2025 Victorian Training Awards winners announced

Women took centre stage at this year’s Victorian Training Awards, with an apprentice boilermaker, civil construction supervisor and youth worker among the big winners.

The annual awards gala, managed by the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA), honoured outstanding achievements across 14 categories, with 37 finalists showcasing the excellence, strength and diversity of Victoria’s TAFE and vocational education and training sector.

Amber Leyshan was named Apprentice of the Year for her boiler making apprenticeship in engineering fabrication at TAFE Gippsland. A passionate advocate for women in trades, Amber also recently represented Victoria at the WorldSkills Australia national competition.

Trainee of the Year Rebecca Gibson has excelled in her civil construction supervision studies while championing greater inclusion of women in construction, which she believes will make the sector stronger.

Akwal Magek was named Vocational Student of the Year, Stavriana Taliadoros won the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year, Shirley Darcy was awarded Koorie student of the year, and Tarmi A’Vard took home the Teacher/Trainee of the Year award, rounding out the individual awards which were all won by women.

The Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector Award went to Margaret O’Rourke OAM, recognising her many years of leadership excellence, including her role as Board Chair at Bendigo Kangan Institute.

Training provider winners included Bendigo Kangan Institute, catalyst training and disability services, Civil Contractors Federation Victoria and VICSEG New Futures. Christie Centre, V/Line and NECA Education & Careers were recognised as outstanding employers supporting vocational training.

The event was sponsored by long-standing principal partners Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN) and Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN) Australia.

A big congratulations to all winners and finalists, who demonstrated hard work, excellence and dedication to their field, and we wish all winners progressing to the Australian Training Awards in December the best of luck.

Read more about the 2025 Victorian Training Awards winners and finalists.

Read more Victorian Skills Authority news.