The state’s exceptional vocational education and training (VET) sector is in the spotlight with the 2023 South Australian Training Awards finalists announced today.

The Awards celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of our most outstanding VET students, including apprentices and trainees, trainers, training providers, schools, and employers.

The winners will be announced at the South Australian Training Awards gala dinner event on 21 September at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The national 2023 Australian Training Awards Presentation follow in Hobart on 17 November, where we hope SA entrants shine.

The year-long program showcases VET as a pathway of choice for the state’s current and future workforce to meet the growing needs of industry sectors such as the defence, childcare and construction industries.

Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said South Australia has more than 4,500 students taking part in VET as part of their secondary schooling this year and is an important part of supporting students’ complete school and transition employment, apprenticeships or further vocational training.

“These programs are only successful because of the fantastic work of training providers and employers who support these students,” he said.

“The Training Awards are a wonderful example of the incredible work in this sector and highlight the amazing opportunities we have here in South Australia – I congratulate every one of the finalists.”

There are 13 Award categories - 6 for individuals and 7 for organisations, with a total of 93 applications received. In addition, voting has now opened for the Voters’ Choice Award which is presented to the public’s favourite individual finalist.

The Awards have been expanded this year to introduce a new state-based Award, The Excellence in Diversity Award. This new Award category provides organisations delivering accredited and non-accredited training, the opportunity to demonstrate their outstanding commitment to supporting students and/or employees in overcoming significant barriers or disadvantage to effectively participate in VET.

The Awards are presented by the South Australian Skills Commission and supported by the Principal Partner Sponsor MEGT and Gold Sponsor Mas.

“Congratulations to all the talented apprentices, trainees, students, trainers, training providers and employers who have been recognised as finalists in this year’s SA Training Awards,” said SA Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker.

“The standard of entrants this year has been outstanding and should highlight to all South Australian’s the quality of our VET system and the positive impact it is having on both individuals and employers across the state.

“The Commission and I look forward to acknowledging the hard work and dedication of all our finalists on the night and for the opportunity to bring industry and all VET stakeholders together to celebrate VET excellence from across our state.”

For more information visit www.trainingawards.sa.gov.au.