Our nation's best in skills and training named as 2026 Australian Training Awards finalists

Australia’s top apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, employers and training providers have been named as finalists in the 2026 Australian Training Awards.

For more than 30 years the Australian Training Awards have celebrated the very best of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system, shining a spotlight on the outstanding individuals, businesses and training providers driving innovation, achievement and success across Australia’s skills and training sector.

Finalists from every state and territory will gather in Sydney on Friday 20 November, where the champions will be crowned at a gala presentation at the International Convention Centre.

There are seven individual awards on offer, headlined by the Apprentice of the Year and VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year categories.

Eight awards for businesses and registered training organisations (RTOs) will also be up for grabs, including the Small and Large Employers of the Year, and the Innovation in VET award.

From apprentices and trainees developing skills to power critical industries, to teachers, trainers and organisations delivering high-quality training and workforce solutions, the finalists represent excellence across the nation.

Finalists are drawn from sectors including construction, manufacturing, health care, community services, and transport and logistics, highlighting the critical role VET plays in addressing workforce needs and supporting economic growth.

The awards categories recognise employers, training providers and schools that are fostering skills development, creating employment pathways and investing in Australia's future workforce.

Last year’s winners received community recognition and continued success following their time in the national spotlight.

The 2025 awards were hosted in Darwin, with homegrown Northern Territory apprentice Evangelene Rushforth taking out Apprentice of the Year.

Shirley Darcy won last year’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year award, while the Australian Apprenticeships Employer Award went to Queensland motor yacht builder Riviera Australia.

To view the full list of 2026 finalists and purchase tickets to the awards, visit the Australian Training Awards website.

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

“When we talk about the future of Australia, we’re talking about these people. Coming from different backgrounds, industries and corners of the country: every finalist has a story of ambition, perseverance and achievement. 

“They represent the very best of VET, and demonstrate the opportunities that skills and training create for Australians and our economy.

“Whether they are mastering a trade, developing specialist skills, teaching the next generation or investing in apprentices and trainees, these finalists are doing incredible work in their communities, and for our country.”