Regional talent shines in 2025 WA training awards finalist line-up

Regional Western Australians are leading the way in the 2025 WA Training Awards, with more than two-thirds of individual finalists hailing from outside Perth.

Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has announced 43 finalists for this year’s awards, which celebrate excellence in the State’s vocational education and training (VET) sector. Of the 32 individuals recognised, 21 are students, trainees, apprentices and lecturers from regional communities, reflecting the growing impact of local training pathways in meeting workforce needs.

Seventeen of these regional finalists completed their studies at Central, North or South Regional TAFE. These training providers play an essential role in ensuring Western Australians can access industry-relevant skills close to home.

Strong regional presence in early childhood education

This year’s awards highlight the important contribution of early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals. Two of the four International Student of the Year finalists, both trained by Central Regional TAFE and employed at Goldfields Child Care Centre in Kalgoorlie are making a significant impact on the quality and capacity of ECEC services in their community. Their work demonstrates how VET pathways not only support individual career growth but also strengthen essential services in regional WA.

North Regional TAFE lecturer Chanelle Williams, a finalist for WA Trainer of the Year, has also been recognised for her leadership in early childhood education. She has played a key role in developing training programs that attract and support local residents, including Aboriginal educators, into the sector.

In addition to the individual awards, 11 organisations will compete across five categories, including the WA Industry Collaboration Award and the WA Small and Large Training Provider of the Year Awards. These categories highlight the role of employers and training providers in creating meaningful learning and employment opportunities across diverse industries.

Applications this year came from across the State and covered sectors as varied as beauty therapy, building and construction, defence, engineering, health, hospitality, and early childhood education and care. This diversity reflects the breadth of opportunities within VET and its relevance to the needs of Western Australia’s economy.

Minister Sanderson said this year’s finalists demonstrated the life-changing potential of VET:

“This year’s individual finalists are fantastic ambassadors for vocational training, with their unique stories showing how training transforms lives. I am particularly thrilled to see regional Western Australians leading the way, which underlines the importance of our regional TAFEs in delivering affordable and accessible training.”

Winners will be announced at the 2025 WA Training Awards ceremony in September. Individual recipients will receive $3,000 and take on ambassadorial roles, promoting VET through promotional activities and speaking engagements.

The event will also showcase student talent across industries including broadcasting, events, floristry and hairdressing, providing a platform to celebrate innovation and excellence across the sector.

The WA Training Awards are presented in partnership with the State Training Board and supported by sponsors including MEGT, the Training Accreditation Council, Apprenticeship Support Australia, the Construction Training Fund, Maxima and BUSY At Work.

For the full list of finalists, visit here.