South Australia has celebrated the best of its vocational education and training sector with the announcement of the 2025 South Australian Training Awards. The event, hosted by the South Australian Skills Commission, brought recognition to apprentices, trainees, teachers, training providers and employers who are shaping the state’s workforce.
Among the standout honourees was Bethany Jones, named Apprentice of the Year. Completing her Certificate III in Engineering—Mechanical Trade with Adelaide Training and Employment Centre and Engie Australia, she has excelled in a trade where women remain underrepresented. Alongside her technical achievements, she has been a strong advocate for apprentices and mental health in the workplace, earning praise for her leadership and resilience.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Adrienne Nieuwenhuis, acknowledged for her long-standing contribution to education and training nationally. Having served in senior roles, including Acting Chief Commissioner of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency and as a member of the South Australian Skills Commission, her work has consistently focused on quality and equity across the sector.
This year’s program saw a record number of nominations across 14 categories, reflecting growing recognition of vocational pathways. The introduction of the new Adult Community Education Provider of the Year award was a highlight, with Community Access and Services SA winning for its innovative adult education programs designed to improve inclusion and opportunity.
Large industry players were also recognised. BHP took home Large Employer of the Year, while MTA Training and Employment won Large Training Provider of the Year. Smaller operators like Bowhill Engineering and Ironwood Institute were acknowledged for their contributions to workforce development, alongside schools and collaborations that are opening doors for future generations.
Blair Boyer, South Australia’s Minister for Education, Training and Skills, noted the central role of vocational training in preparing people for the jobs of the future. He highlighted that nine out of ten roles emerging over the next five years will require post-secondary education, with vocational training making up a large share.
Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker also praised the winners, pointing to the quality and diversity of the sector. He said the mix of individual and organisational success stories demonstrated how training providers, employers and schools are building stronger pathways into industry, particularly in regional and community settings.
The winners in eligible categories will represent South Australia at the Australian Training Awards in Darwin this December, giving them a platform to showcase their achievements on the national stage.
Full details of the 2025 winners and finalists are available at www.trainingawards.sa.gov.au.
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