Tasmanian Training Awards

Tasmanian Training Awards We welcome and encourage your participation. Please ensure you comments and engagement is respectful and follows the terms outlined below.

Hosted by Skills Tasmania, the awards celebrate and recognise learners, apprentices, trainees, teachers, trainers and organisations who contribute to Tasmania’s vocational education and training sector. Our ethos is the kind and respectful engagement around the value of skills and training and the benefits it can provide to Tasmanian individuals and business. When contributing your views please en

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Celebrating an Extraordinary ContributionFor more than 30 years Jacqueline Maclaine has been a passionate advocate for v...
04/09/2026

Celebrating an Extraordinary Contribution

For more than 30 years Jacqueline Maclaine has been a passionate advocate for vocational education and training in Tasmania, making a lasting impact on learners, employers, educators and industry alike.

Through her passion of the Tasmanian Training Awards and WorldSkills Tasmania, she has championed skills excellence and helped create opportunities for countless Tasmanians to grow, succeed and be recognised for their achievements. Her dedication has played a significant role in showcasing the talent and potential of our workforce.

What has always distinguished Jacqui is her genuine care for people. Her encouragement, support and belief in others have inspired generations of apprentices, trainees and award participants, often helping them see possibilities they had not yet recognised in themselves.

As Jacqui steps down, she leaves an extraordinary legacy built on service, integrity and a commitment to helping others succeed. The impact of her work will continue to be felt across Tasmania for many years to come.

Thank you, Jacqui, for your passion, your care and your remarkable contribution to skills and training. Tasmania's VET sector is stronger because of your dedication, and your legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

04/09/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Baxter Lewis, winner of the 2026 Apprentice of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Tas TAFE

Having successfully completed his Certificate III in Electrotechnology at TasTAFE, Baxter has demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and professionalism throughout his apprenticeship.

Hosted by Frontline Electrical through NECA Tasmania Education & Careers GTO, Baxter has developed strong technical expertise while working in industrial electrical environments. His commitment to safe work practices, continuous improvement, and professional excellence has earned him industry recognition and multiple apprentice awards along the way.

Baxter demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting and mentoring newer apprentices, promoting the value of vocational education, and encouraging others to pursue careers in the trades. His strong work ethic, reliability, positive attitude, and commitment to continuous learning makes him an outstanding ambassador for apprenticeships and a highly deserving recipient of this recognition.

⚡Congratulations, Baxter we wish you every success in the next stage of your career and at the 2026 Australian Training Awards in Sydney in November.

04/09/2026

Outstanding achievement by Harrison Lodge, recipient of the Lance Barnard Memorial Award. 🎉

Awarded by the Apprenticeship Employment Network Tasmania, this award is presented to an apprentice or trainee employed under group training arrangements in Tasmania. The Lance Barnard Memorial Award recognises excellence, dedication, and potential. Named in honour of the Hon. Lance Barnard AO, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and a strong supporter of the group training movement, the award celebrates individuals who exemplify commitment and achievement.

Currently completing a Certificate III in Roof Plumbing with Work & Training and employed by Marriott Roofing , Harrison has built strong skills across roofing, drainage, waterproofing, and wall cladding. His dedication to quality workmanship, positive attitude, and commitment to continuous improvement make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. 👏🔨🌟

04/09/2026

⚡Congratulations to our outstanding 2026 Trainee of the Year winner, Layla Nichols

Inspired by the dedication and sacrifice of her parents as small business owners, Layla began her journey with a passion for business and a determination to build a successful future. Through her traineeship and completing Certificate III in Business with Tas TAFE while employed with the Federal Group, she demonstrated exceptional growth, developing strong skills in communication, teamwork, coordination, and taking ownership of her work.

Beyond her own achievements, Layla has become a passionate ambassador for vocational education and training. Through Federal Group’s partnership with the Beacon Foundation, she actively promotes career pathways for young people, sharing her own story to inspire students to pursue opportunities and believe in their potential. From visiting schools to deliver mock interviews and career advice, to representing trainees at the King’s Birthday Luncheon at Government House, Layla has used her experience to encourage and empower others.
Layla will now go on to represent Tasmania at the 2026 Australian Training Awards in Sydney in November.

2026 Trainee of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia

04/09/2026

🌟 Congratulations to Cody, winner of the 2026 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Mas National

By completing his Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care through Tas TAFE while working with Karadi Aboriginal Corporation, Cody has developed the skills and knowledge to support children's learning, development and wellbeing. His commitment to creating inclusive and positive learning environments reflects his passion for helping young people thrive.

Dedicated to community and cultural connection, Cody is committed to sharing Aboriginal culture and supporting future generations. His enthusiasm for learning, personal growth and making a positive impact makes him a deserving recipient and an inspiring role model for others.

Cody will now go on to represent Tasmania at the Australian Training Awards in Sydney in November.

04/09/2026

🌟 Congratulations to Jessica Burr – Tasmania’s 2026 Vocational Student of the Year

Driven by a lifelong passion for supporting people and communities, Jessica has built an outstanding 18-year career in the disability sector, combining extensive hands-on experience with a strong commitment to lifelong learning. Through multiple vocational qualifications, including her recent Certificate IV in Leadership and Management with Avidity Training and Development, she has continually developed her skills while creating meaningful impact for those she supports.

Now a Regional Manager with genU, she is a respected leader, mentor and advocate for vocational education. Her commitment to empowering others, championing inclusive opportunities, and developing the future workforce makes her a deserving winner and an inspiring role model within the community services sector. 🌟👏

Jessica will now represent Tasmania at the Australian Training Awards in Sydney in November.

Category sponsor Rotary Club of Deloraine

04/09/2026

🏆 Congratulations to our School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year winner Joshua Forman!!
Category sponsor McConnell Dowell

While completing his senior secondary studies at Leighland Christian School - Ulverstone & Burnie, Josh undertook a Certificate III in Screen and Media through Tas TAFE as a school-based trainee employed by Work & Training at host employer Leighland Christian School, gaining valuable hands-on experience in media production. Through filming, editing, content creation and event coverage, he has developed strong technical skills while building the professionalism, initiative and resilience required to succeed in a fast-paced industry.

Passionate about videography and sports broadcasting, he has gone beyond the classroom to seek out real-world opportunities with community organisations, local councils and AFL Tasmania broadcasts. His determination to overcome challenges, commitment to learning, and proactive approach to building industry experience have established a strong foundation for a future career in media, making him a deserving winner of this year's award. 🎥🌟👏

Joshua will now represent Tasmania at the Australian Training Awards in Sydney in November.

04/09/2026

Outstanding!! Simon MacFarlane, 2026 VET in Schools Student of the Year winner!

Currently completing a Certificate III in Live Production & Technical Services through Hobart College and DECYP, he has combined his passion for audio, lighting and live events with a strong commitment to developing industry-ready skills. Through hands-on experience leading technical crews, managing audio for major school productions, and working at events including the Cygnet Folk Festival and Falls Creek Festival, he has demonstrated exceptional initiative, technical capability and professionalism well beyond his years.

A natural leader and mentor, he thrives on supporting both performers and fellow students to achieve their best. His dedication, adaptability and calm approach under pressure have made him a valued team member and an outstanding ambassador for VET in Schools. With a genuine passion for live production and a drive to pursue excellence, he is a highly deserving recipient of this year's award. 🎤🎛️🌟👏

2026 VET in Schools Student of the Year proudly sponsored by Tas TAFE

04/09/2026

Congratulations to St Brendan-Shaw College student Holly Gray, on being awarded the inaugural Mike Frost Encouragement Award. 🎉

This well-deserved recognition reflects Holly’s outstanding commitment to vocational education, personal growth, and passion for early childhood education. While completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, she successfully balanced school studies, 160 hours of work placement, and two jobs, demonstrating exceptional dedication, resilience, and professionalism. Her success in gaining employment within the sector while still at school is a testament to the skills, confidence, and work ethic she has developed through her VET journey.

The Mike Frost Encouragement Award celebrates students who embody the transformative power of vocational education, and Holly is a wonderful example of this. Through her enthusiasm for working with children, commitment to continuous learning, and ability to turn classroom knowledge into real workplace success, she has shown tremendous potential for a future career in early childhood education.
Congratulations on this remarkable achievement and on the bright future that lies ahead. 👏🌟📚🧸

04/09/2026

Congratulations to Kelly Down, 2026 VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year sponsored by NECA Tasmania Education and Careers 🎉

Kelly has made a significant impact on the lives of young people through the delivery of Certificate II in Engineering within a school-based Trade Training Centre with Tas TAFE . As a qualified Fitter and Turner with extensive industry experience, Kelly brings industry knowledge and real-world perspective to the delivery of engineering training for senior secondary students. She is passionate about creating practical, engaging learning experiences that connect training to workplace expectations, helping students build technical capability, confidence, and essential employability skills.

Through innovative initiatives such as simulated workplace shift handovers, the integration of virtual welding technology, and strong industry engagement, Kelly creates meaningful pathways for students to succeed. Her commitment to supporting learners extends beyond the classroom, helping students transition into apprenticeships, employment, and further training while preparing them to thrive in the workforce.

Kelly will now represent Tasmania at the Australian Training Awards in Sydney in November.

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