2026 Award Winners

Baxter Lewis

Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology
Training Provider:  TasTAFE
Employer: NECA Education & Careers GTO hosted by Frontline Electrical

This award is presented to an individual who is undertaking an apprenticeship and been outstanding in all aspects of their training.

The category is sponsored by TasTAFE.

Working in industrial electrical environments while completing his apprenticeship, Baxter developed advanced technical skills, strong workplace knowledge and a commitment to safe work practices. His dedication to training and professional excellence has been recognised through several apprentice awards and industry achievements.

Baxter’s positive attitude, willingness to learn and focus on continuous improvement have contributed significantly to his success. He continues to demonstrate the qualities of a highly capable tradesperson with a bright future in the electrical industry.

Layla Nichols

Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Training Provider: TasTAFE
Employer: Federal Group

This award is presented to an individual who is undertaking a traineeship and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.

The category is sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia.

While working as a People and Culture Administrator with Federal Group, Layla completed a Certificate III in Business through TasTAFE. Her traineeship provided valuable exposure to training, recruitment, employee engagement and organisational development activities.

Throughout the program, Layla demonstrated initiative, professionalism and a genuine passion for learning. Her ability to embrace opportunities and contribute across multiple areas of the business has supported significant professional growth and established a strong foundation for her future career.

Cody Summers

Qualification: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Training Provider: TasTAFE
Employer: Karadi Aboriginal Corporation

This award recognises the achievement of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who is undertaking an apprenticeship, traineeship or a course of study leading to a national qualification, who has been outstanding in all aspects of their training and demonstrates the importance of lifelong learning for themselves and their community.

The category is sponsored by Mas National.

Completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care through TasTAFE, Cody has developed the skills and knowledge required to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing. His training has strengthened his understanding of inclusive education and the importance of creating positive learning environments for young people.

Passionate about community and cultural connection, Cody is committed to sharing Aboriginal culture and supporting future generations. His dedication to personal growth and helping others has positioned him as a positive role model and an emerging contributor to the education sector.

Jessica Burr

Qualification: Certificate IV in Leadership and Management
Training Provider: Avidity Training and Development
Employer: genU

This award recognises outstanding achievement by a vocational student in a course of study leading to a nationally recognised qualification.

The category is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Deloraine.

With extensive experience across the disability and community services sector, Jessica recently completed a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management through Avidity Training and Development. The qualification has strengthened her leadership capability and supported her ongoing professional growth in workforce development and service delivery.

Jessica has built a career defined by continuous learning, innovation and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for others. Her leadership, experience and dedication continue to make a significant contribution to the community services sector.

Joshua Forman

School: Leighland Christian School
Qualification: Certificate III in Screen and Media
Training Provider: TasTAFE  
Employer: Work & Training GTO hosted by Leighland Christian School

This award recognises is presented to a student who is undertaking a Certificate II or above qualification as a school-based apprentice or trainee. The award recognises the student’s commitment to their formal studies at school and in the workplace.

The category is sponsored by McConnell Dowell.

Joshua completed a Certificate III in Screen and Media while undertaking senior secondary studies, combining classroom learning with practical workplace experience. His traineeship provided opportunities to contribute to media production projects and develop real-world skills in content creation and communications.

With a strong interest in videography and broadcasting, Joshua has demonstrated creativity, initiative and technical capability throughout his training. The qualification has helped prepare him for future opportunities in the media industry and strengthened his confidence as an emerging content creator.

Kelly Down

Employer: TasTAFE

This award recognises innovation and excellence by a vocational education and training teacher / trainer providing nationally recognised training to students at or in partnership with an RTO.

The category is sponsored by National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

As a qualified Fitter and Turner with extensive industry experience, Kelly delivers practical and engaging engineering training to senior secondary students. Her teaching approach focuses on connecting classroom learning with real workplace expectations, helping students develop both technical and employability skills.

Kelly is particularly committed to supporting students who may be disengaged from traditional learning pathways. Through flexible delivery, strong industry connections and a genuine focus on individual success, she creates opportunities for learners to build confidence and pursue meaningful career pathways.

Simon MacFarlane

School: Hobart College
Qualification: Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services
Training Provider: Department for Education, Children and Young People RTO

This award is presented to a full-time year 10, 11 or 12 student undertaking an accredited VET course that has a vocational placement component. The award recognises the student’s commitment to their formal studies and their VET course.

The category is sponsored by TasTAFE.

Simon is completing a Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services, developing advanced skills in audio production, lighting design and event operations. The hands-on nature of the course has provided extensive experience supporting school performances, productions and live events.

Combining technical expertise with creativity and teamwork, Simon has become a valued contributor within the program. His passion for the industry and commitment to building professional skills position him strongly for a future career in live production and entertainment.

Mani Rai

Qualification: Certificate III in Community Services
Training Provider: Avidity Training and Development
Employer: Northern Suburbs Community Centre

This award is presented to an Apprentice / Trainee who overcomes significant barriers or disadvantage to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship. Applicants describe their VET pathway, the challenges they faced, their motivation to begin, barriers to overcome, support found along the way and the benefits they have experienced.

The category is sponsored by MAS National.

Completing a Certificate III in Community Services through Avidity Training and Development, Mani demonstrated a strong commitment to developing his knowledge and skills within the community services sector. His training strengthened his understanding of communication, support services and community engagement while building confidence in a formal learning environment.

Mani’s dedication to professional development and lifelong learning reflects his determination to make a positive contribution to the community after arriving in Tasmania 13 years earlier. He continues to apply his skills to support others and is a valued contributor within the organisations and communities he serves.

Carly Burridge

Qualification: Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways
Training Provider: Department for Education, Children and Young People RTO

This award is presented to a vocational student who overcomes significant barriers or disadvantage to undertake a vocational education and training course. Applicants describe their VET pathway, the challenges they faced, their motivation to begin, barriers to overcome, support found along the way and the benefits they have experienced.

The category is sponsored by Work & Training.

Returning to education and embracing new learning opportunities, Carly completed a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways through Hobart College. The qualification supported the development of workplace skills, confidence and practical knowledge that will assist in future employment and training opportunities.

Carly's determination to re-engage with education has resulted in significant personal and professional growth. Their positive attitude, willingness to learn and commitment to achieving their goals have created a strong foundation for future success.

Tasmanian Transport Association

DriveTrain

This award recognises an exemplary skills development collaboration between at least one employer / industry body and at least one organisation delivering nationally recognised training.

This category is sponsored by Keystone Tasmania.

DriveTrain is an innovative, industry-led workforce development initiative that brings together the Tasmanian Transport Association, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Work & Training, industry employers, trainers and assessors to address skills shortages within Tasmania’s heavy vehicle sector. By integrating workplace learning, nationally recognised training and licensing requirements into a single pathway, the program provides learners with a structured and practical route into the transport industry.

The collaboration has created a scalable model that develops safe, job-ready drivers while strengthening industry capability through mentoring, assessment and workforce development. Through strong partnerships, quality assurance and a shared commitment to road safety and workforce growth, DriveTrain is helping secure the future sustainability of Tasmania’s freight and transport sector.

Parties to the collaboration: TTA, Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Work & Training, NDA Training and transport employers.

Dentists of Tasmania

This award recognises businesses with up to 99 full-time equivalent employees, that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to their employees.

This category is sponsored by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For more than 30 years, Dentists of Tasmania has provided high-quality dental care to the Sorell community while growing from a single-dentist practice into a modern seven-chair facility. The organisation offers a comprehensive range of services, ensuring patients in regional Tasmania can access advanced treatments and technology close to home.

A strong focus on people, learning and community underpins the practice’s success. By investing in workforce development and ongoing professional training, Dentists of Tasmania empowers its team to maintain the highest standards of patient care. This commitment to continuous improvement, combined with a welcoming and supportive workplace culture, has enabled the practice to grow while building lasting relationships with patients, staff and the broader community.

Contact Group

This award recognises businesses and enterprises with 100 or more full-time equivalent employees, that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to their employees.

This category is sponsored by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Celebrating 40 years of operation, Contact Group has grown from a small electrical business into one of Tasmania’s largest and most diverse multi-technology organisations. Employing around 200 people across the state, the company delivers services across electrical, fire protection, communications, security, automation, renewable energy and facilities maintenance sectors.

The organisation’s long-term success has been driven by a strong commitment to innovation, workforce capability and employee development. Apprenticeships, traineeships and ongoing professional development are central to the company’s approach, providing employees with opportunities to build rewarding careers while meeting evolving industry demands. Through strong leadership, investment in people and a culture that values continuous learning, Contact Group continues to contribute to the growth of Tasmania’s skilled workforce while delivering high-quality services to communities and industries across the state.

TasNetworks RTO

This award recognises small Registered Training Organisations, with fewer than 500 students, that offer a range of training products and services, and that demonstrate excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of vocational education and training.

This category is sponsored by BUSY At Work.

As the enterprise Registered Training Organisation for Tasmania’s electricity transmission and distribution network, TasNetworks RTO plays a critical role in developing the highly skilled workforce required to support essential infrastructure across the state. Operating since 2003, the RTO delivers nationally recognised and enterprise-specific training in a specialised, safety-critical industry environment.

Through a purpose-built training centre, strong industry partnerships and a highly integrated apprenticeship model, TasNetworks RTO provides learners with practical, industry-relevant experiences that prepare them for long-term careers in the energy sector. Its focus on safety, technical excellence and workforce capability has contributed to the development of generations of skilled electrical workers. By investing in future talent and supporting ongoing professional development, TasNetworks RTO continues to strengthen Tasmania’s energy workforce and support the state’s future growth.

This award is presented to organisations or individuals who have made outstanding contributions to vocational education and training over a sustained period.

The 2026 Medal recipient is Geoff Fader

The medal is named in honour of Trevor Leo who made an enormous contribution to Australia’s education and training sector for over 50 years.

This award is presented to an apprentice or trainee employed in Tasmania under group training arrangements.

The 2026 Lance Barnard Memorial Award recipient is Harrison Lodge

The award is specifically given for encouragement and recognition of excellence. It is presented by the Apprenticeship Employment Network Tasmania, in recognition of the Honourable Lance Barnard AO for his commitment to the development of the group training movement in Australia.