Southern and South Western Sydney Region
The NSW Training Awards are celebrated throughout the state by 9 regional programs. View other regions.
Delivered by Bankstown Regional Training Services Southern and Southwestern Sydney is renowned for its cultural diversity, rich history, and vibrant communities. The region features a dynamic blend of suburban areas, industrial hubs, and picturesque landscapes.
Rapid growth is underway, with population and infrastructure development expected to continue significantly, driven by increasing demand for housing and local amenities. The region is also home to some of the States biggest new developments including Nancy Bird Airport, the new city of Bradfield and multiple Sydney Metro projects.
Southern and Southwestern Sydney (Bankstown) Training Services plays a crucial role in supporting Vocational Education and Training (VET), offering practical skills that meet the diverse needs of local industries. This enables individuals to develop the skills required for local jobs, fostering both personal career growth and regional prosperity.
Southern and Southwestern Sydney (Bankstown) Regional Training Services is dedicated to recognising and celebrating excellence in VET.
In 2025, for the first time, the Southern & South Western Sydney Training Awards will be combining with the Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Training Awards and the Central & Northern Sydney Training Awards to crown winners from all three regions in one Metro Sydney Training Awards event.
Key Objectives for 2025
Offering guidance and support to students navigating VET, helping them progress into meaningful and sustainable employment within the region
Ensuring that all training opportunities are accessible to all members of the community, promoting access and equity
Aligning training programs with the evolving demands of local industries to meet regional employment needs
Supporting excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET) through the Training Awards
Managing regional nominations, interviews, shortlisting, and feedback
Encouraging industry participation and support
Connecting local businesses, training providers, and government representatives
Providing day-to-day support for all VET learners, trainers, teachers, and training organisations across the region 
2025 Finalists
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susan Bonham | Health Administration | Sydney Local Health District | - | NSW Health RTO | - |
| Iris Smith | Allied Health Assistance | South Eastern Sydney Local Health District | - | TAFE NSW | St Patrick's College Sutherland |
| Madeline Wilson | Events | My Gateway | Wollondilly Shire Council | TAFE NSW | - |
Apprentice of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathryn Beale | Electrotechnology Electrician | NECA Electrical Apprenticeships | Star Electrical Pty Ltd | NECA Training |
| Phoebe Lawrie | Electrotechnology Electrician | My Gateway | Stowe Australia | TAFE NSW |
| Grace Rose | Electrotechnology Electrician | ACIA Electrical Services Pty Ltd | - | TAFE NSW |
School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceira Roche | Early Childhood Education and Care | Engadine Gumnut Early Education Centre | KKTC | St John Bosco College Engadine |
| Taine Wihare | Carpentry | Micon Projects NSW | Sydney Catholic Schools | De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah |
| Christopher Xegas | Individual Support | Carrington Care | UOW College Australia | Campbelltown Performing Arts High School |
Trainee of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer | Host Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emma Buttigieg | Business | My Gateway | - | Australian College of Commerce & Management |
| Rebecca Pizarro | Information Technology | Zeal Futures | Inner West Council | TAFE NSW |
| Stephanie Xing | Library and Information Services | Sutherland Shire Council | - | TAFE NSW |
VET in Schools Student of the Year
| Name | Industry | RTO | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aziz Eryasar | Health Services Assistance | NSW Health RTO | Cecil Hills High School |
| Taskiya Gould | Business | Association of Independent Schools of NSW | Danebank Anglican School for Girls |
| Maddison Heslehurst | Salon Assistant | Sydney Catholic Schools | Southern Cross Catholic College |
VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Amanda Clarke | Hospitality | Sydney Catholic Schools |
| Alex Colvin | Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology | Motor Traders Association of NSW |
| Erin McMullan | Aquatics | Ampd Academy |
Vocational Student of the Year
| Name | Industry | Employer | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bart Brunton | Entrepreneurship and New Business | - | TAFE NSW |
| Natasha Fayad | Patisserie | - | Le Culinaire Hospitality Institute |
| Monica Noussair | Early Childhood Education and Care | SAGE Early Learning Centre | H&H Accredited Training |
Key Industries for the Region
Construction
Infrastructure Development
Health and Community Services
Manufacturing
Transport and Logistics including warehousing
Notable Alumni
2024 State Finalists
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Corina Button
Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Joshua Sullivan
Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Shane Button
2023
Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Benjamin Allen
Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Caitlyn Knox
School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Fatusama Fuamatu
Vocational Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Nicholas Luttrell
2022
Vocational Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Casey Fox
VET in Schools Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Stella Cox
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Juliane Latu
Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Liam Barber
Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Taylor Vandijk
2021
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Adam Hansen
Apprentice of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Lachlan Skillcorn
2019
VET in Schools Student of the Year Winner (NSW) - Kelsey Commons
Apprentice of the Year Finalist & Women in Non-Traditional Trades Winner (NSW) - Karyn Downs
VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Jennifer Gleeson
Trainee of the Year Finalist (NSW) - Simon Chan
Postcodes Covered by this Region
Contact details
For more information about the Southern and South Western Sydney Regional Training Awards, please contact:
Julie Underwood
E: Julie.Underwood@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0412 191 524