How to nominate for the South Australian Training Awards

Nominations for the 2026 South Australian Training Awards will be open soon. For enquiries, please contact the SA Training Awards team at sata@sa.gov.au.

The key to success is making your application memorable. This is your opportunity to share your story and what makes you unique.

The judging panels are experienced at identifying individuals and organisations that stand out from the crowd – but they don’t know you, so a quality application that is clear, concise and addresses all selection criteria is essential.

It is important to note that the written nomination you submit for the 2026 South Australian Training Awards will be the same nomination that is used for judging in the 2026 Australian Training Awards if you progress to become a finalist in the national awards program.

Remember: you will be competing with the very best nominees from other states and territories – take the time to prepare a quality nomination.

2026 Key Dates

May 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

Selection and Judging Process

Judging of the South Australian Training Awards is conducted by panels of individuals who have extensive experience in training and industry sectors; each panel is chaired by a member of the South Australian Skills Commission.

To determine the finalists and winners, all nominations are evaluated as follows.

Stage 1

  • Nominations are evaluated against the eligibility and selection criteria to assess and determine whether the nomination is eligible to progress.
  • Nominations are then assessed by the Award judging panel to determine which nominations go through to the interview stage.
  • All nominees will be advised if they have been shortlisted for interview.

Stage 2

  • Shortlisted nominees are interviewed (in person or virtually) by the Award judging panel.
  • The Award judging panel will select finalists, including one winner for the award category.
  • Finalists are announced ahead of the South Australia Training Awards Gala Presentation.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This Award has a specific selection and judging process. Nominations for this Award are assessed by the South Australian Skills Commission against the eligibility and selection criteria. A shortlist of candidates is referred to the relevant Minister for selection of the Award winner. Nominees are notified if they have been selected as the recipient of the Award and will be presented at the South Australian Training Award Gala Presentation.

Stage 1

  • Nominations are evaluated against the eligibility criteria and selection criteria to assess and determine if the nomination is eligible to progress.
  • Nominations are then assessed by the Award judging panel to determine which nominations progress to the interview stage.
  • All nominees are advised if they have been shortlisted for interview.

Stage 2

  • Arrangements are made with shortlisted nominees for onsite interview by the Award judging panel.
  • The Award judging panel validates the written nomination by gathering further information to assist in selecting the Award winner.
  • The Award judging panel will select finalists, including one winner for the Award category.
  • Finalists are announced ahead of the South Australian Training Awards Gala Presentation.

Australian Training Awards

Please note the written nomination you submit for the 2026 South Australian Training Awards will be the same one that is used for judging for the 2026 Australian Training Awards, should you progress to become a finalist in the national Awards program. Judging will be based on your written application.

Remember: you will be competing with the very best nominees from other states and territories – take the time to prepare a quality nomination.


Final decisions

All award finalists are presented at the South Australia Training Awards Gala Presentation where the winner of each Award category is announced.

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

Individual award categories

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

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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Apprentice of the Year

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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School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

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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Trainee of the Year

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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Vocational Student of the Year

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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VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year

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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Lifetime Achievement Award

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.

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Organisational Award Categories

Industry Collaboration

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.

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Small Employer of the Year

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.

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Large Employer of the Year

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.

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Small Training Provider of the Year

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.

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Large Training Provider of the Year

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.

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Adult Community Education Provider of the Year

The 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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VET Innovation for Schools

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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