2026 ACT Training Awards winners

ACT Australian Apprentice of the Year

Emmi Lee

Emmi is completing a Certificate III in Carpentry with MBA Training while working as an apprentice with Trade & Construct Pty Ltd.

As a mature-age apprentice, Emmi chose carpentry as a new career and has approached her training with determination and professionalism. She says: “It’s never too late to start a new career. With the right attitude and dedication, an apprenticeship can open doors you never expected. Choosing a trade was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It has given me practical skills, confidence, and a career with purpose.”

Emmi is recognised for her work ethic, resilience, positive attitude and teamwork. She contributes to a supportive workplace culture and sets a strong example for others.

Emmi takes pride in delivering quality work and applying her training on the job. She aims to continue developing her skills and build a long-term career in construction.

ACT Vocational Student of the Year

Caitlin Carter

Caitlin completed a Diploma of Nursing with CIT in 2025. She now works as an Enrolled Nurse at Calvary John James Hospital through the Graduate Nurse Transition Program.

Before nursing, Caitlin served as a dental assistant in the Royal Australian Navy. She also completed qualifications in Hospitality, Early Childhood Education and Dental Assisting, building a broad foundation in health and community services. Her military experience and desire to provide compassionate, patient-centred care led her to nursing.

As a single mother and student, Caitlin has demonstrated leadership and resilience. She has represented the VET sector at national events and shared her Fee-Free TAFE experience with government and industry audiences. She says: “I want future students to know that university is not the only pathway to success, and that practical, hands-on training can open doors just as powerfully.”

Caitlin is considering further study while continuing to provide safe, high-quality patient care.

ACT VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year

Tim Hawke

Tim is a VET educator with more than a decade of teaching experience at South Canberra Schools Vocational Training. A qualified cabinetmaker and secondary teacher, he delivers Certificate I programs in Furnishing, Sport and Recreation, and Skills for Vocational Pathways. He chose teaching to share his trade knowledge, inspire young people and promote vocational careers.

To support Year 10 students at risk of disengaging from education, Tim developed the Certificate I in Skills for Vocational Pathways. The program integrates literacy, numeracy and science into practical vocational contexts. It has improved engagement and attendance, with many students achieving nationally recognised outcomes. His practical approach has also raised VET’s profile within the school community and increased demand for furnishing and sport programs.

Tim is completing a Certificate III in Fitness, mentors colleagues and supports VET program development across the South Canberra Training network.

ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year

Khoa Dang Nguyen

Khoa is a Year 12 student at Gungahlin College completing a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery with Access Recognised Training. He works as an apprentice chef at Pavilion on Northbourne.

Khoa discovered the Head Start program in Year 11, reigniting his passion for cooking. As Gungahlin College’s first student to undertake an ASbA while studying a tertiary package, he has become a role model for students exploring VET pathways. He says: “I have realised that undertaking an ASbA alongside tertiary studies, while difficult, was one of the best decisions I have made.”

Khoa plans to study engineering at university while continuing to build on the foundation provided by his VET training.

Outside his apprenticeship, Khoa participates in sport and leadership activities. He has represented his school and the ACT in sport, served as a House Captain, volunteered as a sports coach and promoted VET through ambassador roles and careers events.

ACT Trainee of the Year

Nathan Snow

Nathan Snow is undertaking a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care with the Communities@Work Centre for Professional Learning and Education while working for Communities@Work. He supports children’s learning and development in inclusive and engaging early learning environments.

A former swim instructor, Nathan chose VET to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives, drawing on his experience as a father and passion for education.

During his traineeship, Nathan has developed skills in curriculum planning, communication with families and supporting individual needs. He has taken on leadership responsibilities, including becoming Reconciliation Action Plan Champion at Taylor Child Care and Education Centre, which received a Koori Curriculum Award.

His manager describes Nathan’s journey as one of exceptional dedication, perseverance and integrity. Nathan is considering further study and hopes to influence education systems, with a focus on inclusive environments for all children.

ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Mickyia Glover

Mickyia is a proud Biripi woman from the Forster– Taree region of NSW. She is completing a Diploma of Government with CIT through the Indigenous Apprenticeship Program while working full-time as a Service Officer with Services Australia.

The first person in her family to complete Year 12, Mickyia has an academic background in Aboriginal Studies, humanities and social issues. Before joining Services Australia, she worked in retail, led cultural awareness initiatives and advocated for Indigenous colleagues. She took part in the University of Wollongong’s Cultural Burning for Resilience documentary and was interviewed by ABC Radio.

Mickyia chose VET to continue her education while building a public service career. She serves on her workplace’s South Coast Indigenous Cultural Committee and is learning Gathang to strengthen cultural connection and support language preservation. She hopes to work in remote communities to address intergenerational trauma, unemployment and educational disadvantage for First Nations peoples.

ACT Industry Collaboration Award Winner

2025 SPARK Construction Taster Program for Migrants and Refugees

The 2025 SPARK Construction Taster Program brought together Ginninderry Joint Venture, Canberra Institute of Technology, Neoen, The Umbrella Collective, UnitingCare Kippax, Multicultural Hub Canberra and Workforce Australia. Industry partners also hosted site visits and provided work experience in construction and renewable energy workplaces.

Established in 2024, the collaboration responded to workforce shortages and expanded employment opportunities for migrants and refugees in the ACT. It addressed barriers including limited local experience, professional networks and access to training.

The program combined accredited training, practical skills, structured work experience, mentoring and employment preparation. Fifteen participants completed the program. Five secured employment and 12 progressed to further training.

Partners jointly designed and delivered the program, matching participant needs with employer expectations. This coordinated model brought together training, tailored support and direct industry engagement to create pathways into sustainable employment.

ACT Small Employer of the Year Winner

Intravison

Intravision is a telecommunications company delivering secure data communications, data centre solutions, audiovisual systems and civil telecommunications projects across Australia and New Zealand. Established in 2000, it builds workforce capability through continuous learning, innovation and employee development.

The company employs 83 staff and integrates structured training into daily operations and project delivery. Seven employees are undertaking formal VET, and 23 staff have enrolled in Certificate III programs since 2023. Intravision also supports traineeships and ASbAs, creating entry pathways into the industry.

Training has increased capability across the business and supported internal career progression. Employees gain experience across several technical areas, improving workforce flexibility, reducing reliance on subcontractors and supporting efficient project delivery.

Intravision embeds learning through structured career pathways, mentoring and partnerships with training providers. This approach aligns training with workforce planning, supports employee development and responds to changing industry and project requirements.

ACT Large Employer of the Year Winner

Calvary Bruce Private Hospital

Calvary Bruce Private Hospital is a not-for-profit healthcare provider delivering medical, surgical and mental health services in the ACT. Based in Bruce, the hospital provides safe, high-quality care while developing its workforce through structured training.

The organisation employs more than 500 staff across full-time, part-time and casual roles in clinical and support services. VET is embedded across the organisation, with employees undertaking qualifications in hospitality, leadership and mental health.

Training builds workforce capability supports consistent service standards and improves the patient experience. Employees gain confidence, strengthen communication skills and apply their learning at work, supporting safe and effective care.

The hospital integrates training into daily operations through workplace learning, mentoring and partnerships with training providers. This supports staff development, inclusive participation and a skilled, adaptable workforce in a complex healthcare environment.

ACT Small Training Provider of the Year Winner

MBA Training

MBA Training is the vocational education and training arm of Master Builders ACT. It delivers nationally recognised training for the building and construction industry and has spent 57 years developing a skilled, safe and work-ready workforce.

The organisation supports around 250 students across the ACT and surrounding region. Training occurs primarily in the ACT through partnerships with employers, industry and government.

MBA Training delivers apprenticeship training, safety courses and higher-level qualifications, including the Certificate III in Carpentry, Certificate IV in Building and Construction and Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety. These programs support learners from entry-level trades through to supervisory and leadership roles.

Delivery combines classroom, workshop and blended learning. Programs provide practical, workplace-focused training led by industry-experienced trainers, with flexible methods reflecting the needs of construction workplaces.

ACT Large Training Provider of the Year Winner

Canberra Institute of Technology

The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) has provided technical and further education across the ACT and surrounding region for almost 100 years. Each year, around 20,000 students enrol in more than 250 courses, ranging from apprenticeships and certificate-level training to advanced diplomas, and graduate certificates.

CIT’s courses align with ACT and national priorities. Training spans numerous industries, including emerging fields such as renewable energy and cybersecurity, helping develop a workforce equipped for current and future industry needs.

CIT employs 719 full-time, 151 part-time and 117 casual staff. Of its workforce, 3 per cent identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, 19.1 per cent as culturally and linguistically diverse, and 3.5 per cent as people with disability.

Support extends beyond the classroom. Through CIT Student Support and the CIT Student Association, students have access to mental health services, financial assistance, counselling and other wellbeing services.