Frequently Asked Questions

Stage 1

Each written application will be assessed against the selection criteria to determine the shortlisted applicants.

All applicants will be advised about whether they have been shortlisted.

Stage 2

Each of the shortlisted applicants will need to attend an interview (in person and/or virtually) with the judging panel. Interviews will be conducted in July.

The judging panel may select up to four finalists, including one winner, for each award category.

The decision of the judging panel is final. No written correspondence will be entered into.

Individual category winners automatically progress to become Australian Training Awards finalists.

Stage 1

Each written application will be assessed against the selection criteria to determine the shortlisted applicants.

All applicants will be advised about whether they have been shortlisted.

Stage 2

Arrangements will be made with shortlisted applicants for a virtual visit by members of the judging panel in July.

The judging panel will validate the written application by gathering further information to assist in selecting one award winner.

The judging panel may select up to four finalists, including one winner, for each award category.

The decision of the judging panel is final. No written correspondence will be entered into.

Organisation category winners are put forward as South Australia's nominees for the Australian Training Awards.

All applicants shortlisted for the next stage will be advised by the Executive Officer, South Australian Training Awards.

Applicants who have reached the next stage of judging will be contacted by telephone, with arrangements confirmed by email.

All judging panels are chaired by a South Australian Skills Commission (the Commission) member and consist of training specialists, Vocational Education and Training (VET) practitioners, industry and/or partner/sponsor representatives.

Individuals can only apply for one award and must not accept any nomination for any similar award in another state or territory in the application year.

Organisations may apply for more than one award, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and clearly differentiate the information in their application between each award category.

Students may be nominated by their employer or training provider, or can apply themselves. We encourage you to obtain a letter of support from your employer, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or school if you are applying.

VET teachers/trainers can be nominated by an RTO, colleagues, professional bodies, students, or through applying themselves.

Organisations may apply themselves, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

In the case of employers and training providers with activities in more than one state or territory, only the training activities in South Australia will be considered for the award.

Where an organisation has more than one workplace in South Australia, it must decide to apply as a state-wide organisation or an individual workplace. If an organisation applies as an individual workplace it must lodge separate applications for each workplace that applies.

In the case of RTOs, nominate in the state or territory where the majority of their training is being delivered and only nominate for this category in a single state or territory.

Past South Australian Training Awards finalists may reapply for the same category, if they are eligible.

Past winners may not apply in the same category, but may apply for other categories if they are eligible.

Past organisation category winners may apply for the same award.

Being an RTO does not necessarily mean the training provider category is the right one. The answer depends on your organisation's primary role:

• If the primary role is training - Training Provider
• If the primary role is something other than training (e.g. selling products or services) – Employer or Small Employer category.

The content of the written application is very important for proceeding to the next stage of the judging process.

Applicants in all categories are asked to provide information about themselves and/or their organisation. Nominators can assist applicants in preparing their applications, but the application should be written by the applicant. This means applicants should use 'I' or 'we', not 'he', 'she' or 'they'. Applications should be written in the first person.

Cover all the assessment criteria and all the points under each criterion. Treat all the assessment criteria seriously, because they are all important.

Vague generalisations should be avoided. General statements such as 'I am a good team member', 'I have an understanding of industry trends' or 'training is fundamental to the success of our business' must be supported with clear evidence and practical examples.

Keep your writing clear and simple.

Think of the application in the same light as a job application - emphasise what makes you or your organisation stand head and shoulders above all other applicants.

Remember, incomplete applications will not be considered.

No, there is no fee to apply. The only costs involved are related to time and effort required to fully address the assessment criteria.

Winners and finalists are ambassadors for the South Australian VET system. They may receive media coverage.

The Commission and the Department for Education may use photographs and non-confidential information from applications to facilitate media engagement.