A student-run café, a diversity and inclusion administrator working in the Arts, a Riverland carpentry apprentice passionate about on-site mental health initiatives and a female automotive electrical trainee are just four of the exceptional winners in this year’s South Australian Training Awards.

In its 27th year, the awards recognise the achievements of the state’s best vocational education and training (VET) students, apprentices, trainees, trainers, training providers, schools and employers and highlight the quality training opportunities available across the State.

Hugo Kregar, completing Certificate III in Carpentry to gain a wealth of knowledge and technical skills through his apprenticeship and a passionate advocate for on-site mental health, was named Apprentice of the Year at this year’s awards.

Other winners include the Regional Anangu Services Aboriginal Corporation, the SA Country Fire Service, the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Education Centre and Tatiara Truck & Trailers.

The winners were announced at a gala dinner event last night at the Adelaide Convention Centre attended by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer and SA Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker.

“This year’s South Australian Training Awards gala dinner provided an opportunity to celebrate alongside individuals and organisations who are playing an important role in continuing to strengthen our state’s VET sector,” said SA Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker.

“This year’s finalists and winners ae to be congratulated for their achievements in demonstrating personal determination, creativity and commitment to high quality training that is making a difference.”

State winners will now compete on the national stage with the 2023 Australian Training Awards Presentation taking place in Hobart on 17 November.

The awards - 6 for individuals and 7 for organisations - were also expanded this year to introduce a new state-based, The Excellence in Diversity Award.

The inaugural The Excellence in Diversity Award winner, Regional Anangu Services Aboriginal Corporation, was recognised for its innovative training and development pathways that empower local Anangu workers to pursue a variety of career pathways. Training resources and delivery is culturally appropriate, with resources translated and narrated in local Pitjantjatjara language.

In addition, nearly 4,000 votes were cast for the Voters’ Choice Award, sponsored by Drakes Supermarket, which was presented to the public’s favourite individual finalist. This year’s Voters’ Choice Award winner was Sophie Orrock. She also won the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award.

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 defence, childcare, aged care and construction.

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

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