’s Awards program by nominating yourself or encouraging others to nominate." said Commissioner Cameron Baker, Chair of the South Australian Skills Commission.
"Winning was an incredible experience for us. Hearing the stories of other passionate finalists strengthened our belief in the power of vocational education and training to build a skilled and future‑ready workforce.
The Awards process gave us valuable insight into how other organisations use VET to grow their people, and it opened the door to new connections, learning opportunities and ideas we’ve brought back to our own business.
Going on to the Australian Training Awards and taking home the national title was thrilling and deeply humbling. We encourage others to nominate, there is so much growth, pride and opportunity to gain. Being a VET Ambassador is an honour we hold proudly." said the winner of 2025 South Australian and Australian Training Awards Small Employer of the Year, Bowhill Engineering.
Nominations close on 1 May 2026, with judging to take place throughout June and July.
For more information about nominating, visit www.trainingawards.sa.gov.au.