The State Government has today announced the 41 finalists vying for the 2026 WA Training Awards.
Each year, the Department of Training and Workforce Development hosts the WA Training Awards to celebrate the individuals, employers and organisations driving excellence in vocational education and training (VET) and highlight future leaders whose success stories help inspire others to pursue VET pathways.
This year’s awards recognise 30 individual finalists across eight award categories, including the WA Apprentice, Trainee and Vocational Student of the Year.
The WA School-based Apprentice of the Year Award recognises secondary students for their commitment to their studies at school and in the workplace. School-based apprenticeships give students the opportunity to get hands-on skills and experience in industry-relevant workplaces as part of a nationally recognised qualification.
In 2026, three students from Hedland Senior High School have been recognised for their training achievements with Ameerah Tullock-Brierly, Adam Hobden, and Lee Stimpson all finalists in the WA School-based Apprentice of the Year award category.
The Hedland Senior High School finalists are among a growing number of secondary school students choosing to undertake vocational training opportunities as part of their WA Certificate of Education (WACE).
Year 12 School Captain, Ameerah, is completing a school-based traineeship in Business Administration working with Fortescue Metals Group and aims to establish a long-term career in WA’s resources industry.
Through his Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure, Adam has gained hands-on experience and workplace skills, putting him on the fast track to achieving his goal of becoming a train driver.
Keen to build skills across both port and rail operations to maximise his employment opportunities, Lee is undertaking training in Engineering and Rail Track Maintenance and plans to pursue a career as a heavy diesel mechanic or in an electrical trade.
Individual award recipients will become ambassadors for WA’s vocational training sector, where they will have the opportunity to take part in promotional activities and speaking engagements to inspire others to take up vocational training pathways.
2025 WA Apprentice of the Year Lewis Italiano exemplifies the transformative nature of skills training and has taken part in various media and presentation opportunities to promote the incredible opportunities available through vocational pathways. Since winning the Award last September, Lewis has settled into his second apprenticeship (Certificate III in Carpentry) where he is now mentoring a younger work experience student.
The WA Training Awards also recognise the outstanding support, commitment and contribution training providers and organisations make to building WA’s workforce. This year, 11 organisations are shortlisted in four categories including the WA Small Employer of the Year and the Large Training Provider of the Year.
Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony on 10 September 2026.
Comments attributed to the Department of Training and Workforce Development Director General Jodie Wallace:
“The WA Training Awards play a vital role in promoting vocational training pathways; highlighting the training and career journeys of students, apprentices, trainees and graduates.
“The training journeys of this year’s finalists highlight the diverse career pathways and opportunities available through Western Australia’s world-class vocational training system.
“From secondary school students to mature-aged career changers looking to gain skills for the future workforce, vocational training has a pathway for everyone and can open doors to a world of opportunities.
“Congratulations to this year’s finalists – I look forward to celebrating their success at the presentation ceremony in September.”
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