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.

The winner of this Award will represent South Australia at the Australian Training Awards.

  • Sponsored by Apprentice Employment Network South Australia

    Sponsored by Apprentice Employment Network South Australia

    Apprentice Employment Network South Australia (AEN SA) is the peak industry body representing a network of independent, predominately not for profit Group Training Organisations (GTOs) and associated industry stakeholders who support the employment of apprentices and trainees in South Australia.

    Our GTO members operate on either an industry or regional basis and are the largest employers of apprentices and trainees in the state, collectively providing high quality skills and employment opportunities for over 4,000 South Australians while supporting the needs of industry and a sustainable apprenticeship and traineeship system within the state.

    LEARN MORE

Nominations for the 2026 South Australian Training Awards are now closed

Judging will be underway in June/July, with finalists announced in August 2026. Stay tuned for updates ahead of the Gala Presentation to announce the winners on 11 September 2026.

Past winners

Eligibility criteria

You must:

  • be a full-time or part-time student, but not an Australian apprentice or trainee
  • have completed or be due to complete your training in the period 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026 in a training course that leads to a nationally recognised outcome or qualification relevant to the Vocational Student of the Year.

2026 Conditions of entry

Preparing your nomination

Section A: Overview

Provide a short description of the qualification you are enrolled in, your registered training organisation, and employer (if applicable), as well as your reason for choosing the industry and training path.

(Limit: 300 words)

This information will not be considered or used for judging purposes, but it may be used as your summary throughout the Awards process.

Section B: Selection Criteria

Applicants will be judged against the following criteria:

Consider things such as:

  • why you chose your course
  • how it has changed or impacted you
  • what you have gained from it
  • what you have been able to bring to your workplace.

(Limit: 400 words)

Consider any skills you have developed through your training, such as:

  • what you tell your family, friends, employer/s, workmates, teachers, classmates and others about your training
  • what you like about working in a team setting
  • what traits you think are important to positively influence others.

(Limit: 400 words)

Tell us about and provide examples of:

  • when you have taken a leadership role inside or outside of training and/or work
  • other activities you have been involved in where you have been a representative
  • how you would describe the quality of your training.

(Limit: 400 words)

You may wish to include information about:

  • how you have addressed any challenges that have impacted your training
  • when you have been required to use initiative - either in your training, your personal life, or your workplace
  • other qualities you have or activities you have undertaken that you feel would be useful in your role as Vocational Student of the Year
  • any community work or industry involvement you have had.

(Limit: 400 words)

Attachments

Up to five single A4 page attachments to be provided at a 100 per cent ratio, with one document per page.

These may include copies of training and education certificates, VET certificates and qualifications, certificates of completion, certificates and awards, letters of reference or photographs of you in your workplace or at your training organisation.

Download the South Australian Training Awards 2026 Nominations Guide

Download PDF

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