Regional talent shone brightly at last night's Western Australian Training Awards, with finalists taking out six of the eight individual awards on offer.
Now in its 31st year, the annual WA Training Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals in skills training and the contributions employers and training providers make to developing the State's future workforce.
Vocational training pathways set people up for success in skill-based careers, giving them hands-on experience in real industries, making them a first-choice tertiary education pathway.
Held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, last night's presentation ceremony showcased the success of 43 finalists, comprising 32 individuals and 11 organisations from throughout WA.
Newly qualified South West cabinetmaker Lewis Italiano was named WA Apprentice of the Year in recognition of his tremendous achievements in his trade.
In 2023, Lewis won the gold medal in cabinetmaking at the national WorldSkills Competition.
He then represented Australia in France in 2024 as a 'Skillaroo', bringing home a Medallion for Excellence for his cabinetmaking skills.
Lewis's achievements have also been recognised by South Regional TAFE and most recently by Master Builders Australia WA.
Lewis is passionate about growing his skillset and aims to undertake a new apprenticeship in carpentry, providing him with even greater career opportunities in building and construction.
South Hedland local and aspiring engineer, Cadie Doyle, was awarded the WA School-based Apprentice of the Year.
Cadie is well on her way to 'making it' in her career. Through undertaking a school-based vocational training pathway, she will soon graduate Year 12 with a nationally recognised certificate qualification in engineering and direct industry experience working with BHP Rail.
Cadie is keen to pursue further vocational training in engineering as part of her plans to build a career in the industry.
Training in early childhood education and care was recognised across two categories, with Kalgoorlie childcare educator Anelie Libalib recognised as the WA International Student of the Year and Elisajane Thompson from Toodyay named the WA Trainee of the Year.
Anelie and Elisajane are undertaking a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care through Central Regional TAFE, while employed at local childcare centres, helping to boost the capacity of essential care services in the regions.
Lewis, Cadie, and Elisajane are among the six individual WA Training Award winners who will represent WA at the Australian Training Awards in Darwin in December 2025.
In the organisation categories, the Department of Justice was recognised as the WA Large Employer of the Year for its commitment to building a future-focused workforce through investing in staff training and fostering career advancement.
The 2025 WA Training Awards were made possible thanks to the continuing support from awards partner the State Training Board, principal sponsor MEGT, and category sponsors, the Training Accreditation Council, Apprenticeship Support Australia powered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, Construction Training Fund, Maxima and BUSY At Work.
To learn more about the WA Training Awards visit www.wa.gov.au/organisation/wa-training-awards/western-australian-traini…
Comments attributed to Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Training Western Australians and equipping them with the skills they need to take advantage of jobs available in their local communities is central to meeting our State's workforce needs and delivering our Made in WA agenda.
"Vocational training pathways offer Western Australians high-quality, industry-relevant training, which gives them the skills they need to be 'job-ready' for what they will encounter in the workplace.
"Our State's TAFE Colleges are world-class and play a crucial role in providing Western Australians with vocational training in their local communities.
"It is fantastic to see so many regional WA TAFE College students recognised as finalists, demonstrating just how instrumental affordable vocational training opportunities are to helping regional Western Australians skill for their local workforce.
"Our individual training award winners are incredible ambassadors for WA's vocational training sector and exemplify the lifechanging impacts of skills training.
"Congratulations to the 2025 WA Training Award winners."
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