As 2023 comes to an end and we wrap up the WA Training Awards (WATA), we reflect back on what has been an extremely successful year for the program. We celebrated the dedication and skill of eight individuals and five organisations that make up our vibrant vocational education and training (VET) sector, while learning about their inspirational training journeys at the WATA Presentation Ceremony in September.
Two of the individual WATA winners went on to win awards at the Australian Training Awards, the peak national awards that showcase best practice in VET.
WA Apprentice of the Year, Amy Hunt won the national title, while WA Trainer of the Year Holly Gudsell won VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award. In addition, WA’s Anthony Nelson-Burns won runner-up for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award.
WA performed the best in the individual categories out of all the States and Territories which is an outstanding achievement!
WA organisation winners also achieved success with the following results:
Small Employer of the Year Award
EK Contracting – Silver
Industry Collaboration of the Year Award
Defence Industry Pathways Program – A Maritime Defence Industry Collaboration – Bronze
Small Training Provider of the Year Award
WA College of Agriculture, Cunderdin – Bronze
School Pathways to VET Award (Direct Entry)
School Based Traineeship Program, Hedland Senior High School – Bronze
As a part of finalist week for the Australian Training Awards, finalists were treated to a variety of professional development opportunities in host city Hobart whilst networking with their VET sector counterparts. The week culminated in the Presentation Event where finalists were recognised as national leaders in their fields.
Thank you to our 2023 sponsors who have provided incredible support to the WA Training Awards program this year:
Principal Sponsor – MEGT Australia
Category Sponsors
WA Small Employer of the Year – Electrical & Communications Association WA
WA Trainer of the Year – Training Accreditation Council WA
WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year – Maxima
WA School-based Apprentice of the Year – Construction Training Fund
WA Apprentice of the Year – Apprenticeship Support Australia powered by Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA.
We would also like to take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate all of the WATA winners and finalists this year, who shared their amazing stories of passion, determination and resilience to become WA VET ambassadors.
Next year the WA Training Awards will celebrate its 30th anniversary, an important milestone that will be celebrated throughout the program.
To keep up to date with the latest information visit the WA Training Awards website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.
Please enjoy this video that showcases WATA 2023 – a year in review!
WA Training Awards 2024 