Celebrating the nation’s best at the 2022 Australian Training Awards

Sixteen of Australia’s best apprentices, students, training providers, teachers and businesses have been recognised for their hard work and dedication at this year’s Australian Training Awards, held in Adelaide.

Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, said the annual awards were a great way to celebrate the skills, commitment and professionalism of the vocational education and training (VET) sector and the enormous benefits it brings to the Australian community.

“The awards recognise not just the talented trainees, apprentices and students, but also the people and organisations that support them, like schools, training organisations and employers,” Minister O’Connor said.

This year, a new Innovation in VET Award acknowledged those initiatives finding and achieving new ways of training. 

“I congratulate both the winners and finalists for shining a light on what can be achieved with the power of VET across the nation, from electrotechnology and carpentry to business studies and community services.

“A lack of skilled workers is one of the biggest economic challenges we’ve faced as a nation in decades and the VET sector is the key to solving this, which is why our government has taken immediate action.

“We have a comprehensive plan to tackle the skills needs of individuals and industry, and the factors that will shape demand for jobs and skills over the next 10 and 20 years.

“It’s why we are investing in our greatest resource — our people — honouring our key election commitments to establish Jobs and Skills Australia, provide additional fee-free TAFE and VET places, and build a Clean Energy Workforce.

“These awards are a timely reminder to the whole country about just what is possible if we focus on quality training and skills development.”

“Our Government wants to build a bigger, better trained, and more productive workforce — one that will help to deliver secure jobs with growing wages, boost incomes and living standards and create more opportunities for more Australians,” Minister O’Connor said.

“The VET sector is central to this and with the quality of both the finalists and winners that I have seen at this year’s awards, our future certainly looks bright.”

The Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award recognised Rob Bonner for his achievements in VET and skills over 32 years. 

For information on the 2022 Australian Training Awards and all the winners, visit www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au