Early childhood has a strong showing in 2024 Australian Training Awards

The early childhood sector has had a strong showing in the 2024 Australian Training Awards, which were held in Canberra on Friday night.

For 30 years, the awards have recognised the achievements of apprentices, trainees, students, employers, educators and training providers. 

There are 16 national awards across categories for individuals, businesses and registered training organisations.

Awards for individuals include:

• Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector
• Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
• Vocational Student of the Year
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year
• Trainee of the Year
• Apprentice of the Year
• VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year
• Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice.

“It is fantastic to get the chance to come together and celebrate the students, trainees, apprentices, teachers, trainers, providers, employers and advocates that make up our tertiary education system,” Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said.

“The Australian Training Awards are about recognising the dedication and achievements of people in the VET sector and how VET plays a future-shifting role for so many individuals and the communities they live and work in.”

“Looking at the finalists this year, it is clear the VET touches every corner of this country; with representatives from metro, regional and rural communities from all states and territories.”

Early childhood educator Lachlan Carey (pictured) won the Trainee of the Year Award, fellow educator Samantha Zannes was a runner up as the Vocational Student of the Year, and Maureen Simon was named as a runner up in the VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award category. 

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) training provider TAFE SA was named in the Gold tier of the Large Training Provider of the Year Award category, with Thebarton Senior College, which offers ECEC pathways to students in Years 10 – 12, gaining a Silver position in the School Pathways to VET Award.

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) was named in the Gold tier of the Large Employer of the Year Award. 

2024 Trainee of the Year Award (Winner) – Lachlan Carey

Lachlan pursued his passion to help others by completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care with Atkinson Training and Development. 

Bringing his fun, nurturing and patient nature to every interaction during his traineeship at A Magical Time Children’s Centre, Lachlan was immediately adored by the children in his care.

Vocational Student of the Year Award (Runner-up) – Samantha Zannes

Knowing the importance of early intervention and tailored education for students with additional needs, Samantha pursued a vocational pathway to become an early childhood teacher. 

Samantha completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at ECTARC Training Services and is employed at Jenny’s Kindergarten and Early Learning Bathurst, and credits her VET pathway as being “the perfect avenue to success.”

For more information on 2024 Australian Training Awards and the winners visit the Australian Training Awards website.