South Australian Training Awards

Presented by the South Australian Skills Commission, the South Australian Training Awards shine as the state’s most prestigious awards program for recognising excellence in vocational education and training (VET).

This year we present the 30th year of the Awards, building on its long and distinguished history. The Awards aim to showcase the outstanding efforts and talents of individuals and organisations across the state who inspire others and contribute to their communities, while building a fulfilling pathway in the VET and skills sector across our State.

Through these awards we proudly recognise the remarkable quality, diversity and ingenuity in the VET and skills sector across our state.

Every year the Awards offer the opportunity for individuals and organisations to reflect on their achievements through the nomination and judging process. Some nominees will be shortlisted for interviews, and some will progress as finalists to be recognised at the Gala Presentation.

At the conclusion, a winner is crowned in each Award category who will join a growing history of outstanding ambassadors for VET in South Australia.

Nominations for the 2026 South Australian Training Awards are now open

How to nominate Nominate now

Download the full South Australian Training Awards 2026 Nominations Guide

Download PDF Conditions of entry

Why be a part of the Awards?

The South Australian Training Awards shine as the state’s most prestigious Awards program for vocational education and training (VET).

In nominating you join an outstanding group of individuals and organisations making an impact through the VET sector. As a winner you will be recognised as the best in the State in your Award category. Individual Award categories also receive cash prizes (except for the Lifetime Achievement Award).

All finalists are presented with a certificate, and the winners are presented with a trophy at the Gala Presentation.

As an individual or organisation, the Awards are a great opportunity to:

  • reflect on your achievements and growth through VET
  • take advantage of opportunities to network with industry leaders and colleagues who share a passion and drive for VET
  • build your profile and reputation and gain industry recognition.

Award winners may also become an ambassador for the South Australian Training Awards and help to promote the Awards, speak with media, and participate in further networking opportunities, committees, and forums.

South Australian Training Award winners in categories that have a pathway to the Australian Training Awards will have the opportunity to compete against the best from each state and territory for the national title and experience the accolades and attention that this generates.

It all starts with your nomination and you telling your story!

2026 Key Dates

1 May 2026 Nominations close
June-July Judging process
August Awards finalists announced
11 September South Australian Training Awards Gala Presentation
October - November Professional Development Program for winners in preparation for the Australian Training Awards
Late November Australian Training Awards

Nominations for the 2026 South Australian Training Awards are now open

How to nominate Nominate now

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Check that you meet the eligibility criteria for the award category that is most appropriate to you or your organisation.

Explore your category below to review the selection criteria for your chosen award and make sure you can address all parts of the nomination form.

Individual Award categories

Individual Category Award winners will receive $3,000 in prize money and a 2026 South Australian Training Awards trophy and framed Certificate.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award recognises the achievement of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who is undertaking an apprenticeship, traineeship, or a course of study leading to a nationally recognised qualification.

The Award recognises the student has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.

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The Apprentice of the Year Award is presented to an individual who is undertaking an apprenticeship and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.

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The School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award is presented to a student who is undertaking a Certificate II qualification or above as a part time school-based apprentice or trainee. The award recognises the student’s commitment to their formal studies at school and in the workplace.

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The Trainee of the Year Award is presented to an individual who is undertaking a traineeship and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.

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The VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award recognises innovation and excellence by a trainer or teacher providing nationally recognised training to learners at a registered training organisation (RTO), or in partnership with an RTO.

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The Vocational Student of the Year Award recognises an outstanding student’s achievement in a course of study leading to a nationally recognised qualification.

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Other Individual Awards

The winner of these Awards will receive a 2026 South Australian Training Awards trophy. In addition, the Voters' Choice Award winner will receive $1,000 in prize money and the Lifetime Achievement Award winner will receive a framed certificate.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented in recognition of an individual’s outstanding leadership and contribution to the South Australian VET and skills sector for more than 15 years.

This leadership and contribution may have been linked to an innovation, new knowledge, or ways to improve professional practice deemed to be above and beyond the everyday, with a long-lasting impact within the sector.

The winner of this Award will receive a 2026 South Australian Training Awards trophy and framed Certificate.

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The Voters' Choice Award is presented at the Gala Presentation to the most popular individual finalist decided by a public online vote.

Voting will open when finalists are announced in August 2026.

The winner of this Award will receive $1,000 in prize money and a 2026 South Australian Training Awards trophy.

Organisational Award categories

Organisational Award category winners will receive a 2026 South Australian Training Awards trophy and framed Certificate.

The South Australian Adult Community Education (ACE) Provider of the Year Award recognises organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting people in overcoming significant barriers or disadvantage to effectively participate in foundation skills courses.

Please note this is a South Australia-only award category. Winners of this category are not nominated for the Australian Training Awards.

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The Industry Collaboration 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.

To be eligible for shortlisting for the Australian Training Awards the lead organisation's head office must be located in South Australia.

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The Large Employer of the Year Award recognises large businesses and enterprises that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to their employees.

To be eligible for shortlisting for the Australian Training Awards the organisation's head office must be located in South Australia.

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The Large Training Provider of the Year Award recognises large registered training organisations (RTOs) that offer a range of training products and services, and that demonstrate excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of vocational education and training.

The winner of this award is nominated to enter a shortlisting process for the Australian Training Awards.

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The Small Employer of the Year 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.

To be eligible for shortlisting for the Australian Training Awards the organisation's head office must be located in South Australia.

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The Small Training Provider of the Year Award recognises small registered training organisations (RTOs) that offer a range of training products and services, and that demonstrate excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of vocational education and training.

The winner of this award is nominated to enter a shortlisting process for the Australian Training Awards.

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The VET Innovation for Schools Award recognises excellence in schools that are developing innovative and new mechanisms for encouraging VET pathways in their schools so that their models and programs can be publicised and shared with schools across the state.

Please note this is a South Australia-only award category. Nominees are encouraged to consider submitting a direct entry to the Australian Training Awards in the School Pathways to VET Award category.

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Watch the 2025 South Australian Training Awards highlights

2025 SA Training Awards Photo Highlights

Finalists and sponsors Gala presentation



How to nominate

You can nominate for the South Australian Training Awards by following some simple steps.

Learn about the selection process and discover helpful tips to prepare your application.

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Past winners

Explore our past winners, read about their experiences and take inspiration from their achievements.


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Australian Training Awards

The Australian Training Awards are the peak national awards that showcase best practice in vocational education and training (VET).

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