New South Wales proves itself as state of innovation at 2025 Australian Training Awards

New South Wales has scooped the Innovation in Vocational Education and Training (VET) category at the 2025 Australian Training Awards (ATAs) held in Darwin last night. 

Westbourne College, in Ultimo, and Bradford Institute and Allambi Care, in Charlestown, took out gold and silver respectively for their cutting-edge initiatives in the VET and skills sector. 

Excellence in VET was on display at the 31st year of Australia’s premier training awards, with New South Wales also winning the VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year. Wagga Wagga teacher Penelope Mackay won for her inspiring achievement as VET coordinator at Kildare Catholic College. 

The VET sector came together for a gala night at the Darwin Convention Centre to recognise apprentices, trainees, VET students, teachers, practitioners, employers and training providers from around Australia for the awards.

The New South Wales winners and finalists will join fellow finalists from across Australia to become ambassadors and role models for the national VET sector. 

New South Wales 2025 Australian Training Award recipients and winners: 

Innovation in VET Award (Gold) – Westbourne College, Ultimo 

The Innovation in VET Award recognises and celebrates innovation initiatives in the VET and skills sector. Westbourne College delivers culturally responsive vocational education in areas such as project management and construction support. The college’s innovative training model blends flexible online delivery with face-to-face learning, cultural mentoring, and workplace integration. As a proudly Aboriginal-owned registered training organisation (RTO), the college is building Australia’s future workforce – one learner at a time. 

Innovation in VET Award (Silver) – Bradford Institute and Allambi Care, Charlestown 

The Innovation in VET Award recognises and celebrates innovation initiatives in the VET and skills sector. The Bradford Institute and Allambi Care have been building careers in youth work for more than a decade. The organisations deliver a diploma level induction program for youth workers on-site at Allambi’s residential care facilities, with remarkable results. This innovative workplace learning model is transforming lives. 

VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award (Winner) – Penelope Mackay 

This award recognises innovation and excellence by a VET teacher/trainer providing nationally recognised training to students at a RTO or in partnership with an RTO. Starting out as an apprentice chef, Penny saw the positive impact of VET in an industry she loved. Feeling compelled to pay it forward, she is now making a difference in the lives of young people in her region. As a dedicated VET Coordinator, Penny is truly living her dream. 

Small Employer of the Year Award (Silver) – Muswellbrook Preschool Kindergarten 

This award recognises small businesses with 99 or fewer full-time equivalent employees that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to their employees. Muswellbrook Preschool Kindergarten believes staff investment is vital to the provision of exceptional early childhood education. As a result, the not-for profit preschool has established strong partnerships with RTOs to ensure its team of educators can complete formal qualifications, while supporting their educational journey with continuous learning, mentoring, and wellbeing initiatives. 

Large Training Provider of the Year Award (Silver) – TAFE NSW 

This category recognises large RTOs with 500 or more students that offer a range of training products and services and that demonstrate excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of VET. TAFE NSW is woven into the fabric of life in NSW, helping individuals build skills, discover passions, and pursue meaningful careers. With over 400,000 enrolments across more than 150 learning locations, TAFE NSW delivers flexible, personalised VET that reflects the diversity of its students and the communities it serves. 

School Pathways to VET Award (Silver) – Bradfield Senior College, St Leonards 

This award recognises eligible organisations including schools, RTOs, group training organisations, industry bodies and employers that have collaboratively delivered one or more excellent VET programs to secondary school students. As part of TAFE NSW, Bradfield Senior College integrates HSC studies with vocational education in the creative industries. Its adult-style setting supports student engagement across a variety of creative industries. By embedding VET within a creative framework, Bradfield empowers students to build skills and pathways for their future success. For more information on the 2025 Australian Training Awards and the winners visit the Australian Training Awards website. 

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles: 

“I congratulate the winners and finalists of the 2025 Australian Training Awards. They’re great ambassadors for Australia’s world-leading vocational education and training sector. “VET is the engine room delivering the skilled workforce our communities need and rely on every day in sectors as diverse as nursing, construction, manufacturing, aged care and clean energy. 

“The Albanese Government is committed to strengthening the VET sector, including through our contribution of $12.6 billion over five years under the National Skills Agreement, and working with the states and territories to deliver Free TAFE, which recently marked more than 725,000 enrolments nationally.” 

Quotes attributable to New South Wales Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan: 

“NSW is incredibly proud of our winners and finalists for showcasing the best VET talent and innovators we have to offer on a national stage. “Our winners’ successes demonstrate the life-changing power of vocational education and training and the profound impact it has on our communities. “These awards represent the success of the NSW Government’s continued investment in skills and training to build a job-ready workforce for the future. “Through initiatives such as fee-free training, expanded TAFE NSW opportunities and partnerships with industry, we’re ensuring people across NSW have access to the skills they need for rewarding careers.” END